AI-Powered WhatsApp Automation Platform (Python + FastAPI)

I am looking for an experienced Python developer to help enhance and maintain an AI-powered WhatsApp automation platform built for a model agency. Project Overview The platform automates client conversations, booking management, and payment confirmations through WhatsApp with minimal manual intervention. It uses AI to understand customer requests, guide users through the booking process, manage availability checks, and handle payment confirmations automatically. The system is built with a scalable, production-oriented architecture using Python FastAPI and MySQL, with clear separation between communication channels and business logic. Core Features AI-Powered Customer Conversations Intelligent WhatsApp chatbot powered by AI Intent detection and conversation management Support for text messages, voice notes, and image messages Automated collection of booking information Booking Automation Model browsing with profile images Guided booking workflow including: Model selection Date and time selection Duration Location Validation and confirmation of booking details Availability Management Real-time model availability checks Automated notifications to models and internal teams Booking status tracking and updates Payment Processing Crypto payment link generation via NowPayments Webhook-based payment confirmation Automatic booking confirmation after successful payment Notifications & Operations Automated customer notifications Model notifications Operations/team notifications Internal business alerts Voice AI Features Speech-to-Text (voice note transcription) Text-to-Speech (AI-generated voice responses) Data Integration Excel-based model roster integration as the source of truth Synchronization of model information and availability Technology Stack Python FastAPI MySQL AI/LLM integrations Webhooks & API integrations NowPayments API Speech-to-Text / Text-to-Speech services Ideal Candidate Strong experience with Python and FastAPI Experience building AI-powered chatbots or automation systems Experience with MySQL and API integrations Familiarity with payment gateway integrations and webhooks Ability to write clean, scalable, production-ready code Experience working with existing codebases and improving architecture Please include: Relevant Python/FastAPI projects AI chatbot or workflow automation experience Experience with payment integrations and webhooks Availability and hourly rate