From figurines to personalized boxes

Working remotely as a full-stack developer at Scalo, Justyna has found a way to balance her work with developing her hobbies. Collecting Japanese figurines, building Lego models, creating personalized gift boxes and cooking exotic food are just some of her interests. In this interview, she reveals where she finds inspiration for her projects, what her day job is like and how she manages to find the time to pursue so many different passions.

How long have you been working at Scalo and what is your role here?

I have been working at Scalo for about two and a half years. I work as a full-stack developer. My daily tasks include designing and implementing software solutions, ensuring their stability and integration with other systems.

What do you like best about your job?

What I like the most is that I can work remotely, which allows me to do my work from the comfort of my own home. This way of working also gives me more flexibility and better time management options, which is very important to me.

What do you do after work?

I have many different interests. I read a lot and play video games. I also enjoy assembling Gunpla models and Lego sets. I find it a form of relaxation and a way to develop my manual skills. I also enjoy various handicrafts. In the summer, I often spend time at the pool, which helps me relax after a hard day at work.

You collect Japanese figurines. Where did this interest come from? Why did you choose Japanese figures?

My passion for Japanese figures comes from my love of manga, anime and games. If a character from these media is particularly important to me and the figurine is available, I like to put it on the shelf next to my books. It’s a form of collecting that allows me to surround myself with objects related to my interests and passions.

Do you like Japanese food? What is your favourite cuisine?

Yes, I like Japanese food very much. However, I do not limit myself to one cuisine style. I like to experiment and try new dishes from different parts of the world. At home, I often cook dishes inspired by food from different countries. However, my mother’s cheese and potato dumplings will always have a special place in my heart and on my table.

You make your own personalised gift boxes. Where did the idea for such a hobby come from? Where do you find inspiration?

My passion for creating personalised gift boxes came from my love of crafts. About 8 years ago I noticed this trend and decided to try my hand at it. I get inspiration from a variety of sources, but most of the time the ideas just come to me when I start working on a particular project. I try to make each box unique and tailored to the person who will receive it. One of my favourite projects was to create a post-apocalyptic mock-up of a cake, inspired by the games I play with the recipient.

Speaking of gifts, do you prefer receiving them or giving them?

I definitely prefer giving. The process of inventing, creating and gifting gives me great satisfaction and joy.

We know that you also collect Legos. How many do you have in your collection?

My husband says I have too many Lego sets – the collection is growing all the time.

What is your favourite Lego to assemble? Do you build them several times over, or do you just put the finished sets on a shelf somewhere?

My favourite set to assemble is the Batmobile and Batwing from Batman 1989, because of the sentimentality for the film. Once assembled, the set graces one of the shelves in my gaming room.