Lessons from Launching My First Solo SaaS: The MemoireeApp Journey

2025-05-22

Launching MemoireeApp wasn't just another "build in public" story — it was my transition from complete beginner to shipping a real product that people actually use.

When I wrote my first line of code in late 2024, I had no idea I'd be here. From battling JavaScript's async confusion to discovering React's component magic, and finally finding my groove with Next.js, every stumble taught me something valuable.

MemoireeApp launched with bugs. It launched without perfect animations. It launched missing features I thought were "essential." But you know what? It launched. And that made all the difference.

Lesson 1: Simplicity Is Your North Star

My initial Figma designs had everything: mood tracking with multiple scales, hierarchical tagging systems, advanced search filters, and visualization charts that would make data scientists proud. Reality check? Each feature I removed made the app stronger, not weaker.

Here's what I learned about simplicity:

  • Start with one core problem: I focused on "private memory storage"
  • Question every feature: If it doesn't serve the core, it's a distraction
  • Listen to early users: They'll tell you what actually matters

Lesson 2: Perfect Is the Enemy of Shipped

I spent three weeks tweaking the memory card animation. Three weeks. Know what my first user said? "I love how fast it saves my entries." They didn't even notice the animation.

Here's my new shipping checklist:

  • Does it solve the core problem? ✓
  • Is it secure and stable? ✓
  • Can users figure it out without help? ✓
  • Ship it.

Everything else can come later. Your users will teach you what to build next.

Lesson 3: Choose Your Tools Wisely

The right tools don't just help you code — they shape how you think about problems. Here's my tech stack evolution:

  1. Started with vanilla JS: Struggled with basic state management
  2. Moved to React: Finally understood component thinking
  3. Discovered Next.js: App Router + Server Components changed everything
  4. Added TypeScript: Fewer bugs, better sleep

Each upgrade wasn't just about better code — it was about better thinking.

Lesson 4: Small Feedback Loops Drive Big Progress

My first piece of feedback came from my sister: "The save button's too small." Such a tiny thing, but it led to:

  • A complete review of my mobile UI
  • Better understanding of accessibility
  • My first proper A/B test

Now I have a feedback system:

  1. Ship small changes frequently
  2. Watch how real users interact
  3. Iterate based on actual usage, not assumptions
  4. Repeat

Lesson 5: Build from Your Story

MemoireeApp exists because I needed a better way to preserve personal memories. Not because I saw a gap in the market. Not because I was chasing trends. Because I had a problem that kept me up at night.

Your unique perspective is your advantage:

  • My nursing background influenced the app's focus on emotional well-being
  • My experience with privacy concerns shaped the security model
  • My journey as a beginner made me obsess over user experience

The Road Ahead

MemoireeApp isn't just a project — it's the beginning of my indie hacker journey. Coming soon:

  • Encrypted backups with selective sharing
  • Custom theming system (already in beta)
  • Advanced memory linking and contextual tagging
  • Limited beta program opening next month

But more importantly, I'm building with intention now. Every feature, every decision, every line of code serves a purpose.


Join the Journey

If you're building something of your own — whether you're just starting or shipping your tenth product — I'd love to connect. Share your stories, challenges, and wins.

Let's build together →

_P.S. Want early access to MemoireeApp's beta? Drop me a message.