We had the good fortune of connecting with Yaroslava Hnatiuk and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Yaroslava, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my journey as a UGC creator has been discovering the power of personal branding. When I first started, I didn’t fully realize how essential it was to showcase who I am alongside the brands I work with.
One key lesson for me has been to “fake it till you make it.” I learned to show up, even on tough days, and to quiet the comparison thoughts that often creep in. There will always be others who seem more accomplished or polished, but I try to focus on my growth instead of getting caught up in that.
I realized that creating content brings not just good money but also personal satisfaction. Everything from the collaboration process with brands to seeing the final pieces I’ve worked on featured on their social media, META ads, and websites is incredibly fulfilling. I make it a point to show up consistently across three social media platforms, with a primary focus on Instagram, where I share my work examples and anything UGC-related. This visibility is crucial; it’s how brands and agencies discover me.
I believe it’s important to share your journey on social media, especially when your work is so closely connected to it. When challenges arise, I remind myself of the small milestones I’ve achieved and the progress I’ve made along the way. For me, moving forward is what matters most. Embracing this process has shifted my perspective, and I’m committed to continually learning and growing as a creator.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about creating content that connects with people and showcases the brands I work with. I love capturing the emotions and experiences behind a product, not just the product itself. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built in the UGC community and the trust I’ve earned from brands along the way.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There were times when I felt uncertain and faced challenges, especially in finding my unique voice. But I leaned on the support of fellow creators and kept pushing myself to improve.
It’s worth mentioning that UGC isn’t an easy way to make money. While some may see it as just silly little videos, I’ve experienced firsthand how those videos can have a significant impact on your finances, self-perception, and confidence.
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 the area, I would prioritize nature over crowded urban spots. One of my favorite ways to spend the day is by taking a trip to Treasure Island Beach. The beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Alternatively, I’d suggest taking a short train ride to Santa Barbara, often referred to as the American Riviera. The stunning coastline and charming downtown area offer plenty of opportunities to explore, dine, and unwind. We could spend our days soaking up the sun on the beach, enjoying delicious meals at local restaurants, and discovering the unique shops and art galleries.
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’d love to give a shoutout to my husband, whose strong belief in me was the final push I needed to start my UGC career, and to the amazing UGC community of fellow creators who have been there for me on this journey. Their support and encouragement have made such a difference! Whether it’s through messages or comments, these connections have helped me tackle challenges and grow as a creator. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the collaborative spirit and love of everyone around me!
Website: https://ugcgloria.com/
Instagram: @ugc_gloria