GoStudio.ai

Hi IndieHackers,

I’m Kanika, founder of GoStudio.ai — an AI headshot generator built entirely solo from a small house in Chandigarh, India. We quietly started in Jan’25, and as of now, we're doing around $1500/month in revenue. No funding, no big city startup perks. Just a laptop, WiFi, faith, and fire.

Backstory

I was born in a village in northern India where the birth of a girl isn’t exactly a reason to celebrate. When I came into this world, my grandmother didn’t even visit the hospital. My father was the only breadwinner, supporting a family of eight. My sister and I were sent to government schools in the local language — only my brother got into an English-medium school. Money decided dreams.

Growing up, I constantly felt like I didn’t belong — not just in society, but even in my own home. But those feelings didn’t break me. They built me. I didn’t have much, but I had grit. I had to fight for everything. I still do.

How The System Failed Me (And Many Others)

Government schools with no labs, outdated books, and barely-trained teachers. I repeated the same class for 3 years because we couldn’t pay the next year’s fees. I paid my way through college with part-time gigs, and nearly dropped out — until a kind Head of Department waived my tuition. (Some people show up right when you're about to give up.)

Campus placements were broken. Seniors charged us to help find jobs. I worked for free in exchange, but got nothing. Two internships later, still no job. I sent 20-30 resumes a day. No replies. It wasn’t a me problem — it was the system.

I cried. A lot. But I didn’t quit. I prayed. And one night, I decided: if the world won’t open the door, I’ll build my own damn room.

Discovering Indie Hackers & Building GoStudio.ai

I was stuck at home because of family responsibilities. I couldn’t move to Bangalore or Delhi for work — even though I got job offers. So I stayed in Chandigarh with my mother and sister, while my father and brother lived in Bombay.

Most companies didn’t offer remote roles to freshers, so I started watching YouTube tutorials and followed people like @levelsio, @dannypostma, and @t_hennau. I learned about indie hacking, AI tools, and started building.

Inspired by Aragon.ai, HeadshotPro, and BetterPic, I made GoStudio.ai — a tool that helps people (especially from small towns like me) get studio-quality headshots using AI. Because let's face it — people do judge you based on your photo. And not everyone can afford a DSLR or APPLE PRO shoot.

$0 → $1500/Month

I soft-launched in Jan’25 with cold DMs on LinkedIn. Then I started posting every single day. I didn’t even know what "building in public" meant — I was just being honest.

People slowly started noticing. Customers started messaging back. Personal branding coaches started recommending it. I started getting results. And in just 6 months, GoStudio.ai grew to $1500/month.

This was never about just headshots. It was about identity. Dignity. Representation. It was about giving people like me — who come from the middle of nowhere — the chance to look like they belong everywhere.

Hard Truths

• I still get underestimated because I’m a woman in tech.

• The same people who ignored my resume now want to hire me.

• I still get imposter syndrome.

• I still pray before I ship new features.

But I also know: this journey is bigger than me.

Indie Hacker Family — I Need You

I’ve lurked here for months. Quietly learning, building, crying, and retrying. I’m finally ready to share. If you’ve been down, doubted, dismissed — I see you. This story is for you.

Let’s talk: If there are women in tech with similar stories 

Drop your thoughts. Share your stories. Let’s remind each other why we do this.

With love, Kanika (@GoStudioAI)