Sometimes the best ideas come from the simplest of thoughts. Told U Vault began as a lighthearted project—a way to save and revisit quotes, predictions, or just random musings that might one day turn into “I told you so” moments while talking to some colleagues at work.
But for me, it’s become more than just a fun little tool. It’s a milestone in my journey as a developer and entrepreneur, a way to experiment, learn, and push myself to create services that solve problems, spark joy, or just add something interesting to the world.
The Idea
The concept for Told U Vault is simple: a place to store quotes or predictions and revisit them later. At first, it felt like a fun thought experiment—something that could be built quickly and might even get a laugh or two. But as I started working on it, I realized how much I enjoyed turning the idea into a tangible product.
For me, it wasn’t just about building a tool; it was about honing my skills, exploring new technologies, and proving to myself that I could take an idea from “what if” to a fully functioning app.
The Building Blocks
Next.js and React
At the core of Told U Vault are Next.js and React. These tools are my go-to for web development, and for good reason. Next.js made it easy to create a fast, SEO-friendly site, while React allowed me to build an interactive, dynamic user experience.
shadcn/ui and MagicUI
For the design, I wanted something modern, clean, and minimalistic—an interface that feels intuitive and gets out of the user’s way. ShadCN/UI and MagicUI made this achievable, providing the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Supabase
To manage the backend, I chose Supabase. It’s a nice and simple solution for database management and easy to query for data.
CloudFlare and Vercel
Decided to buy domain on Cloudflare and use Vercel for hosting. Had no previous experience with it but its so easy to use, and it has a free hobby plan which I'm probably going to be on for a long time.
The Experience
Every project teaches you something, and Told U Vault was no exception. Working on it gave me the chance to dive deeper into tools I already loved while also refining my workflow and learning to balance the technical with the creative.
A Bigger Picture
Told U Vault isn’t just a one-off project; it’s part of a broader goal I’ve set for myself. As a developer and entrepreneur, I want to build and launch services that challenge me to grow, both technically and creatively.
Each new project is a chance to:
- Expand My Skills: Every app, site, or service is an opportunity to learn something new.
- Experiment and Innovate: I love exploring ideas that might seem small or niche at first but have the potential to bring value or joy to people’s lives.
- Connect with Others: Whether it’s through building in public, getting feedback, or collaborating, every project helps me become part of a larger community.
I don’t know what the next project will be, but I’m excited to find out.
Looking Ahead
Told U Vault may have started as a simple idea, but it’s become a meaningful part of my journey as a developer. It’s a reminder that every project, no matter how small, has the potential to teach you something, connect you with others, and push you toward your goals.
If you’re someone who loves building, I’d encourage you to join building in public on X. Share your journey, no matter how messy or uncertain it feels. You might be surprised at how much you gain along the way.
And for now, I’m looking forward to the next challenge—whatever that might be.
Thanks for reading, and if you’re curious, feel free to check out tolduvault.com or follow along with my updates on X. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.