Hello! I’m Monica Stephens, and I’m the voice behind this corner of the internet at lucytalksdata.com. I currently live just outside Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by the foothills and ever-changing skies, and when I’m not testing some new gadget or reading up on a product, you’ll find me hiking a local trail or sipping a strong cup of coffee while checking the latest gear. My journey here has had a few twists, and I love that I get to share what I’ve learned with you.
My Professional & Educational Background
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics from the University of Colorado, and after graduating I spent about five years working as a data analyst for a mid-sized software company in Denver. During that time I became fluent in making sense of messy datasets, building dashboards, and translating numbers into stories people could act on. It was a rewarding chapter but after a while I realized that while numbers were fascinating, I wanted to work more directly with things I could touch, use, and review.
In 2020 I transitioned into a role as a product insight specialist for a smart-home technology firm, where I oversaw usability testing, wrote user-experience reports, and reviewed hardware (and its supporting software). That position turned out to be the bridge between the data world I came from and the “real-world object” world I was moving toward.
Why This Blog, and Why Now
Starting in 2025, I launched this blog to bring honest, grounded product reviews, practical buying advice, and real-world usage insights to you. The domain lucytalksdata.com reflects my roots in data and analytics because even when I’m writing about, say, a kitchen gadget or a travel backpack, I believe in approaching it with evidence, measurement, and authenticity. My hope is that you’ll come away not just knowing what I recommend, but why and how I arrived at that opinion.
Over the years I’ve noticed that many product reviews out there feel a little too slick or disconnected from someone’s actual life. My aim here is different. I’ll always aim to test products thoroughly in everyday settings, share both the wins and the trade-offs, and frame my opinions so you can decide if what works for me will work for you.
What You’ll Find Here
In this space you’ll find deep dives on products that matter: from tech gadgets and smart-home gear to kitchen essentials and outdoor equipment. I’ll walk you through how I use each item, what I loved, what I didn’t love, and situations where it might (or might not) make sense. Because of my analytical background, you’ll also see comparisons, “what to watch out for” sections, and tips to help you sift through the marketing fluff.
I believe the best product review doesn’t just say “buy this” or “don’t buy that” it gives context. So I might tell you: “Here’s how I used it during a weekend trip,” or “Here’s what changed after six months of regular use,” or “Here’s the one detail I found inconvenient that doesn’t show up in specs.”
My Promise to You
I’ll always be transparent about any affiliate relationships yes, some links here may earn me a small commission if you purchase through them, and that cost is borne by the retailer, not you. But I promise that any product I review is one I have actually used (or am using) and that I will not promote something simply for a payout. My integrity and your trust is more important than any single commission.
A Little About My Life Outside the Blog
When I’m not reviewing gear, you’ll find me exploring the Rockies with my camera in tow (I love shot-list photography of wide landscapes), testing a new bread recipe in my kitchen, or planning a weekend escape to a national park. Living outside Boulder gives me the perfect mix of urban amenities and mountain access, which also means my “real-world” testing sometimes includes winter weather, high altitude, or rugged terrain so the gear I try often has to prove itself in more than just ideal conditions.
Thank you for being here, reading, and trusting me to share what I’ve learned. Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone else or something to upgrade your own life, I hope this blog can help you make better, more confident decisions.
Warmly,
Monica
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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