Hands-on Global Tech Lead · New York
Liza Volkova
15+ years building consumer platforms used by millions and AI advisors that help customers find the right product.
Selected work
AI product · live
A conversational advisor that helps shoppers choose a fragrance for themselves or a gift. I was the lead frontend engineer, building the chat interface and integrating it into Jo Malone’s website for mobile web and desktop browsers.
- JavaScript
- HTMX
- Conversational AI
Internal tool
Skincare content updater
A tool that lets brand teams update skincare diagnostic content across markets without an engineering handoff. I built the full-stack Next.js application, working with backend teams on API access and authentication and adding automated content validation.
In-store · Valtech
Samsung in-store showroom
A touchscreen showroom that let shoppers explore Samsung appliances beyond the models stocked in store. At Valtech, I led the React experience for Best Buy installations, resolving animation tearing and improving responsiveness on constrained hardware.
Read the Valtech case study ↗
Experience
2018 – Present
The Estée Lauder Companies Global Tech Lead
- Lead frontend engineering across 20+ global beauty brands, building shopping platforms and AI-powered customer experiences.
- Modernize shared platforms and improve release practices, helping brands launch new experiences faster and maintain them over time.
Aug 2015 – 2018
Valtech Technical Lead
Led distributed teams building consumer experiences for Samsung, Chanel, and L’Oréal, including Samsung’s in-store touchscreen and the Atelier Beauté CHANEL companion web app. Built Next.js applications with Hybris and Adobe Experience Manager integrations. CHANEL coverage in Vogue ↗
Jun 2011 – Aug 2015
Avon Content Technology Architect
Defined architecture and roadmaps for B2B and B2C applications serving 50+ markets. Managed technology vendors and worked with UX teams to improve CMS workflows.
Jan 2010 – May 2011
Solutions Development Associate The SCE Group
Earlier role: Freelance Web Developer, Self-Employed (June 2008 – June 2009).
The full history is in the resume and on LinkedIn.
Personal project
Web & iOS · Pre-beta
AI Garden Planner
An app that helps gardeners plan seasonal plantings, track their gardens, and prioritize care based on local weather. I’m the sole builder, owning the full-stack architecture and delivery and coordinating AI agents across design, engineering, and QA. It’s currently pre-beta.
- Next.js
- Expo / React Native
- PostgreSQL
- OpenAI & RAG
About
Beyond work
I have a habit of collecting hobbies, but gardening and costume-making have stayed with me for years. I’m a self-taught sewist and award-winning cosplayer with a soft spot for historical dress. Technology often finds its way into both—from learning to 3D model and print cosplay pieces to building an app that makes planning and tracking my garden easier.
You can see what I’ve been making at Adventures in Time Art, my cosplay portfolio. I designed and built that site too, using Next.js and Storyblok.
I studied at Barnard College, Columbia University, earning a B.A. in Physics and Economics-Mathematics.