STUDENT STORY
From Freelance Writer to Full-Solution Creator
How Mariana expanded her business—and mindset—with no-code
Meet Mariana Mata
World traveler. Book mover. Accidental no-code convert.
Mariana Mata is a 48-year-old freelance content writer living in Cascais, Portugal (though her heart’s in at least 15 other cities). A journalist-turned-digital-nomad, she’s reinvented her career more than once—with wit, grit, and a bookshelf made of bricks.
She joined NoCode Institute looking for freedom, frustrated by years of hitting technical walls every time she tried to launch a project.
“I was excited to realize that finally, I can put my projects online, and I can develop all my projects alone."
Mariana Mata
Student from Descodifica-te #1, 2022
Behind the scenes
Favourite tool
The one that made launching finally possible
Favourite mission
Real client project—because it clicked
Biggest challenge
Balancing work and learning time
Most valuable learning
Realizing she'd already been using no-code
What’s next for Mariana?
She’s building a fresh portfolio, partnering with NGOs, and crafting a business that offers complete digital solutions—from strategy to content to launch. Her new direction? Less hamster wheel, more creative control.
Project Highlight
In the final stage of the Cohorts, students have the opportunity to work in a real project to develop not only technical skills, but also soft skills like client management, problem-solving, prioritization, and negotiation. Always with the support of our Mentors.
Client: Imatch
Mission: Create a searchable portal for speakers and inspiring companies
Features: Filterable database, clean UX, dynamic content
Results: Supported a major innovation event with hundreds of speakers and companies
