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

From ICU nurse to indie hacker in 8 months 🏥→💻

Hey IH! I'm a full-time ICU nurse who got fed up with QuickBooks charging me £144/year while missing payments and forcing bank integrations I didn't trust.

The problem: I wanted simple invoicing that felt professional without sharing my entire financial history with third parties or paying enterprise prices for features I'd never use.

What I built: IndieHQ - privacy-first business management for freelancers who want control over their data.

Tech stack: Next.js + Tailwind + Supabase (keeping it simple)

Traction so far: • 10 active users tracking £13K+ revenue • 4/5 stars on Trustpilot • Built and launched in 4 weeks • 0 MRR (focusing on product-market fit first)

Biggest challenge: Finding time to market while working alternate weeks in the NHS. Current growth is 100% word-of-mouth from colleagues and friends.

What's working: Manual payment tracking (no forced bank connections), multi-currency support, and UK-specific features like mileage rates.

Next milestone: 50 users who love the product, then we'll talk revenue.

Key insight: Sometimes being a beginner is an advantage - I built exactly what I needed without over-engineering.

Try it: indiehq.org

Would love feedback from other healthcare workers, indie hackers or anyone building side projects while working full-time!

What tools do you use for freelance admin?

#buildinpublic #healthcare #freelance