Barnabas Helmy

  • It’s an insider’s game, and I’m an outsider.

    It’s an insider’s game, and I’m an outsider.

    I’ve learned that there is no way to make it in this industry without being connected, and it’s obvious I’m not.  Or wasn’t before coming out. I could write down all the names of the people I’ve met since being here and connect multiple lines between them all.  A lot of Midwesterners, too.  The common…

  • Processing the last week

    I didn’t have the energy to write the last week, nor would there been anything worth reading.  It’s been tough.  Not in the sense of the startup – things are the same, moving along, uncertain, every day up and down. My mentor was right to send me out here, though I wish I would have…

  • A day to relax…

    A day to relax…

    The first week ended with as much promise as I hoped, but I’m still anxious.  It’s taken me a couple days just to get myself relaxed enough to write.  Being out with with my partner has really put into perspective how the distribution of risk has been squarely placed on my shoulders.  I just want…

  • San Francisco – the Unreality

    San Francisco – the Unreality

    All business. In the back garden of our AirBnB What a day!  The reactions we’ve gotten from people in the industry in our first day of meetings was overwhelmingly positive.  No confused looks, only questions about what it’ll take to make it successful.  Several follow-up meetings scheduled as a result. San Francisco is a strange…

  • And away we go…

    And away we go…

    March 31st Kudos, AirBnB – and Andrew.  Nailed this one.  Beautiful little place in the heart of San Francisco.  Quiet street, extremely hospitable hosts, coffee… First day working from the TechShop was awesome.  Can’t help but think how much my brother, Edmund, would love a place like this.  So many tools to create with. San…

  • So long, and thanks for all the fish!

    So long, and thanks for all the fish!

    At the airport in Peoria, IL – March 30th. Here we go.  I’m looking out the window from the plane. Not much of a view, admittedly, but one I’ve grown accustomed to. Not a lot to say – my brain is trying to sort out everything I’ve got to do.

  • From the Basement to the Bay Area

    From the Basement to the Bay Area

    May 30th thru April 27th, SmashToast will be working out of the TechShop in San Francisco. Tomorrow begins another new chapter – and not just for SmashToast but myself. More importantly, for my family.  I’m not going to lie, I’m scared.  I’m not afraid of what may happen in San Francisco, but what might happen…

  • Filthy but funny Beej

    Filthy but funny Beej

    YouTube Video Sarbanharble Location:S Douglas Ave,Springfield,United States

  • You can’t learn everything on Google

    Many things can be learned by Googling. Life isn’t one of those things. Living is not an algorithm or a language. No matter how much mental preparation one takes before jumping into a cold pool of water, nothing can prepare one for the shock and experience of taking that leap. This applies to everything. Experience…

  • My petite Bijoux

    My petite Bijoux

    Sarbanharble Location:N Illinois St,Springfield,United States