Summary Elston shares his journey from being a software engineer to becoming a successful solo entrepreneur. He discusses his early projects, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to achieve success. The conversation also delves into the importance of marketing, the role of SEO, and the value of releasing features in beta. Elston emphasizes the need for iterative development and the significance of user feedback in product improvement. The conversation covers a range of topics including user experience, product development, project management, startup experiences, and the importance of bootstrapping. It delves into the challenges and insights of building and managing software products, as well as the significance of user feedback and market validation. The conversation also explores the dynamics of exiting a project, the impact of VC funding, and the value of building niche, bootstrapped businesses. Additionally, it highlights the role of expertise and interest in driving successful product development. The conversation covers topics related to revenue optimization, the introduction of free plans, the importance of mentorship, and the significance of community in entrepreneurship. It also delves into the concept of IndieMaker journey and the value of finding a mentor who is slightly ahead of you. The conversation concludes with a discussion on favorite quotes and recommendations for future podcast guests. Links: - https://x.com/_baretto - https://tiiny.host/ - https://x.com/RamenClubHQ - https://capgo.app - https://solos.ventures Chapters 00:00 Navigating User Experience and Product Development 52:10 The Dynamics of Startup Experiences and Project Exit 59:52 The Impact of VC Funding and Bootstrapping in Niche Businesses 01:03:46 Optimizing Revenue and Free Plans 01:13:04 The Power of Mentorship and Community in Entrepreneurship 01:13:49 IndieMaker Journey and Founder Vision 01:24:50 Favorite Quotes and Future Podcast Guests