Meet Yana | UGC Creator & Social Media Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yana, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by creativity, independence, and the power of storytelling. My journey started in the fashion industry and eventually expanded into the restaurant space, where I gained an inside look at how brands craft their visual identity. That experience showed me how much thought and emotion go into every detail—and it sparked a lasting fascination with how visual content shapes perception and connection.

I’m also inspired by the growing need for authenticity in the digital world. There’s something incredibly motivating about helping brands tell their stories in a real and engaging way. Whether I’m working with a fashion label or a restaurant, I’m driven by the challenge of creating content that not only looks great but also feels honest. That blend of creativity, intention, and freedom is what keeps me inspired every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I truly feel that this is just the beginning of my career. I can definitely say it hasn’t been easy, but it’s incredibly exciting. Every day is a chance to learn, grow, and improve—and that constant evolution is what keeps me passionate about what I do.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is not to listen to those who try to put you down or limit your potential. It’s so important to believe in yourself and your vision, even when the path gets challenging. I’ve also learned to give myself grace—when I feel burned out, I allow myself to take a break and recharge. But at the same time, I never stop moving forward. I know many people struggle with balancing those things.

My biggest highlight has been realizing that I should always choose myself, my ambitions, and my goals—whether I have support from others or not. That balance between rest and persistence has helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on what matters.

I’m deeply committed to authenticity and creativity. I’m passionate about telling real stories that truly connect, and I’m excited to keep building something meaningful that reflects who I am.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve just had some friends visiting from Europe, so I definitely have a plan! I absolutely love LA, and I wanted to make sure they experienced a mix of the city’s vibrant energy, iconic attractions, and some of the most stunning nature spots in SoCal.

Universal Studios was a must. It’s such a fun way to dive into LA’s film culture, and the rides are always a hit. We spent the whole day there, and it brought out everyone’s inner kid. A day like that always leaves a great impression and creates lasting memories.

Catalina Island was another major highlight. We took the ferry from Long Beach and spent the day exploring Avalon, kayaking, and enjoying the slower pace of island life. It’s such a peaceful escape from the city—and with its European vibe, charming scenery, and great food, it’s definitely Instagram-worthy.

For friends who enjoy hiking, Runyon Canyon is a classic with some of the best LA views. Afterward, I always recommend Korean BBQ—my go-tos are Park’s BBQ or Mapo Chicken. If you’re into rooftop movies (which I love!), check out Cinema Club DTLA for a really fun night under the stars.

We had a full culture day at The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, followed by lunch at Grand Central Market and exploring murals in the Arts District. For dinner, I’d suggest La Bohème in WeHo for jazz and a cozy vibe, or Amour if you want something chic and French-inspired.

I absolutely love Orange County, so I always take people there! The Marina in Newport is such a vibe—grab a coffee, stroll along the docks, and then either pick a waterfront spot for dinner or head to Javier’s in Crystal Cove. So it is my perfect one-day escape.

And of course, Venice Beach. Some of my favorite lunch spots there are Fig Tree and The Butcher’s Daughter. After that, I would suggest to walk through the Venice Canals, explore some local bars, or set up a cute picnic on the beach to enjoy the sunset.

And then maybe split a day between a little shopping in Beverly Hills and a relaxing evening in Santa Monica – walk the pier, , and then head to one of the rooftops, My go to – Calabra, LOULOU, or Elephante.

My list of places is endless, to be honest — but I think these would be my highlights!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are definitely a few people and experiences that deserve recognition in my journey. First, one of my closest friends who supported me from the very beginning, even when I wasn’t exactly sure where this creative path would lead. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to take risks and keep building something on my own terms.

I also want to recognize the creatives I’ve worked with over the years—stylists, photographers, small business owners—people who’ve inspired me through their work and personal stories. Seeing the passion and hustle they put into their craft has been a huge motivator for me.

Finally, I have to give credit to the brands I’ve collaborated with. Being trusted to help bring their vision to life has been such a powerful learning experience.

I’d also like to share two books that have deeply influenced my journey: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, which encourages fearlessness and authenticity in the creative process, and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon, a favorite that explores how to find your voice by learning from others.

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