Bethany's AI Development Journey

Going From 'I'm Stuck and Don't Know What to Do' to 'I Built This in One Evening'

Amplify IntelligenceLeon Coe
3 min read

The Starting Point

"I was hitting roadblocks implementing large feature changes. Basic coding concepts were still being learned, and I was struggling with Prisma database migrations. S3 bucket management was causing me serious anxiety."

Bethany came to AI coaching with a functioning React/TypeScript app but was paralyzed by technical challenges. As the founder of MuseKat, an AI-powered educational app for children, she had ambitious visions but lacked the technical confidence to execute them.

The Breakthrough Moment

During our second coaching session, Bethany experienced her first major breakthrough. After learning about Cursor's modes and architectural planning, she successfully built a comprehensive evaluation system that integrated multiple APIs and services - something that would have seemed impossible just weeks earlier.

"I built an AI evaluation system in one evening using Cursor. It analyzes AI responses for quality, age-appropriateness, and educational value. I couldn't believe I actually did it myself."

The Technical Transformation

Week 1: Foundation Building

  • Learned Cursor's three pillars: Modes, Rules, Models
  • Configured custom Architect Mode for planning-first development
  • Gained confidence with JSON structure and manipulation

Week 2: First Major Build

  • Created AI evaluation system with Python and Cursor
  • Integrated Metabase, S3, Google Sheets, and Resend API
  • Implemented scoring system with email reporting functionality

Week 3: Advanced Workflows

  • Mastered YOLO mode for rapid development
  • Built content remixer generating 30-page scripts
  • Developed custom GPTs and workflow tools

Week 4: Architectural Thinking

  • Designed complex data structures for mini-games
  • Implemented "vibe coding" with systematic architecture
  • Planning container infrastructure for app deployment

Current State: From Student to Expert

"I'm now building complex mini-games with data structure integration and exploring Claude Code for advanced development workflows. The technical confidence I've gained has been transformative."

Today, Bethany operates from a position of technical confidence, tackling ambitious projects that would have overwhelmed her just months earlier. She's transitioned from struggling with basic database operations to architecting applications that she never dreamed was possible.

Key Realizations

"The systematic approach changed everything"
"Learning to plan first, then implement, rather than just diving into code made all the difference. I now approach problems architecturally."

"AI tools level the playing field"
"With proper training on Cursor and Claude, I can build things that would have required a full development team before."

"Technical confidence unlocks business opportunities"
"As I gained development skills, I started seeing business opportunities everywhere. The AI training market opened up because I could actually deliver on what I was teaching."

Advice for Other Founders

Don't underestimate the power of structured learning. I tried to figure this out on my own for months. Four weeks of focused coaching can transform everything.

Bethany's journey demonstrates that technical barriers don't have to be permanent roadblocks. With the right guidance and systematic approach, even complex AI development becomes accessible.

Looking Forward

Bethany continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, now from a position of technical strength rather than limitation. Her story illustrates the transformative potential of structured AI coaching for ambitious founders.

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