Meet Maggie Hlebarova | UGC Creator & Social Media Manager

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

Hi Maggie, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I used to model in between studying, and when I left my agency to focus on my college degree, I did a business degree, and a Masters in Marketing, knowing that I always want to work in a creative role. Throughout the years I’ve worked in different social media roles at startups, but I never truly felt fulfilled or excited. I don’t like to be tied down to one thing and work for someone else. I like to have flexibility, and freedom, so I could do all of the things I love, including travel. The turning point for me was when I started to notice my job was starting to affect my mental health. I no longer felt the work-life balance & knew I had to leave. I wasn’t sure what the next step was for me, but I knew I had to give myself time to get through that burnout and eventually I would have more clarity on what the next step is for me. After giving myself a few months time to think what I could do in order to work for myself, and not have to report to anyone, I noticed how big UGC was becoming across the different channels. I knew I was good at creating content so I started to create sample videos on products I already owned, so I could build up my portfolio. I eventually joined a few UGC platforms that connect creators to brands, and the rest is history!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As of today, I am a freelance UGC creator, and social media manager, having worked with over 500+ brands in the past 2 years. I am so proud of how far I’ve come! I now get to work for myself, control how much I work, and constantly work with new brand partners! My work days are never dull, instead full of creative inspiration, getting to know new brand ethos, and creating quality content that converts. I’ve recieved such powerful testimonials from clients, and that gives me fuel and motivation to keep going, knowing I am in the right place and lead with purpose. If I had not decided to leave my startup role in order to pursue working for myself, I would not be able to do this today. It was not easy taking a risk and leap of faith, but it is so rewarding knowing I get to do something I love now. I’ve learned so much during this whole process, but as cliche as it sounds, follow your heart. Life is too short to do something that you don’t enjoy. It’s also okay to try multiple things in order to see what is the right fit! That may take years and that’s okay. If someone told me I would be doing UGC work for my own clients a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in LA is interesting, because each area is like a different country. So depending on what you feel like doing, you have options! I personally love spending time in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills during the weekdays, some of my favorite restaurants are there. I would have a cozy brunch at Il Pastaio, and maybe do some shopping after! And on weekends I love doing a hike in Malibu/Palisades & then going for lunch somewhere in Malibu – either Taverna Tony, Geoffreys or Nobu. Or, if I am really casually dressed (especially after a long hike), I also like to grab some food at whole foods & then go chill at one of the more private and secluded beaches in Malibu (I have a secret location), and have a picnic & journal.

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 isn’t a specific person I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to, but definitely the whole UGC creator community! It is such a new role in the social media world, and if it wasn’t for all of the girls who tweet vulnerably about their journey, posting stories, how-to’s, sharing pitch decks, pricing strategies, etc – I’m not sure if I could’ve gotten to this place I am today without that valuable insight and knowledge. Having these resources around you is a big stepping stone. I’d also want to recognize how supportive and encouraging my boyfriend has been throughout this whole journey. He was so patient & understanding with me, and helped me build my business.

Website: https://maggieportfolio.my.canva.site/ugc

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiehlebarova/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearmags?lang=en