Your AI Agent Engineer's Journey, Kershey Cariño

Every brand has a story, but behind every great one is a process—sketches abandoned, concepts reimagined, and details sharpened to perfection. The journey isn't about getting it right the first time; it's about crafting something that truly lasts.

A crumpled paper isn't a failure—it's proof of refinement, iteration, and the pursuit of perfection, just like how I meticulously craft and refine every detail to make every brand I work with truly special.

From Start, To Breakthrough

Who's Behind the Code?

Hello there, I'm Kershey Cariño, I'm a Software Engineer at August99, crafting digital experiences from the Pearl of the Orient—Philippines. Almost 3 years in, and still thriving in my 1st dev job. Funny how life works—I didn't start here. I was an accountancy student, then a Sales Consultant, but something always felt… unfinished. I wanted to create, to build something that lasted. So I taught myself to code, one line at a time. That journey led me here. Now, while I work across the stack, I specialize in front-end—not just designing interfaces, but crafting experiences that connect brands with people. A website isn't just a collection of pages; it's a brand's silent salesman.

How it started?

By mid-2021, stuck in a minimum-wage job, bills kept piling up, and I knew one thing—I needed a change. Not just to survive, but to build a future where my career could actually grow. The pandemic only made things harder. Isolation, uncertainty, and that constant question—"What can I do to turn my life around?" Then, I found web development. Or maybe, it found me. Thanks to Youtube content creators making it feel within reach. But there was one problem—I didn't even own a computer.

What led to the decision?

So, I did what I had to. They say, if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way. From working as a Sales Consultant at Marks & Spencer, I took a leap and joined Telus as a call center agent, saved up, and finally bought my first computer—not for entertainment, but to build something bigger. January 2022 marked the real beginning. With my first computer in hand, I dived into learning—late nights after working hours, countless tutorials, and a whole new world of possibilities. Then came May 2022—the moment I took my biggest risk. I quit my job to build my portfolio. No backup plan, no safety net—just a decision to chase a career in a field where I had zero experience or any formal education. My BPO career was on the rise, but my passion? It was leading me somewhere else. And I followed.

How it was done?

I'm the kind of person who marks a date and gets things done. A calendar person, if you will. And when I set my sights on something, I make sure I follow through. My dive into web development wasn't just passion—it was a structured plan. 3 months mastering the fundamentals. 2 months building websites, turning theory into practice. 3 weeks diving into back-end and expanding my skill set. 1 week preparing for the real challenge—the job hunt. Then came June 2022—the month I got hired. No shortcuts. No skipping steps. Just one goal in mind—to be the developer brands turn to when they need something built right.

— Kershey Cariño

Thank You!

Before you go, I'm grateful to the people who shaped this journey: my early-dev crew Ace, Jairus, and Jomel, who pushed me to learn fast and refine my craft beyond tutorials; my senior Byran, who guided me through the unknown; my supervisor Owtee, who took a chance on me with no degree, just passion and drive; and most of all Aya Israel, my QA and the one who brings quality to my work and my life.

Let's Discuss Your Next

Ready to build something that lasts? Contact Kershey, or explore my mastery and selected work.