Hey there, I'm Christian
A developer with 8 years of professional experience who genuinely loves building things. Not just at work, but every single day. I code for at least 30 minutes daily on personal projects, run my own production infrastructure, and constantly experiment with new technologies because that's what keeps me sharp and engaged.
// WHO I AM
I'm originally from Cuba, now based in Göteborg, Sweden. I started working professionally in 2018, focusing primarily on JavaScript and TypeScript. Over the years, I've gone deep into the entire JS ecosystem: React for 6+ years, Vue.js for 5+ years, Angular for 5+ years, plus Next.js, Redux, Vuex, and pretty much every major library and framework you can think of.
But here's what makes me different: I don't stop at the front-end. I've expanded into Node.js, Express, .NET Core, C#, MySQL, Firebase, and MongoDB. I understand databases, API design, and backend architecture because I believe good frontend developers need to understand the entire system, not just their slice of it.
I've led teams, mentored developers, and shipped production code that's currently handling thousands of users. At Nordic Retail Group, we built component libraries with 40+ reusable components and reduced development time by 35%. At Nexer AB, I worked with enterprise clients like PostNord and Inera AB, optimized build systems, and expanded into mobile development with React Native.
// BEYOND THE 9-TO-5
In my free time, I run my own self-hosted infrastructure at casa-verde.casa. It's not just a portfolio site (though that's currently in active development using React and Next.js). I'm hosting multiple production services on Proxmox with LXC containers:
- Jellyfin for my personal media library at jellyfin.casa-verde.casa
- Navidrome for music streaming at navidrome.casa-verde.casa
- Immich for photo management at immich.casa-verde.casa
- Various experimental projects and APIs I'm building
Everything runs on Linux, managed entirely via a terminal with no GUI. I handle Nginx reverse proxies, SSL certificates, Docker containers, automated backups, and monitoring. Right now, I'm refactoring the entire setup to make it more efficient. This isn't just a hobby—it's where I test technologies before bringing them into professional work.
I've also been experimenting with LLMs by running Ollama locally on my machine. I wanted to understand how they work under the hood, how to optimize prompts, and what the actual capabilities and limitations are beyond the hype.
// WHAT I BRING
Ownership
When I take on a problem, I see it through from understanding requirements to monitoring production. I ask questions, challenge assumptions when something doesn't make sense, and work collaboratively to find the best solution, not just the fastest one.
Quick Learner
Give me a new framework, library, or tool, and I'll be productive within days because I understand fundamentals. I've picked up React Native, .NET Core, and containerization all while delivering production features on tight deadlines.
Team Player
I've led teams and worked in teams. I share knowledge, contribute to code reviews with constructive feedback, and try to make the team better just by being part of it. I believe the best solutions come from teams where people feel comfortable saying "I don't know" and asking for help.
Self-Driven
I show up, communicate clearly, and care about the people I work with. I code every day outside of work, run my own infrastructure, and constantly experiment. This isn't just a job for me—it's a genuine passion.
// WHEN I'M NOT CODING
Building Custom PCs
I've been building custom computers since I was young, and it's evolved from a necessity to a genuine passion. My current setup is a fully custom water-cooled beast featuring:
- RTX 4090 GPU with custom water block
- Intel i7-13700K processor
- 64GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
- Custom water cooling loop with cyan and yellow coolant (matching my website theme!)
- 49" Samsung Odyssey Neo ultrawide monitor
There's something incredibly satisfying about optimizing every component, managing thermals, and seeing cyan and yellow coolant flow through custom loops. It's engineering meets art, and every build teaches me something new about hardware, cooling dynamics, and system optimization.
I also build custom mechanical keyboards - selecting switches, lubing stabilizers, programming QMK firmware. It's the perfect blend of hardware, software, and that satisfying tactile feedback every developer appreciates.
Terrariums & Paludariums
Beyond digital systems, I've built multiple terrariums and paludariums— miniature ecosystems combining land and water environments. I've kept various species of tropical plants, insects, and lizards, designing and constructing these environments from scratch with custom glass enclosures, drainage systems, and misting setups.
What makes this hobby particularly interesting is where it intersects with technology. I use Home Assistant running on a Raspberry Pi to control lighting schedules (simulating natural day/night cycles), automate watering systems, and monitor temperature and humidity. It's a perfect blend of nature and tech—using code to maintain living ecosystems.
Building these environments teaches patience, systems thinking, and the importance of getting the fundamentals right. A stable ecosystem, like stable code, requires careful planning, proper infrastructure, and constant monitoring to thrive.
Meet Riki
Riki is my 4-year-old Labrador Retriever, and he's been by my side since he was just 3 months old. He's incredibly intelligent, loyal, and has an uncanny ability to sense when I need a break from debugging or when I've been staring at a screen too long.
Labs are known for their friendly nature and high energy, and Riki is no exception. Whether we're exploring trails in Göteborg, playing fetch at the park, or just hanging out while I code, he's always there. He's taught me patience, routine, and the importance of taking breaks— sometimes the best solution to a coding problem comes during a walk, not at the desk.
Having Riki reminds me that balance is important. You can love technology and building things while still appreciating the simple joys: a dog excited to see you, a walk in nature, or just sitting quietly with a loyal companion.
All these hobbies share a common thread: building, optimizing, and maintaining systems— whether it's code, hardware, ecosystems, or relationships. I'm at a point where I want to work on something that feels meaningful, with a team that values technical quality, curiosity, and actually shipping things that matter.