When writer and teacher Angela Abraham launched Descriptionari in 2011, she had a simple vision: create a digital haven where writers of all levels could explore, share, and be inspired by the art of description. More than a decade later, that vision has touched thousands across the globe, with Descriptionari becoming a go-to resource for young and professional writers, writing groups, and even directors. But like every creator’s journey, Abraham’s path has been one of resilience, challenges, and transformative partnerships—most notably with DreamHost.
Planting the Seeds of a Creative Movement
Abraham never set out to build a platform that reached people globally in profound ways. What began as a personal tool to strengthen her own craft blossomed into an invaluable resource for many, reaching over 100 countries.
“I never dreamt it would impact as many people as positively as it has,” Abraham reflected. “It became about so many people all over the world in so many random ways, and that is humbling to know.”
She recounted a moving experience of helping a young woman from Zimbabwe gain college admission in Germany through her writing.
For teachers, students, and fellow writers, Descriptionari quickly became more than just a website. It was a community where creativity felt accessible and empowering. The platform serves as inspiration, encouraging individual expression. As one writing group told Angela, the site “really inspires us and helps us.”
A Near-Death Experience for the Website
Despite its popularity, Abraham ran Descriptionari as a free, charity-driven project. She didn’t have funds for developers or engineers, and the site chugged along “like an old farm truck” waiting to break down. That moment came when a server migration unexpectedly knocked the site offline.
Abraham stared at what looked like the end of a 12-year project. “My heart sank. This is it. The day I’ve been dreading. My website is over,” she recalled. She thought it was beyond repair given the complexities of its bespoke, hand-coded system and financial restraints. Instead of giving up, she reached out to DreamHost engineers. Then came five words she didn’t expect: “We will fix your website.”
Abraham was stunned. DreamHost could have easily said the problem was hers to solve. Instead, their team worked tirelessly, reviving the site piece by piece, even when 75% of the content initially went missing.
From Farm Truck to Lamborghini
What happened next became a turning point. DreamHost not only fixed Descriptionari, they upgraded it, and Abraham watched as her sluggish site transformed overnight.
She collaborated with DreamHost, explaining the website’s unique functionalities and interconnections, which were designed more like a human brain than a machine. The team fully restored the site’s functionality and even fixed a long-standing issue from a previous PHP update.
“It went from farm truck to Lamborghini,” she said, marveling at how faster load times and smoother navigation made it easier for users to engage.
For a platform built around words, speed mattered. Before, slow downloads had turned away potential readers. Now, with DreamHost’s support, Abraham’s vision could reach its full potential.
More Than Just Technical Support
What struck Abraham most wasn’t just the technical expertise, it was the sense that DreamHost engineers cared. “They acted like it mattered to them that it was put back online. They were genuinely thrilled when it was fixed,” she recalled.
As a writer attuned to language, Abraham noticed sincerity in their tone. “Every interaction I’ve ever had with DreamHost: it’s honest, it’s professional, it’s above board. It’s what you want in a business relationship with a human,” she explained.
This integrity stood in stark contrast to her experiences with other providers. As a dual citizen of the UK and Canada, and with potential tariffs affecting costs, Abraham searched for alternative hosting companies but quickly found they lacked transparency and reliability.
“You don’t really understand how good a company is until you’ve got a problem,” Abraham said. It made her realize that a company’s true quality is revealed when problems arise, not when they are seeking new customers.
Why the Website Matters
For Abraham, Descriptionari is more than just a project. It’s her life’s work and her contribution to building a better world.
“I want the number one thing from Descriptionari to inspire young writers,” she said. “I want a generation of writers around the globe who can express themselves so well that the world has to listen.”
Her dreams extend beyond words. She envisions using future success to open youth housing, build soup kitchens, and create spaces where people can thrive. Descriptionari is the launchpad for that vision, and its survival is inseparable from its online presence.
“It’s impossible without it,” Abraham admitted. “When the website fell offline, I realized this big dream I’ve been working on. It’s impossible without the website.”
Peace of Mind and Empowerment
When asked what advice she would give to entrepreneurs or nonprofit founders considering a web host, Abraham didn’t hesitate when she said, “I would say peace of mind. DreamHost is a very honest company. The ethos of the company is proper, suited and booted in the right kind of way. They’re not there to be your counselor; they’re there to run your website. And if it falls offline, they will put it back online.”
Her words echo what countless creators, teachers, and small business owners seek: not just technology, but trust.
A Partnership that Powers Dreams
Abraham’s journey with Descriptionari shows what happens when passion meets partnership. What began as one woman’s attempt to be a better writer grew into a global movement of creativity and healing. Along the way, DreamHost became more than a service provider. It quickly became a trusted ally in keeping those dreams alive.
For Abraham, the story of Descriptionari is still being written. Thanks to the resilience of its founder and the reliability of DreamHost, it’s a story that will continue to inspire writers—and dreamers—around the world.
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