Hey, I'm Chaminda (Chams) — Built a 20+ year career in tech (now leading as CISO/SRE at scale). Immigrated from 🇱🇰 to 🇺🇸 at 30. Dad of two, full-time corporate life, but always wanted to create my own products.
For two decades I believed building real digital things required big teams, huge budgets, and sacrificing family time. AI killed that excuse.
Now at 43, it's round 2: building useful apps and tools at night, starting from $0, chasing $100k MRR — all in public. No courses, no hype. Just transparent sharing: every ship, every fail, every revenue update, every lesson on balancing dad duties + day job + builder life.
If you're a parent who's thought "I wish I could build something meaningful without quitting everything," follow along. You don't need to be a full-time founder. You just need to start.
Follow the real-time journey on X: @chams_builds
I've shipped apps across different platforms and domains. Here's what I've learned and the tools I've come to rely on.
I've built several iOS apps using React Native and Expo. I use Figma for app design and Supabase for backend. The cross-platform approach lets me ship faster while maintaining native feel. Each launch teaches me something new about mobile UX patterns.
From simple landing pages to complex web apps, I use React and TypeScript to build responsive experiences. I use Supabase for backend and Vercel for hosting. The web's flexibility lets me iterate quickly and reach users everywhere.
I've been experimenting with LLMs and AI features in my apps. I use RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) with LLMs for enhanced context accuracy. It's fascinating to see how AI can enhance user experiences—from smart content generation to personalized interactions.
Good design makes all the difference. I use Figma for app design and Canva for graphic design. I've learned that simplicity and clarity beat complexity every time. Each app iteration helps me refine my design instincts.
I use Supabase as backend and Vercel for hosting APIs. I also build custom Node.js backends depending on the project needs. The right backend choice can make or break an app's performance and scalability.
Getting apps into the App Store, Chrome Web Store (browser extensions), and live on the web is always a milestone. I've navigated the submission processes, learned from rejections, and celebrated each successful launch.
I keep it simple: ship, learn, iterate. No overthinking, no endless planning docs. I maintain an agile mindset and embrace failing fast as a path to learning and growth. Here's the playbook I follow for every app.
Got a problem worth solving? Build the smallest version that tests the hypothesis. 2-4 weeks max.
Launch to early users ASAP. Real feedback beats perfect code every time.
Watch what users do (not what they say). I use Reddit extensively for user feedback. Double down on what works, kill what doesn't.
Iterate weekly. Some apps pop off, others fizzle. Keep shipping either way.
Multiple apps in flight. Some live, some launching soon. All built in public. Jump in, try them out, and let me know what you think!
Your pocket therapist. Journal, reflect, and tap into your inner wisdom. iOS app in beta testing—join TestFlight to get early access!
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Visit Site →Make difficult decisions with confidence. HardChoice helps you break down complex choices, weigh pros and cons, and visualize outcomes. Whether it's career moves, major purchases, or life decisions, get clarity on your hardest choices with structured decision-making tools powered by AI insights.
Visit Site →End the "what's for dinner?" debate. Swipe, pick, eat. I'm testing with early users— join the waitlist and help shape the app!
Why it was paused: High complexity of reliably finding menu items from thousands of restaurants with necessary details to add value to picky eaters and people with food allergies. Too big for a solo builder.
AI-Powered Group Travel Planner. The smartest way to plan group travel. Plan trips effortlessly with friends, family, or colleagues.
Why it was killed: Too complex and the scope was too big for a solo builder.
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Free tool for analyzing Twitter account performance. Upload your account_overview_analytics.csv to explore interactive charts: time-series metrics, follower growth with milestone celebrations, correlation heatmaps, and scatter plots. Track impressions, engagements, follows, and discover patterns in your Twitter analytics.
Try it Now →Still searching for your niche after months of exploration? Join a community of people finding their niche. Discover your Ikigai, connect with like-minded members, and build something that matters—on your schedule.
Visit Site →
If you're a parent who's ever thought "I wish I could build something" — follow along.
You don't need 20 years of experience. You don't need to quit your job. You just need to start.