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

Hi Annalyse, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My initial thought behind starting my business was finding a way to turn my passion for creativity into a source of income, even with a small following. I was driven by a yearning to create and share meaningful content, and I saw an opportunity to connect with brands in an authentic way, helping them tap into the power of user-generated content.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Happy Brand Media Group, is built on the power of user-generated content (UGC). I started as a micro-influencer, sharing authentic content, and eventually grew into producing paid UGC. Today, I’m fortunate to work with incredible brands like Buzzfeed, Rare Beauty, Vita Coco, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and Notion AI.

What sets me apart is the heart I pour into every piece of content—my attention to detail, videography, and the genuine, fun energy I bring to my work. While the UGC space is competitive, I believe my authenticity and vibrant personality allow me to stand out. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to embrace challenges with an open heart, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. The love and support from the amazing women in the content creator community have made all the difference, as we uplift each other and share brand opportunities. The most exciting moment so far has been achieving paid opportunities and being invited to and attending private in-person events for Rare Beauty, the Frontal Queen, Bigo Live, and TikTok Shop. Another amazing and exciting moment is when Buzzfeed posted my content on their Instagram page! These are moments that have truly marked milestones in my career and made me even more determined to continue growing.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to let go of expectations and trust the process. By staying true to myself and focusing on growth, I’ve achieved so much more than I could have imagined. As I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited to continue creating meaningful content, staying grounded in authenticity, and manifesting even bigger opportunities with a strong sense of community.

I want the world to know that while adding value to my clients, I aim to inspire and encourage others to embrace their creativity, stay authentic, and believe in their ability to achieve more than they ever imagined.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping on the oceanside in Malibu just past Topanga for breathtaking views. We’d hit Venice Beach for skateboarding down the boardwalk and grab ice cream from Turn Dough. For an adventurous day, we’d head to Leo Carrillo or Point Mugu, where we can explore caves, rock climb, and enjoy the stunning coastline. We would have course do some hiking in Topanga Canyon, followed by lunch at Cafe on 27. Other lunch spots would include, Aviator Nation in Malibu or Via Alloro in Beverly Hills, and if we’re in WeHo, we’d check out the Rooftop Bar at the Pendry. One of my absolute favorites is The Rooftop at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills for drinks and decadent food with amazing views. For dinner, we’d indulge in a special meal at Nobu Malibu, or enjoy drinks and tacos at The Rooftop at Edition. Before their trip ends we’d have to grab some street tacos to soak in the true LA culture. For some fun on a night out we would hit Rainbow Bar for live rock music, or grab dinner, drinks, desserts, and do some bull riding at Saddle Ranch. For karaoke and Italian, Paoli’s in Woodland Hills is a must. One night we’d grab a late-night bite at Fat Sal’s in Encino for their famous over-the-top sandwiches. All of these spots, each offering something unique, energize me in different ways, from the laid-back vibes at the beach to the lively atmosphere of a night out. They truly capture the dynamic, vibrant spirit of LA, fueling both my creativity and sense of adventure, and they make me feel alive every time I visit.

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Marvin Williams, CEO and Founder of Big M Entertainment. Marvin is a highly recognized figure in the entertainment industry, having worked with some of Hollywood’s greatest talents. As a mentor and friend, he has been an incredible influence on my creative journey, guiding me through everything from writing and editing to videography. When I didn’t understand my own abilities, Marvin helped me unlock my potential, and it’s thanks to his support that I began content creation and ultimately launched my own company.

Website: https://annalysesummer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annalysesummer

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@annalysesummer

Image Credits
Annalyse Marchetti

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