GirlGeek of the Week
December 1999
Madalyn Kastenbaum
I first became interested in computers back
in the early '80s. I was doing contract work for a guy in Houston
who installed computers (hardware/software) in doctors offices.
My job was to train the staff on how to use the medical software
system. It was so cool. I was hooked from that time on. Over the
years I learned more and more about computers, then in 1994 I got
totally hooked onto the Internet. It was so different back then.
Funny how much changes in 5 years! Once I was online, I never got
off.
In late
1995 I was learning HTML and playing with Website ideas when it
occurred to me that I could start a business designing Websites.
I opened for business in early January 1996 as CyberSites Web Design,
later changing the name to Orbit
Web Design. I was the sales team, marketing department,
accounting, and Website programmer all rolled into one! It was a
blast meeting with people who were interested in the Internet and
wanted a Website. My business has grown over the years into something
I'm very proud of.
When
did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers
and technology?
My love/obsession
for computers and technology evolved over the years but really hit
me hard in 1994. I can't imagine my life without a computer and
the Internet.
How
do you earn a living?
I earn
a living as President/Owner of Orbit Web Design. I handle all sales
and oversee all projects. It's a very rewarding job. Although most
of the time it doesn't feel like a job!
Do you consider yourself a Geek?
Sure,
a cool geek!
What
is your favorite Website?
That would
be my very first cool Website, GoGirlsMusic.com.
I was playing with HTML and wanted to learn more by creating a Website
for fun that I could update and play with often. I grew up playing
guitar and have a tremendous love for music so it would only suit
me to develop a site for women musicians. It was launched in January
1996, the same time I started my web design business. It has grown
into something big and I love it! I have met many cool women musicians
from all over the world because of the Website.
What
do you do when you are not working?
Spending
quality time with my son, and going on what I call "photo safaris"
in and around Houston. I'm quite the photographer. I even have a
Website showing off my work at www.orbitweb.com/photojournal.
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