on Her Robots and Returning to Work After Brain Surgery

Giertz’s toothbrush helmet was her first robot project to go viral, and within four months she was working full-time on YouTube. The transition was gradual: she was freelancing and teaching Arduino workshops while her channel grew. She says trying different jobs felt less natural than making build videos.

Giertz protects her enjoyment of creative work by setting boundaries and avoiding a fixed upload schedule. She also broadened her channel beyond robot videos so it could follow her changing interests. To reduce reliance on YouTube, she added speaking engagements and a product design company.

Giertz describes the challenge of moving from intentionally rough robot projects to a polished product she believed could help people. Her calendar has 365 illuminated days, and she first made it to support a daily meditation habit. A team handles much of the manufacturing work while she leads creatively.

Giertz says she chose to share parts of her brain tumor and surgery experience to process it and regain some control over the story. Followers who had undergone brain surgery offered practical reassurance during recovery, alongside support from friends. She says asking for help, including food and everyday care, was one of the most useful things she did.

Facing her mortality led Giertz to reconsider how she spends time and to give herself permission to explore projects beyond shitty robots. She says she enjoys work more now, while still managing ongoing health issues and pacing herself. She encourages creative play, self-kindness, and protecting sleep, food, exercise, and meditation.