This week on Women in Crypto, we sit down with Michaela Juric (aka Bitcoin Babe) and learn about how she overcame adversity on her journey to the top.
Opening up about her struggles with mental illness as a young adult, we gain a rare insight into how the 24 year old became the number one Bitcoin trader.
Warning: This article contains content about suicide, depression and mental illness.
The Journey Into Crypto
Getting into the crypto space is often a point of interest, excitement and intrigue among many in the crypto community. For Michaela Juric, better known as Bitcoin Babe, her journey into Bitcoin is a darker tale.
I’m the number one local trader on bitcoins for Australia and New Zealand. Which is a pretty cool thing to be.
Struggling with depression and contemplating suicide, Michaela fell into crypto through the darknet. This was a place where Michaela used Bitcoin to purchase illegal substances, as she saw herself consumed by mental illness.
Almost 6 years on, Michaela is a bright, ambitious and vivacious individual taking the crypto industry by storm. She runs her successful business Bitcoin Babe and now, is ranked the number one local bitcoin trader in Australia and New Zealand. All in all, Michaela is living proof of how to thrive in the wake of adversity, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
“I originally started out day trading and after that, I moved to peer-to-peer trading. I’m the number one local trader on bitcoins for Australia and New Zealand. Which is a pretty cool thing to be.”
Holding this number one position is more than cool – it’s proof of Michaela’s hard work and dedication in an industry as volatile as crypto. Not to mention the fact that Michaela is only 24 years old.
A Day in the Life of a Bitcoin Trader
Getting the chance to work from home, hang around her lovely cats and be her own boss, being a Bitcoin trader is definitely a job with its perks. It’s a job that Michaela has come to love, one where she never feels bored and can be apart of the new global economy.
I think we should be following the idea of Bitcoin as the pseudo-anonymous world and not focus on the gender to validate achievements.
It’s also a job that allows creative minds like Michaela to work on her own time, rather than try and conform to the 9-5 routine of the rest of the world.
“With bitcoin and crypto, it’s always changing – whether it be the price or the rules or the regulations or the people. It’s evolving. It’s never a dull moment. I think that’s why I love it so much.”
However, it wasn’t always this glamorous for Michaela. Without a background in finance, IT or anything related to crypto, becoming a bitcoin trader proved a steep learning curve. What drove her was the realisation that crypto was empowering – it was a place where Michaela could become her own boss. After years of persistance and a dedication to mastering crypto, Michaela developed the platform Bitcoin Babe, which runs alongside her trading venture.
“My whole young adult life I always had this mindset that I wanted to be my own boss.
So when I found this way to work for myself and not have to answer to anyone, I was really attracted me to it.”
Why Gender Shouldn’t Matter in Crypto
As a young, headstrong and successful individual, Michaela is becoming an important role model for so many looking to enter the industry.
“It’s bizarre that people look at me like that. I still feel pretty normal.”
Michaela is also a role model in her approach to equality in the industry. She emphasises that everyone should feel empowered in the industry – no matter what gender they may identify with.
With bitcoin and crypto, it’s always changing – whether it be the price or the rules or the regulations or the people. It’s evolving. It’s never a dull moment. I think that’s why I love it so much.
This is part of recognising what others are doing in the crypto space and not letting gender influence how much credit is due. In this way, Michaela is showing the community how to embody the inclusive nature of Bitcoin itself.
What’s next for Bitcoin Babe?
So what’s next for someone as accomplished and successful as Michaela? As she shows no intention of slowing down, it seems like only bigger and better things will come from the solo Aussie trader in the future.
“It’s so cool to know we are in this time where we can do these things. 20 years ago you wouldn’t even think this would be a thing. It’s amazing in that way.”
To keep up to date with Michaela, follow her on Twitter or Linkedin.
For other inspiring tales of female pioneers in the industry, check out our recent interview with the Melbourne woman who took on the Chinese tech industry and won, Teresa Truda.
