Today we’d like to introduce you to Barry Hykes Jr.
Hi Barry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey is one that, while a part of me wishes I had gotten more specifically where I am today, I realize how much fortune I had in going through the process, so I wouldn’t change how I got here at all. I started college as a biology/premed student. In my 4th year, I realized I did not want to be a doctor. At that time, I was also minoring in math (for fun). After a couple of my professors mentioned how good a combination that was, I decided to do some research and discovered the field of bioinformatics. I added a year to my undergraduate coursework, turned a math minor into a double major, and enrolled in a bioinformatics graduate program. It sounds complex, but bioinformatics is the intersection of biology and computer science. I could have been a better programmer at starting. Still, after graduate school and gaining some work experience, I got a job in biotech, where I further molded my skills into a proficient computer programmer. This sparked my interest in technology in general, and I took a few steps further on my own to learn web/ app development and architecture. Fortunately, I have many brilliant and well-connected friends, which led me to my current business, MyTunez (mytunez.org), a platform for DJs to receive song and shoutout requests and tips from audience members. I took this project on as an opportunity to improve my web development skills and have the potential to build my own brand and business, which I plan to expand into more projects this year.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been smooth because of my mindset. I look at each app I build as a learning experience. I learn something new with each one I build, and I can build and maintain them cost-effectively. At the bare minimum, each one that goes to production is at least something for my portfolio, which I can leverage into a new opportunity. I believe in MyTunez and its potential shortly with the right marketing.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a bioinformatician, web engineer, and musician. I work as a bioinformatician at a biotechnology company called Velsera. I build apps in my spare time, which I am becoming more known for recently. I am also a well-known local bass guitarist. I mostly play in churches, but I currently play in some of the biggest churches in the city, such as Faith Church and One Family Church. I am most proud of what I have accomplished in web development in such a short time. This is a skill I picked up during the pandemic. The conditions were perfect for me to zone in on learning this craft, and I quickly fell in love with the process. This stimulates my mind and gives me a lot of fulfillment, which I expect to become my primary source of income eventually.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was playing high school basketball. In my junior year, we had a pretty good team, even though it was a small private school. My team had this ritual where if your shirt had a hole, everyone would jump you and rip the shirt to pieces. I remember the first time it happened to me was right before a game against a rival team, and I ended up having one of my best games of the season that night with a win. One of my current business partners was on that team, and it amazes me to see how far we have both come since then.
Contact Info:
- Website: thecoolnerd.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecool_nerd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryhykes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-hykes-jr-65b87bb0
