UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business

How did a couple with zero portfolio go from pulling pints and delivering parcels for minimum wage to five-figure months in UGC? Host Nate Flake sits down with Cameron and Heather Hutchinson. This husband and wife duo found this podcast in the gym. It completely rerouted their life. If you're on the fence about starting UGC, this one's for you. Maybe you don't have a portfolio, know what to charge or even scared to pitch. Cam and Heather walk through how they landed paid deals with nothing built out yet. They both got into network marketing during lockdown. But when their network marketing income dropped, he ended up pulling pints and driving deliveries for minimum wage. Heather found the UGC 101 podcast while looking for something to send him. That's where their UGC story really starts. If you're stuck thinking you need a portfolio first or afraid to ask for money. This conversation is going to hit close to home. Cameron and Heather didn't wait until things felt ready. They pitched dozens of brands a night using nothing but their existing social media. They learned pricing the hard way, in real time, with real brands pushing back. Chapters: 00:02:13 – Their Network Marketing Chapter 00:06:36 – Their First £1,000 Month From UGC 00:07:30 – Starting Without a Portfolio 00:10:30 – The 30–40 Pitches a Night Strategy 00:11:30 – When Outbound Work Suddenly Became Inbound 00:14:47 – Your UGC Niche May Be Holding You Back 00:19:30 – The Snowball Effect of Repeat Brand Deals 00:22:30 – When UGC Became Almost Too Busy 00:25:00 – How Five-Figure Months Changed Their Life 00:29:24 – The Burnout ProCameron & Heather Hutchinsonblem They Had to Fix 00:37:15 – How Couple Content Can Triple a Brand Deal 00:44:23 – The Deliverables Mistake That Costs Creators Money 00:51:31 – Their Best Advice for Starting UGC Today Stay until the end to hear how their workload changed once the deals started stacking up, plus the one earner in their household that brings in money without ever stepping on camera. Press play and learn how two people with no portfolio, no rate card, and two young kids turned cold pitching into a full family income, and what they'd do differently if they were starting over today. Portfolio: https://heatherhutchinsonugc.my.canva.site/ Instagram for Cam: https://www.instagram.com/therealcameronhutchinson?stkn=MW00MGE1dG1nNjAxMg== Instagram for Heather: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchinson_?stkn=ZWhoaDY5MXVhNTVu If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the only thing keeping you from your first paid UGC gig is an excuse a 69-year-old creator just proved completely wrong? Nate sits down with Dan Hatcher, a creator based in Arkansas who is nine months into his UGC journey after decades running completely different businesses. This episode breaks down what it actually takes to go from zero video experience to landing paid brand deals, even if you feel like everyone around you already has a head start. If you have ever undercharged for a job because you were scared to lose it, or put off starting because you felt behind, you need to hear this conversation. Dan and Nate get into the mindset shifts around pricing, time management, and rejection that actually change your results, and Dan walks through the specific move he uses every time a brand sends a lowball offer. Chapters: 00:02:03 — He Traded SEO Work for a Business 00:04:58 — His Daughter Found His Next Big Move 00:06:33 — Cheap UGC Jobs Can Trap You 00:07:58 — Why More Rejection Makes You More Money 00:11:58 — Stop Treating UGC Like a Side Hobby 00:13:58 — The Productivity Rule He Swears By 00:16:58 — No Clients? This Is Your Real Job 00:18:58 — Why He Doesn’t Care Who Judges Him 00:21:58 — The UGC Skill That Nearly Broke His Workflow 00:24:23 — This Cut His Filming Time by 80% 00:30:13 — His Secret to Getting Brands to Rehire Him 00:32:48 — What He Does Every Time a Brand Lowballs Him 00:34:53 — Never Accept a Brand’s First Offer 00:39:48 — Think You’re Too Old for UGC? There is also a honest conversation here about time. Dan talks through how he structures his day so he never has to rely on motivation to get the work done. Stay until the end because Dan explains how he cut his shoot time from an hour down to ten minutes, and how he uses AI to reconnect with old brand clients and turn them into repeat business. Press play and learn the small shifts that could change how much you get paid for the exact same amount of work. Dan’s Portfolio: https://boomer-ugc.my.canva.site/ Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomerugc.dan/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

How many free videos have you already handed to brands that were making real money off your face while you waited on exposure to pay you back? Nate Flake sits down with Kenyada Anthony, a reality TV alum who spent years doing exactly that before a single question from a friend changed how he ran his whole business. Kenyada started as a blogger trying on clothes in fitting rooms, ended up on Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, and came out the other side with brands filling his inbox. They sent products, gift cards and even sent revision notes. But they never sent a rate. He posted it all to his own page because he liked the brands and nobody had told him there was another way. Kenyada walks through what tripped him up coming over: the different video formats brands ask for, the usage and contract language he had never needed before, and why he is rebuilding his entire portfolio from zero even though it already has big logos on it. Chapters: 00:02:00 — From Homeless to Reality TV 00:04:05 — The Casting Ad That Changed Everything 00:05:12 — What Happened After the Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian. 00:07:03 — When Big Brands Started Calling 00:10:55 — The Moment He Realized Brands Should Pay 00:12:56 — How He Discovered UGC 00:16:41 — Why Influencers Are Moving Into UGC 00:18:34 — What Changed When He Started Charging 00:22:33 — The UGC Deal He Likes Better 00:24:13 — The Skill He Had to Learn Fast 00:28:29 — Why UGC Suddenly Felt More Freeing 00:33:17 — The Hardest Part of His UGC Pivot 00:35:55 — Which Influencers Are Making the Shift 00:40:18 — What He Wants From UGC Next 00:41:51 — What Brands Are Desperate to Find Stay to the end for what happened at a live brand event in Salt Lake City. Kenyada was one of only two creators in the room, and brands surrounded them asking what to pay, how to reach out, and what creators hate being asked to do. What he saw there does not line up with what you keep hearing about this space being too crowded. There were creators in that building with almost no following making real money, and one brand owner said something to him that changed how he decides who to work with. Press play and learn what separates a free collab from a paid deal, so the next brand that slides into your inbox gets your rate instead of your time. Kenyada’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyadaanthony/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What happens when the one income stream you built everything on disappears overnight? Nate sits down with Jennifer Aquila, a Canadian creator who has stacked side hustles since 2007, from teaching to photography to network marketing, before UGC ever entered the picture. They get into the real math behind pricing your work, why walking away from a lowball offer is often the move that gets you paid more, and why being based outside the US is not the dealbreaker so many creators assume it is. You will hear exactly how those conversations play out in real time. If you have ever second guessed starting something because you do not have a portfolio yet, or you are nervous that leaning on one client or one platform is too risky, this conversation speaks straight to that fear. Jennifer lays out what it actually looked like when one of her income sources shut down without warning, and how having more than one option kept her steady. Chapters: 00:02:21 - When Photography Hit Its Ceiling 00:05:00 - Why One Income Stream Wasn’t Enough 00:11:30 - The Part of UGC She Still Struggles With 00:14:14 - When It’s Time to Raise Your Rates 00:18:17 - Can Canadian Creators Really Make UGC Work? 00:22:22 - The Platform She Forgot Was Sending Jobs 00:24:30 - Why Relying on Fiverr Backfired 00:27:14 - The UGC Skill You Don’t Need to Master 00:29:49 - When Too Many Side Hustles Catch Up 00:31:20 - The $275 UGC Job That Became a Nightmare 00:34:02 - When a Brand Asked Her to Copy Herself 00:37:30 - How She Landed a $4,000-a-Night Stay 00:40:09 - Why She Pitched Without a Portfolio 00:41:55 - The Advice She Gives Every New Creator Stay through to the end for the moment Jennifer explains how she landed high dollar travel stays with no travel portfolio at all. It will change what you actually need before you start pitching. Press play and learn how to build a UGC business that keeps working even when one part of it stops. Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugcwithjennyjo/ Jennifer’s Portfolio: https://jenaquila.my.canva.site/jen-aquila-ugc-portfolio-website Gold UGC (Platform for 45+): https://www.goldugc.com/creator-signup/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the reason you think you are too old, too average, or too late for UGC is actually the exact thing a brand is searching for right now? Nate Flake sits down with Kelly Archer, a former college softball coach in Texas who only tried UGC to prove to his wife that nobody makes money online. He lost that argument in about thirty days. Kelly threw a portfolio together, got hired 13 times in his first month, and he and his wife turned a part time side gig into a number neither of them planned for. He was 57 at the time. He had no video background, no following, and no idea what UGC even stood for. They got into his first job that paid $300 and ate 30 hours. The brand that kept sending it back for revision after revision because Kelly was too new to push back. The moment you have to look a client in the eye and say your rate went up, even though you like them and they were easy to say yes to. If you are waiting until you look better, sound better, or own better gear, this one takes that excuse off the table. Kelly explains how he searches for briefs where he is the obvious pick instead of one of two hundred. Chapters: 00:01:30 - The First Month That Changed Everything 00:14:16 - The Boundary New Creators Are Afraid to Set 00:18:11 - The Rate Increase That Tests Your Confidence 00:22:35 - What Brands Are Actually Hiring For 00:26:31 - When Revisions Cross the Line 00:30:38 - The Brands You Actually Want to Keep 00:33:07 - How One-Off Clients Become Repeat Work 00:41:00 - The Fastest Way to Burn Your Reputation 00:43:10 - Why AI Isn’t the Biggest Threat 00:48:27 - Why Helping Other Creators is a Win-Win Stay through the end for the retainer conversation and the reason Kelly barely has to pitch anymore. Press play and learn how the parts of yourself you were hiding turn into the reason you get booked. Kelly's Portfolio: www.kellyugc.net Kelly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellytxugc?igsh=bnRkN3htc2doY3Js If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the only thing between you and getting paid to travel is a one-way ticket you keep putting off? Host Nate Flake sits down with Nicholas Cicio, who is on day 445 of the digital nomad life, calling in from Albania. Before any of that, he drove Uber for cash, and moved in as a live-in caretaker. Then he booked a one-way ticket with $900 and a backpack. He does not hide the hard parts, so you get the wins and the real downsides that most travel videos leave out. They dig into travel UGC, one of the most requested topics on the show. You will hear how to earn steady income on the road with Canvas UGC, how to pitch Airbnbs, hotels, and tours for free stays and comped meals, and why apps and services can be a smarter bet than chasing physical products. There is also a simple portfolio trick that most creators never think to try. Chapters: 00:03:05 — The UGC Income That Kept Him Traveling 00:07:30 — The Reality Behind the Digital Nomad Dream 00:09:22 — How Travel Content Opens New Income Streams 00:12:44 — How He Actually Moves Country to Country 00:14:06 — Why Going Back to the U.S. Paid Off 00:18:21 — Losing Everything Changed His Priorities 00:21:30 — The Trip That Turned Into Buying Property 00:24:27 — Why UGC Isn’t As Saturated As You Think 00:26:12 — The Travel Problem That Killed His Views 00:29:54 — The UGC Work That Travels Best 00:31:43 — How to Land Your First Airbnb Collaboration 00:34:01 — The Shot Most Travel Creators Forget 00:36:36 — What He’d Tell Anyone Ready to Leave 00:38:24 — Why Traveling Can Actually Cost Less 00:42:02 — His Advice for Future Travel Creators If you have ever wondered whether travel UGC is truly possible or just a pretty highlight reel, this one gives you a straight answer. Nicholas walks you through the income streams, the gear, and the daily habits that keep him going. He also shares what to skip so you do not burn through your money or your energy in the first month. Stay until the end, when Nicholas talks about what really pushed him to take the leap. Press play and learn how one creator turned a phone and a backpack into a business that pays for the trip. Nicholas Cicio Portfolio: https://nicholasnomad.com/ugc If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the biggest brands are actually starving for creators like you and can't find enough of them? Host Nate Flake sits down with Elliott Stafford, head of creative at ContentJet, to show you the agency side that most creators never get to see. If you have ever wondered how brands really pick creators, this one is for you. Elliott started making content as a kid and stumbled into UGC almost by accident. Within a month of building her portfolio, she made 3K. From there she scaled past six figures and moved into the agency side, where she helps decide which creators get picked. Nate keeps it real and funny as always, and Elliott holds nothing back about how the business actually runs behind the scenes. Most beginners think the space is crowded and the work is drying up. Elliott shares the real numbers on how much content brands need every month, why so many creator accounts go quiet, and the simple habits that get you ghosted or hired. If you have ever lost a brand and had no idea why, you will hear the honest answer. Stick around for the part about AI and where UGC is really headed. Elliott explains why the AI avatar trend fizzled fast, and why being fully yourself on camera is the thing that gets you picked. Chapters: 06:37 - How Creator Work Became Strategy 09:42 - What Agencies See Differently 13:07 - When Brands Ask for the Wrong Content 17:25 - The Real Demand Behind UGC 20:00 - The Number That Proves It’s Not Saturated 21:35 - How Agencies Actually Find Creators 25:17 - What Brands Want From Creators Now 27:00 - The Trend Creators Are Misreading 31:35 - Why ClassPass Chose Her 34:30 - What AI Still Can’t Replace 38:45 - The Ad Formats Working Right Now 40:17 - The Skill Creators Need Next 44:30 - The Mistake That Costs Repeat Work 49:45 - When Poor Communication Ruins the Deal She reveals the kind of post that landed her a big client, and it has nothing to do with what you would expect. Press play and learn what the agency side wishes every creator understood before they pitch. Elliott’s Portfolio: https://elliottspages.com/ LUXE (Skool) : https://www.skool.com/luxe-creator-vault-5178/about Sign up: https://www.contentjet.com/ Discord for Creators: https://discord.gg/HUuG3CAdr If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Would you walk away from a great corporate salary if it left you feeling empty? Host Nate Flake sits down with Paul Paulino, who spent about 20 years in tech and worked on emerging AI at Cisco right up until AI layoffs took his job. Instead of chasing another tech role and waiting for the next round of cuts, Paul bet on himself and went full-time UGC, landing work with brands like Microsoft, M&M's, and DoorDash. You will hear how Paul built his portfolio in about a month and why he took low-paying gigs on purpose and treated them as paid practice. He shares the one habit that put him ahead of most beginners, and why getting his reps in beat trying to be perfect every single time. If you feel frozen by fear, worried you are not good enough on camera, or stuck waiting for the "right time" to start, this episode meets you there. Paul was terrified of being on camera too. What he did about it is something you can copy today, even with zero experience. Chapters: 02:06 - The Layoff That Arrived at the Right Time 05:00 - How His UGC Career Took Off 06:00 - Building a Second Career After Clocking Out 07:33 - When the Golden Handcuffs Stop Feeling Worth It 10:17 - What 20 Years in Tech Couldn’t Protect 15:02 - The Doors UGC Opened Beyond Brand Deals 17:03 - The Practice Habit That Changed Everything 18:30 - Why He Took the Low-Paying Jobs 21:20 - The Platform Opportunity Most Creators Miss 24:05 - Why Instant Gratification Keeps Creators Stuck 28:36 - The Instagram Post That Brought Brands to Him 36:45 - The Niche Brands Now Hire Him For 38:06 - Where UGC Is Headed Next Stick around for the end, where Paul calls where this whole space is heading next and the simple shift that keeps his content working. It might change how you show up on camera starting tomorrow. Press play and learn how one person went from laid off to booked with brands, and the exact moves you can implement to start today. Paul's Portfolio: https://paulinothecreator.com Paul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinothecreator/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

How does a 45-year-old who was almost certain she'd hate UGC go from $1,200 her first month to $10,000 by month six? Host Nate Flake sits down with Leah Hamill. She spent four years as an RV influencer before it burned her out and she walked away from social media entirely. If you have ever felt too old, too new, or too awkward to try this, her numbers are worth your attention. When she finally circled back and tried UGC, she was almost certain she would hate it. What changed her mind is the real story here, and she tells it the way you'd want a friend to: honestly, with the messy parts left in. Most beginners get stuck in the exact same spot. You freeze up on camera, you chase the perfect aesthetic, or you quit after a handful of no's. Leah and Nate break down why those roadblocks trip up so many people, and what actually moves the needle when you are starting from zero. They also get honest about the slow, unglamorous grind that quietly decides who makes it and who walks away. Chapters: 00:04:51 — Why She Walked Away From Influencing 00:06:26 — The Opportunity She Expected to Hate 00:09:30 — How She Reached $10K by Month Six 00:12:25 — What Finally Made Camera Work Feel Natural 00:15:23 — The Teleprompter Fix Most Creators Miss 00:18:03 — The Fear Holding Back Creators Over 40 00:21:30 — The Daily Routine That Filled Her Pipeline 00:24:14 — Cheap Jobs Can Accelerate Your Growth 00:27:23 — The Real Reason Clients Keep Coming Back 00:29:28 — The UGC Myth Beginners Still Believe 00:32:06 — Why Faceless Content Is Losing Its Advantage 00:35:30 — The Content Style Brands Want Now 00:42:42 — The Strategy That Eventually Creates Momentum They get into why on-camera delivery matters more now than ever, and where AI fits in. Leah argues your age is the niche, not the obstacle, and Nate makes the case that the creators putting their face on camera are the ones brands can't replace. Press play and learn how to land that first win before you talk yourself out of it. Leah's Portfolio: leahhamill.com/ugc UGC CREATOR CLUB: ugc.thrivecart.com/ugc-creator-club If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What do you do when you open the brief for a job you just booked and not one single person in it looks anything like you? Host Nate Flake is joined by Velma Canaday, a full-time UGC creator who says that happens on nearly every brief that lands in her inbox. Velma talks about what that does to your confidence before you have even pressed record. She also gets into the part nobody says out loud, which is that she watched a beginner quote the same rate she did, for less work, and not get negotiated down the way she was. She came to UGC the long way around. Ten years in tech in DC with a master's in computer science. A leggings business that ate through forty thousand dollars in savings. A layoff she saw coming the moment HR showed up in the room. Chapters: 00:09:21 — The UGC Opportunity She Finally Took Seriously 00:15:24 — What Had to Change to Reach $10K 00:17:44 — The Skill She Had Been Avoiding 00:22:02 — The 125 Applications That Paid Off Years Later 00:25:33 — Why Her Best Niche Wasn’t What She Expected 00:28:06 — How to Sell a Product You Don’t Love 00:29:30 — The Income Ceiling Most Creators Miss 00:31:20 — Her Biggest Weakness in the UGC Business 00:43:17 — When Equal Work Gets Paid Differently 00:48:33 — The Next Ceiling She Has to Break Through 00:51:14 — How She’s Building Beyond Brand Deals If you have ever wondered whether this industry has room for you, because of your age or how you look, this episode gives you a real answer instead of a comfortable one. Press play and learn how she keeps getting hired, and she explains exactly what she does to make that happen. Velma's: Instagram Velma's portfolio: https://canva.link/velma-ugc-portfolio If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the job you hate is your ticket into UGC? Host Nate sits down with Emily Hou, a former tech worker who walked away from a burnout corporate job and built a real UGC business in about a year, starting with zero video experience. You'll hear how she landed her first brand deal, why her old career became her secret weapon, and how she turned "I have no clue what I'm doing" into paid work. Nate also came from corporate too, so this one lands hard for anyone stuck at a desk watching the clock. Emily is honest about the messy start, and that honesty is exactly why her advice actually helps. Once you start getting brand offers, how do you tell a real deal from a trap? Nate and Emily break down the new wave of Canvas UGC deals, the ones offering huge video counts for tiny pay, and the exact questions to ask before you sign anything that could lock you in for months. Chapters: 00:01:22 – The Moment UGC Started Feeling Possible 00:02:10 – The Hidden Work Nobody Sees 00:03:23 – When UGC Became Plan A 00:04:37 – The First Paid Deal She Never Talks About 00:05:47 – How Her Tech Background Became the Advantage 00:07:30 – The First Brand Call That Changed Everything 00:08:21 – Why Vibes Matter More Than Creators Think 00:11:51 – The Human Element AI Can’t Replace 00:14:41 – The Clients That Carry Slow Months 00:17:16 – The Tech UGC Confusion Creators Miss 00:20:22 – Why Canvas UGC Can Become a Trap 00:22:00 – The Skill Canvas UGC Actually Builds 00:28:30 – The Performance Bonus Problem 00:34:30 – The Contract Mistake New Creators Make 00:48:52 – Why Breakdowns Might Be the Best Sign Emily gets into why fear and excitement are the same feeling wearing different masks, and how one choice decides whether you freeze or move. Once that clicks, quitting the thing that drains you stops feeling impossible . Press play and learn how to turn your background, your fear, and your first awkward video into your first paid gig. Emily’s portfolio: https://emilyfeihou.my.canva.site/emily-hou-ugc Emily’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feifei.creative/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now Are you charging your worth or are you still scared every client will disappear the second you raise your prices? In this solo Q&A episode, Nate Flake answers listener questions and breaks down the one move that helped him start hitting 10K months and eventually quit his corporate job: raising his prices and actually standing firm. He also talks about that quiet stretch after you raise your rates when nothing comes in and you start wondering if you just ruined everything. You’ll learn why so many creators panic too early, drop their prices back down, and miss the results they were right on the edge of getting. Nate also gets into one of the bigger debates in UGC: what happens when you’re asked to promote a product you don’t personally think is the best? His take might change how you think about your role as a creator. He also breaks down what actually makes a brand choose one creator over another when the content quality looks the same. Chapters: 01:44 — The Money Move Most Creators Avoid 04:09 — When UGC Starts Feeling Like Acting 12:05 — Why Brands Pick Someone Else 13:43 — The Fastest Creator Wins 17:07 — Your Fiverr Profile Is Costing You 19:23 — The Mock Video Mistake 21:03 — The AI Tools Nate Actually Uses 22:08 — What to Do When Deals Slow Down 25:33 — When Revisions Are More Than Revisions 28:30 — The Niche Advice Nate Rejects 30:04 — When Brands Change the Brief 34:02 — How Nate Batches Without Burning Out You’ll also get practical tips for optimizing your Fiverr profile, creating a mock video that actually sells your work, batching shoots without wasting golden hour, and knowing what to say when a brand tries to turn a simple revision into a full reshoot. Stay until the end for Nate’s slow-season strategy, because sitting around waiting for Fiverr or brand deals to magically pick back up is not a business plan . Press play and learn how to stop reacting to your UGC business and start running it. If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now You're working full-time and grinding on UGC. Is it actually possible to do both? Host Nate Flake sits down with Joshua Abel, a guy who chased Hollywood in his 20s, spent five years going on auditions, and walked away when life got in the way. He bounced through careers, burned out running his own agency, and ended up hauling steel plates on a factory floor. A lot of us have taken the long road to figure out what we actually want. In his fourth month doing UGC, Joshua hit $10K. He was still showing up to work every day. He hadn't quit yet. In this episode, he breaks down what that grind actually looked like. The early morning gym sessions, the outbound emails on lunch breaks, the videos filmed between meetings. And why that season was worth every exhausting minute of it. Chapters: 00:06:30 - The Small Town Exit Plan 00:08:31 - The Dream He Quietly Gave Up On 00:11:31 - The Fear That Kept Him Playing Safe 00:14:49 - The Job That Started Eating His Life 00:16:22 - One TikTok Scroll Changed the Plan 00:18:30 - The Morning Routine That Built Momentum 00:19:32 - The Month Everything Suddenly Took Off 00:22:02 - The Raise, Remote Work, and Time Back 00:29:07 - Why He Had an Unfair Advantage 00:32:00 - The Second Chance He Refused to Waste 00:34:34 - The Fear That Never Fully Goes Away 00:38:46 - The Community That Felt Completely Different 00:41:24 - The Hardest Part Wasn’t the Work 00:46:30 - Corporate Safety Is an Illusion 00:51:41 - The Shift From Creator to CEO This one is for you if you feel like you started too late or have too much going on to make this work. Joshua gets into the mindset shift that made staying at his job feel like a choice instead of a trap, and why that one change made him better at UGC, not worse. Some people find their things early, but Joshua proves you can find it later and still go all in. Press play and learn what UGC does for you beyond the money. The confidence, the community, the second chance. Joshua’s Portfolio: www.joshuaaugccreator.com If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now You've filmed the script. You edited the video. You delivered the work. So why are you chasing invoices and not getting paid? Most creators don't think about income protection until they've already been burned. Nate sits down with Grace Tabib, co-founder of DuPay, to talk about what it actually takes to run your UGC business like a business, starting from the very first deal, not after something goes wrong. If you've ever wondered whether you need a contract, what to do when a brand ghosts you, or how to stop chasing invoices and start creating, this episode is your answer. Chapters: 06:38 - Why Contracts Still Scare Creators 07:30 - The Problem Starts Earlier 08:34 - The Saturation Myth Breaks 10:15 - Where Creators Lose Control 11:54 - The Tiny Details That Get You Paid 13:36 - Why AI Can Cost You Money 16:26 - The Demand Letter That Changed Everything 18:39 - The Stamp Brands Recognize 20:30 - The Contract Generator Creators Needed 23:49 - The Watermark Red Flag 24:47 - What Happens When Brands Ghost 27:44 - Where UGC Is Really Headed 30:38 - The Money Creators Forget to Chase 34:27 - The Million Dollar Payoff Grace breaks down the tools DuPay built after reviewing hundreds of creator contracts, and explains exactly where most unpaid invoice problems actually start. Spoiler: it's not at the end of the project. Nate and Grace get into the real numbers too. DuPay has recovered over $1 million for more than 750 creators. The part that sticks is this: most of those creators had already given up on ever seeing that money. The conversation shifts from chasing money to building the kind of business that doesn't have to. Press play and learn how to stop chasing invoices and start getting paid. Protect your contracts, invoices, and payments: https://dupayme.com/ Use code NATE25 for annual plan or NATE10 for 1st Month If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now Are you spending more time on emails and invoices than actually making content? Host Nate Flake sits down with Nia and Tanner, a professional model-turned-UGC creator and her software engineer co-founder, for one of the most grounded conversations about what it actually takes to run UGC like a real business. Nia brings 14 years of modeling experience and a firsthand look at how UGC opened up a new path beyond traditional modeling. Tanner brings the systems thinking, product background, and AI-powered tool they built to solve a problem almost every creator quietly deals with: Admin Overload. You’ll hear what brands are really complaining about when they work with creators, and it’s probably not what you think. Nia breaks down the mistakes that cost creators repeat bookings, from inconsistent content quality to unclear communication, and the simple habits that make brands want to keep working with you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed juggling pitches, invoices, revisions, follow-ups, and content all at once, this episode speaks directly to that chaos. Nia and Tanner built Beeasy.ai after seeing how much time creators lose to admin and after Nia realized she had thousands of dollars tied up in invoices she forgot to send or follow up on. Chapters: 05:26 - The Accidental Start That Became UGC 06:22 - The Skims Strategy Nobody Sees 08:49 - How She Started Pitching Brands 10:22 - The Relationship That Keeps Paying 12:30 - The Moment UGC Finally Felt Real 14:54 - Why Influencers Are Losing Ground 19:30 - The Portfolio Mistake Costing Creators Deals 23:21 - The $15,000 Invoice Problem 29:30 - When Creators Started Pulling Out Credit Cards 35:52 - The Admin Secret Everyone Breaks On 42:00 - What Brands Actually Hate 46:52 - The Question That Saves Every Reshoot 54:52 - The Advice Every New Creator Needs You’ll learn why admin is the silent killer of most UGC careers and what you can do about it before it starts costing you time, money, and repeat work. Pay close attention to Nia’s advice around briefs and communication. One simple habit that can save you from reshoots, protect your time, and make brands trust you more. Press play and learn how to stop running your UGC business like a hobby and start treating it like the real career it can be. Stop Chasing Invoices. Start Cashing Them: www.beeasy.ai/ Nia's portfolio: https://alegriaaa.co/ If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if the skills you already have are worth more in UGC than anything you could learn from scratch? The skills Casey Leigh already used every day in the classroom gave her a head start in UGC that most creators never realize they already have. Host Nate Flake and Casey break down exactly how teaching translated into brand deals, persuasive content, and long-term creator success. Learn how to handle difficult clients without burning out, when to walk away from lowball offers, and how Casey turned a $200 offer into a $950 deal. If you’ve ever lowered your rates because you were scared the work would dry up, this episode will change how you think about your value. Chapters: 00:03:02 - Why Teachers Are Secretly Built for This 00:04:08 - The Skill She Didn’t Realize Was Valuable 00:05:08 - The Part Nobody Warns You About 00:06:42 - The Red Flags That Cost Creators Money 00:08:04 - The Lesson Bad Clients Teach Fast 00:09:27 - The $200 Deal That Changed Everything 00:11:08 - Why Most Creators Stay Stuck Charging Low Rates 00:12:14 - The Saturation Lie Everyone Believes 00:17:14 - Why Teaching Feels Exactly Like UGC 00:20:31 - The Hook Strategy That Stops People Instantly 00:29:18 - The Teleprompter Trick That Makes Scripts Feel Natural 00:33:27 - The Hidden Advantage Teachers Already Have 00:40:18 - The AI Tool Changing How She Lands Deals 00:45:02 - The Pitch That Landed a Major Brand 00:47:23 - The Creator Shortcut She Wishes Existed Earlier Most creators spend too much time wondering whether their past experience even matters in this industry. Casey explains how to turn the skills you already have whether from teaching, corporate work, or another career into content brands actually want to pay for. Stay until the end because Casey shares the AI tool she built called Unscripted Creator. It researches brands, identifies gaps in their marketing, and helps creators write scripts that sound natural to their own voice. Press play and learn how to build the kind of creator skillset that turns one-off gigs into long-term retainer clients. Connect with Casey: https://caseyleighcreatives.com/ Try Brand Intelligence for FREE: unscripted.caseyleighugc.com The Complete Unscripted Creator System: (Discount code: UGC101): HERE If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Join the FREE UGC Webinar: Learn how you can start today Never posted a video in your life and think you're too late to start? Host Nate Flake welcomes Brenda Seider, a 51-year-old creator who had no video experience, no portfolio, and no clue what UGC was when she started. 14 months later, she had replaced her corporate job with a full-time creator business powered largely by inbound brand deals. Both Nate and Brenda came from corporate jobs that were quietly draining them dry. This conversation is brutally honest about what the leap actually costs and what it gives back. Chapters: 00:02:12 - The Job That Broke Her 00:03:11 - The Anonymous TikTok Secret 00:08:21 - Why Her First Brand Video Failed 00:10:18 - The Mistake Most New Creators Make 00:11:46 - The $50 Video That Took 5 Hours 00:13:18 - The Confidence Nobody Talks About 00:15:07 - The Corporate Wake-Up Call 00:21:27 - The Inbounds Finally Started 00:26:18 - The 60-Day Gamble 00:27:55 - The Month Everything Went Quiet 00:28:51 - The Toxic Fallout After Quitting 00:35:48 - Why Brands Kept Messaging Her 00:42:31 - The Truth About $10K Months Brenda spent five hours filming her first $50 Fiverr video. She never went viral, she just kept showing up every single day and learning in public. Eventually, brands started flooding her inbox. Press play and learn what consistency over perfection actually looks like in real life. Connect with Brenda: https://brendaunfolded.com If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

FREE call - Start UGC and land brand deals with 0 experience: HERE Busy does not have to mean stuck. What if there was a system that made UGC actually fit into your life the way it already is, not the life you wish you had? Today's guest had to shut down her six-figure photography studio overnight when her daughter was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease. With no income and no plan, she had to figure out a way to build her UGC business that worked around her life, not the other way around. Nate Flake sits down with Brooke Embry, a mom and co-founder of Creator Desk. You will learn the system she built now lets her film just one or two days a week, and still be present for her family. And why the brands keep coming back. Chapters: 00:02:11 – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything 00:06:12 – The Biggest Difference Between Amazon and UGC 00:07:42 – The Creator Who Changed Her Entire Approach 00:08:47 – The Pitching Strategy That Got Early Replies 00:10:04 – When UGC Finally Felt Sustainable 00:16:02 – The Unexpected Opportunities UGC Created 00:18:05 – The Scheduling Mistake That Nearly Burned Her Out 00:24:06 – The Red Flag Most New Creators Ignore 00:31:02 – How She Turns Repeat Clients Into Retainers 00:42:03 – Why AI Might Actually Help UGC Creators They get into the questions new creators are too scared to ask out loud. What do you say to a brand when you can't film for two more weeks? How do you set boundaries without losing the client? When do you stop waiting to be invited into a retainer and just go get one? Her answers are practical, honest, and not what most people expect. Press play and learn one specific freebie she offers retainer clients that makes brands say yes almost every time. Brooke's Portfolio: www.theblissfulbrooke.com Sign-up for Creator Desk: www.thecreatordesk.com If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Are you exhausted spending hours hopping between platforms just to find UGC jobs? There's a creator who got tired of the same grind and built the solution herself. Host Nate Flake sits down with Paula Hlavacek, co-founder of Wovvo and a UGC creator who's been in the game for four years. She's built a platform that pulls opportunities from X, Reddit, Backstage, Coley, Vidova, and more into one dashboard. They get into why your X profile is your first impression, and brands are judging it before they ever watch your video. Paula breaks down what a strong profile actually looks like, why your wins need to be framed for brands not other creators, and what skills are quietly separating good UGC creators from great ones. Chapters: 00:04:55 – Burnout From Platform Hopping 00:05:32 – The WhatsApp Group That Scaled Quietly 00:06:20 – Turning Free Value Into a Business 00:07:02 – What is Wovvo? 00:08:28 – Monetizing an Idea Before It Exists 00:11:10 – Quitting the Job and Going All In 00:12:45 – The Effort Most Creators Skip 00:16:12 – Why Your Profile Is Costing You Deals 00:18:02 – Posting for Brands vs Creators 00:20:18 – Content That Actually Converts 00:23:10 – How Wovvo Finds Opportunities 00:25:05 – Why Searching Jobs Wastes Time 00:29:05 – Fixing the Application Process 00:34:08 – Why Quality Matters More Now 00:36:02 – Treating Rejection Like Data 00:41:02 – What’s Coming in Wovvo 3.0 If you've been stuck in the cycle of applying and hearing nothing back, this episode gets at why. Paula talks through how to evaluate what's not working, how to think like a brand, and why showing up consistently matters more than showing up perfectly. Press play and learn how one creator stopped waiting for the right platform and built it herself and what that mindset can do for your UGC career starting today. Link to Resources Footnote for Every Podcast Join: https://www.wovvo.ai/ Attend the Live Event June 17th in Vancouver: https://creatorscollab.ca/ Paula's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thisgirlpppaula/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thisgirlpppaula If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

What if your accent, your background, or starting from zero actually made you more desirable to brands? Host Nate Flake welcomes Luiz Walters, who moved from Brazil with limited resources and turned UGC into a full-time business. How he got there is a story you don’t want to miss. He did not grow up dreaming of making brand videos. He came to the US as a camp counselor, worked multiple jobs to stay afloat, and eventually landed the kind of corporate role everyone tells you to want. Then everything changed, and the path that opened up was one he never saw coming. If you have ever felt like your accent, your story, or your starting point puts you at a disadvantage, this episode challenges that directly. Luiz shows how those differences can become your edge. Chapters: 00:02:06 – Arriving in the U.S. With No Plan 00:03:12 – Randomly Sent to Oklahoma 00:06:02 – Family Pressure and Identity Struggles 00:08:05 – Leaving Brazil Without a Return Plan 00:13:02 – Working Two Jobs Just to Survive 00:14:05 – Finding Love While Struggling 00:16:08 – Discovering UGC by Accident 00:18:10 – First Big Deal Changes Everything 00:21:52 – Deciding to Go All In on UGC 00:22:45 – Learning Pitching and Taking Action 00:25:18 – Learning Negotiation and Follow-Up 00:26:05 – Getting Laid Off at the Right Time 00:29:38 – Turning an Accent Into an Advantage 00:34:18 – Becoming a UGC Coach 00:37:05 – Why Brands Will Hire You Luiz gets honest about the moments that almost stopped him before he ever got started. You will hear what it actually looks like to rebuild confidence, step away when needed, and come back with more clarity. There is a moment toward the end of this conversation that reframes how you think about consistency and results. It is worth sticking around for. Press play and learn from someone who bet on himself and made it work. Work with Luiz: https://ugcluizwalters.my.canva.site If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live. We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof. April 30 - May 2nd. Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person. Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/ Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST (Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!) FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now • Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates • UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com 🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE) ⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).