Today, we’d like to introduce you to Loren Evon.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to the Tampa Bay Area a few weeks before the COVID shutdown.
(Crazy – I know) I previously was an ultrasound tech, but as you can probably guess, the pickings were few and far between, especially with COVID. I always knew I wanted to pursue my own business while doing something that fulfilled my creative side. I spent my first 3.5 years working as a Personal Assistant and Social Media Manager. Through this, I came across UGC, a.k.a. User Generated Content.
Social media isn’t going anywhere – and that’s where I come in. In a nutshell, I create content for brands to use on their socials. Why? For brand and product awareness, to bring authenticity, increase engagement, and ultimately convert to sales.
Brands have been using UGC for years to show authenticity and bring about social proof. It’s also MUCH more cost-effective for the brand – instead of hiring an entire production team, they hire me to model, shoot the content, and edit. It’s a win-win!
Today, I work with major beauty brands and get paid to record myself filming GRWM’s, while just a few months ago, I thought this was only the things of silly daydreams. I never believed I would be able to create a personal brand via Instagram and TikTok and make my dreams come true.
If you had told me two years ago this would be where I am today, I wouldn’t believe it. Just know you never truly know what you’re capable of until you try, and if you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying hard enough.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle anyone has to overcome in this industry is FEAR.
The fear of judgment from peers and the general fear of showing up to strangers on the big wide world of the web. I can tell you this – the fear dissipated immediately when I posted. You just have to do it. And instead of what my mind thought I would discover (internet trolls, general hate), I discovered a community of like-minded and supportive strong women.
As with any business, if you want to be successful, you have to be consistent. Consistency is the KEY to being successful as a UGC Creator. It’s not a side hustle; if you treat it as a hobby – that’s all it ever will be. Going from working for someone else in a corporate position to managing business processes on your own is a MAJOR adjustment, and self-accountability will take you a long way.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It only takes one look at my social media to know that I may have a slightly unhealthy obsession with skincare and beauty. Which, without surprise, led me to a niche in the beauty industry.
I absolutely love showcasing both large and small businesses. A lot of brands may want a GRWM just showcasing their product being used by me or a tutorial of sorts. It’s fun but not my favorite.
When I get free creative range – that’s when I flourish. I love incorporating macro shots of product texture or packaging in a visually aesthetic way and just bringing a studio feel to the brand while keeping that flair of authenticity they want.
Every creator has their own techniques and editing skills, which I think are amazing. A brand can come to me and my best friend with the same product and get two totally different creative concepts.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To trust in myself and to believe in myself more. Most people only see what’s on social media, and they probably think the best part about being a content creator for brands is the best part of seeing your face on their social media page.
The most rewarding aspect has been my newfound self-love and confidence. Going on a limb and completely trusting in your vision and seeing it succeed is a feeling that can’t be bought or even described. This hasn’t just been a journey of starting a business – it’s been a complete transformational process.
Pricing:
- 1-2 Reels: $200 – $350
- Paid Usage Rights: 30%
- Hooks (Visual or Written): $100 – $150
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenevon.ugc/
Image Credits
Loren Evon – UGC Creator
