From ICU Nurse to Indie SaaS Founder — Why I Built IndieHQ

Drawing from real-world experience managing business finances between 12-hour nursing shifts, I built the tool I needed as a freelancer — not as a developer, not as an accountant, just someone who wanted something simple that worked.

In 2025, I launched IndieHQ.org — a privacy-first, no-bloat business management tool for freelancers. Invoicing, expenses, and mileage tracking — all without forced bank integrations or bloated enterprise features.

Why I built it

I wanted something professional, yet calm — where freelancers could manage their admin without handing over their full financial life.

How I built it

I started with code. I already had the mental picture and mapped out the workflow on paper. I laid the foundation over 8 months while working as an ICU nurse — then locked in for 4 weeks to build the first version.

Stack: Next.js, Tailwind, Supabase.

I built it to be useful from day one — not an MVP with just a login screen and a dream. All the key features are there now, and I’m iterating only based on real feedback.

How nursing helped

Efficiency. Accuracy. Reliability. In ICU, you don’t have time to “overthink” – you just execute. I brought the same mindset to this project. Build something that works. Make it fast, effective, and calm.

What I got wrong

My original tagline mentioned “non-techies” and someone kindly pointed out that most freelancers are tech savvy. Fair — what I meant was that IndieHQ works for anyone who doesn’t want to feel overwhelmed. You don’t need to be an accountant or coder to use it.

Where it’s at now

✅ 10 active users tracking £13K+
✅ 4/5 stars on Trustpilot
✅ Real feedback through word of mouth, texts, reviews
✅ No paid users yet — I offer a generous free tier to test the full workflow

I’m proud that people are using something I built — and it’s helping.

If you're a freelancer or self employed individual who hates bloated tools, check it out:
👉 https://indiehq.org

Would love to connect with:
• Freelancers juggling admin alongside their work
• Anyone building tools for solo business owners
• Founders who started without a tech background

What’s one freelance tool you wish existed but can’t find?

#buildinpublic #indiehacker #quickbooksalternative #freelancetools #nocode #saas