Hardened Servers & Gritty Stories: A Deep Dive with Ashia Murphy

Edit Your Spotlight Article Interview

Select File

Thanks for joining us today! For readers who may be meeting you for the first time, can you give us a quick intro and walk us through your business model and what you specialize in?

Response 1 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

Hey there! I'm glad you reached out.

I’m a creative professional and tech enthusiast based in the Pittsburgh area, and I tend to wear a lot of different hats depending on the day. My background is a blend of IT field services, cybersecurity, and digital content creation. I recently leveled up my technical side with networking certifications, so I spend a good chunk of my time troubleshooting Linux servers or managing cloud infrastructure.

When I’m not in the terminal, I’m usually focused on Gandie’s Slays, which is my podcast and creative brand. I also handle freelance editorial work and provide notary services, so my "office" is pretty much wherever the work takes me.

My Business Model & Services

I operate on a diversified freelance model. I’m a big believer in having multiple specialized income streams that allow me to pivot between tech, writing, and creative media.

IT & Technical Services: I provide on-site field services, networking setup, and cybersecurity consulting. I’m particularly fond of working with Linux environments and securing web domains.
Media & Content: Through my podcast and various writing projects, I offer storytelling, guest interviewing, and editorial services. I also dabble in web development (WordPress/Elementor) and SEO to help brands build a solid digital footprint.
Professional Services: I’m a commissioned Notary Public, offering both traditional and electronic signing services.

Basically, if it involves solving a complex technical problem, crafting a compelling story, or getting a legal document signed and sealed, I’ve got it covered.

Every creator has an origin story. When did you first discover Wix, and what drew you to it as your platform of choice? How has your work changed from your very first project?

Response 2 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

My "origin story" really started at the intersection of being a tech-head and a creative who just wanted to build things. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of having a digital home for every project, which is why I’ve ended up managing so many domains—from my podcast home at https://youtube.com/@gandiesslays?si=Eesrp8X4c6iMWfwH to more personal projects.

The First Site

While I’ve been experimenting for a while, one of the first projects where I really had to "build for a purpose" involved creating a professional presence for my various freelance ventures. I remember working on sites like https://www.google.com/search?q=swiftesignings.com to manage my notary business. It was less about just "having a site" and more about solving the problem of how to look professional while juggling five different roles.

Why Wix?

I’ll be honest: I love the granular control of WordPress and Elementor, but Wix won me over for specific professional projects—most recently when looking into solutions for the Society of Gender Professionals.

What attracted me was the balance of speed and maintenance. When you're managing servers and cybersecurity benchmarks all day, sometimes you just want a platform that doesn't require a constant "under the hood" check-up. Wix offered that "it just works" stability, making it way easier to hand off to others or maintain when my schedule is packed with IT field calls.

Evolution of Services

My services have evolved from "doing a bit of everything" to a more integrated tech and media approach:

Phase 1 (The Freelancer): Started with writing, editing for the Zealousness Blog, and notary work.
Phase 2 (The Builder): Moved into web development and SEO, helping small ventures get off the ground with tools like Ahrefs and WordPress.
Phase 3 (The Specialist): After my training at Per Scholas, I integrated Network Defense and Cybersecurity. Now, I don't just build a site; I make sure the domain is SSL-certified, the server is hardened (using tools like Dokploy), and the infrastructure is solid.
Phase 4 (The Creator): This is where Gandie’s Slays comes in—bringing the storytelling and technical production together into a full-scale podcast brand.

It’s been a wild ride from just writing articles to managing full server deployments and podcast productions.

What would you say makes your business unique? And for those who think Wix is “just templates,” what’s your take on why Wix is actually a strong platform for professional, custom sites?

Response 3 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

What sets my business apart is the bridge between the technical architecture and the human narrative. Most people are either "tech" or "creative," but I don't see those as separate worlds. My value lies in the fact that I can troubleshoot a Linux server kernel or harden a network's security, and then immediately pivot to hosting a podcast like Gandie’s Slays that explores the raw, "gritty" reality of being human.

I don't just build a "site"; I build a secure, functional ecosystem that tells a specific story.

Why Wix? Debunking the "Just Templates" Myth

The biggest misconception about Wix is that it’s a "toy" for beginners. When people say it’s "just templates," they’re usually overlooking Wix Studio and Velo. Here’s my take on why it’s actually a powerhouse for professionals:

The "Headless" Potential: With Velo, Wix becomes a full-stack development platform. I can write custom JavaScript, connect to external APIs, and build complex databases just like I would on a custom-coded site, but without the massive overhead of managing a separate backend.
Enterprise-Grade Security: As someone with a background in Network Defense, I value that Wix handles the heavy lifting of server-side security, SSL maintenance, and DDoS protection. It allows me to focus on the UI/UX and custom functionality rather than worrying if a plugin update is going to crash the whole site at 3:00 AM.
Efficiency vs. Ego: There’s a bit of developer ego that says, "If you didn't hand-code it in a text editor, it's not real." I disagree. My business model is about speed and maintenance. Wix allows me to deliver a high-end, custom-feeling result in half the time it takes to configure a complex WordPress stack, which is a massive value add for my clients.

My Unique Differentiation

I bring a Cybersecurity-first mindset to creative projects. Whether I'm setting up a Google Form for new podcast guests or building a full-scale business site, I’m thinking about data integrity and domain certification (SSL) from the jump.

I’m not just a web designer; I’m a technical architect who happens to be a storyteller.

Select File

What kinds of solutions do clients come to you for, and can you share a couple standout projects along with any lessons or insights you took away from them?

Response 4 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

Clients usually come to me when they are at a crossroads between needing a professional digital presence and needing technical infrastructure that actually works. They aren't just looking for a "website"; they’re looking for someone who understands Security, SEO, and System Stability.

Whether it's a small business needing a robust site via Designers Tech or a non-profit needing a structured voice through editorial work, I solve the problem of "technical fragmentation."

Standout Projects & Key Lessons

1. Adaptive Nexus (Framework & Blueprint)

One of my most recent and complex projects has been developing Adaptive Nexus. This is an open-source framework and architectural blueprint for building AI-powered software that stays flexible.

The Problem: Most AI implementations are rigid and hard to scale or modify.
The Insight: This project taught me the value of "Tech Debt Liquidation." By focusing on a "zero-to-one" build with a strong architectural foundation from day one, you save hundreds of hours of troubleshooting later. It reinforced my belief that architecture design is just as important as the code itself.

2. The Society of Gender Professionals / Nonprofit Work

Working with mission-driven organizations and nonprofits like the Society of Gender Professionals has been a different kind of challenge.

The Problem: These organizations often have high-stakes data and a need for global accessibility but limited technical oversight.
The Insight: The lesson here was about Onboarding and Advocacy. I realized that for non-tech clients, the "deliverable" isn't just a functioning tool—it's the interactive coaching that goes with it. I learned that providing clear, structured guidance is what actually makes a project successful in the long run.

3. High-Vis Construction Presence (H&H Construction)

I recently worked on a site for H&H Construction, focusing on a professional "High-Vis" aesthetic that matched their real-world presence.

The Problem: Translating a rugged, physical industry into a clean, digital format without losing the brand's "grit."
The Insight: This project reminded me that SEO and branding aren't just about keywords; they’re about building trust. A site has to look like it belongs in the industry it represents.

What I’ve Taken Away

The common thread across all my work—from Project Thyme (data entry for AI training) to building full-scale server architectures—is that transparency is everything. Clients don't just want a solution; they want to understand the why behind the security measures or the SEO strategy.

Would you say you’re industry-agnostic, or do you concentrate on a specific niche? What helped you become so knowledgeable in the areas you specialize in?

Response 5 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

I’d say I’m technically specialized but industry-agnostic.

While my skillset is deeply rooted in IT, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, I don’t confine myself to one vertical. One day I’m working with a construction company like H&H Construction on their digital branding, and the next I’m collaborating with a global non-profit or diving into the gritty, storytelling world of my own podcast, Gandie’s Slays.

My niche isn't a specific industry; it’s a specific problem set: bridging the gap between high-level technical security and creative, accessible content.

What built my knowledge base?

It wasn't just one thing—it was a combination of formal "leveling up" and a relentless "break it to fix it" mentality:

Hands-on Immersion (The "Field" School): Working in IT field services through platforms like WorkMarket put me in the trenches. When you're on-site responsible for a physical installation or a network repair, you learn fast because there's no "undo" button. It turned abstract concepts into tactile skills.
Formal Technical Training: My time at Per Scholas was a turning point. It took my self-taught Linux and server knowledge and grounded it in enterprise-grade standards, specifically in Network Defense and Cisco Networking. It’s why I’m so obsessed with SSL certificates and server hardening now—I understand the "why" behind the "how."
The Editorial Grind: Serving as an editor for the Zealousness Blog and being part of the Study Hall community for freelance writers taught me the architecture of a good story. It sharpened my ability to take complex technical jargon and translate it into something a human actually wants to read.
The "Entrepreneurial Lab": Running my own ventures, like Swift E-Signings and my podcast, forced me to become my own CTO, CMO, and Lead Dev. Nothing teaches you SEO, WordPress, or Wix faster than having your own skin in the game.

Ultimately, my knowledge comes from the fact that I actually use these tools to run my own life. I’m not just a consultant giving advice; I’m a practitioner using the same frameworks to protect my own data and grow my own brand.

This has been incredibly insightful. What three tips would you give someone trying to improve their Wix site, and how can our audience get in touch with you?

Response 6 - Use a conversational tone, as though we are sitting and having a conversation.

It’s been a pleasure! I love sharing what I’ve learned from being in the trenches of both tech and creative media. If you’re building on Wix, here are my top "pro tips" to move beyond the basics:
3 Pro Tips for Wix Success

1. Prioritize Your Mobile Breakpoints: Most people design for the desktop and then just "check" the mobile view. Don’t do that. In today's market, your mobile site is your site. Use the Wix Editor X or Wix Studio tools to create a truly responsive experience rather than just letting the automatic layout handle it.
2. Clean Up Your SEO Settings (Early): Wix has some of the best built-in SEO tools, but they only work if you use them. Don't just rely on the "SEO Wiz." Go into your page settings, customize your URL slugs, write unique meta descriptions, and—this is a big one—optimize your image alt text. It’s the difference between being buried on page ten and showing up where your clients are looking.
3. Don’t Fear the Dev Mode (Velo): Even if you aren’t a coder, turning on Dev Mode allows you to add small snippets of custom functionality that can make your site feel premium. Whether it’s a custom hover effect or a more complex database collection for a portfolio, using the platform's advanced capabilities is what separates a "template" site from a professional digital home.

Let’s Connect!

I’m always up for a conversation about cybersecurity, web infrastructure, or the art of storytelling. Here is how you can find me:

The Podcast: Check out my latest episodes and creative work at https://youtube.com/@gandiesslays?si=Eesrp8X4c6iMWfwH or follow the brand on social media @omninerith.
Tech & Web Services: If you need help with server hardening, network defense, or building a high-performance site, you can find my professional work under Designers Tech.
Direct Inquiries: For business collaborations, notary services, or technical consulting, feel free to reach out to me via email at ashiamurg96@gmail.com.

Headshot

Logo

Wix insider Magazine