We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tina Moghaddam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been fortunate to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time content creator for almost a year now, a journey that began unexpectedly when I was let go from my corporate job last December. However, this transition was actually months in the making. During the summer prior, I discovered User-Generated Content (UGC) while browsing TikTok. I saw numerous creators—ordinary people, not influencers—sharing how they were earning $10,000+ per month through UGC. Initially, I was skeptical, assuming it might be a pyramid scheme.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I dove into researching the field. I followed several successful UGC creators on Instagram and essentially became a student of their craft. For months, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about UGC. Creating content had always been a passion of mine; I grew up watching YouTubers and had been vlogging my life since I was 12 years old. However, I had no idea how to monetize my content until then.

At the time, I was already working in social media and marketing, which involved frequent content creation. In fact, at my corporate job, I was responsible for sourcing and managing UGC creators, so I was no stranger to the process. In October, I began building my UGC portfolio using content I had already created for my personal account. By the time I lost my job, I felt prepared to take the leap. Being fired in December turned out to be the push I needed. It felt like the universe was telling me to stop hesitating, ignore external judgments, and fully commit to my passion.

Looking back, I realize that fear held me back for far too long. It took me nearly 10 years to overcome my anxieties and start creating content seriously. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to stop waiting. The best time to start is now. Don’t let fear or the opinions of others hold you back—just take the leap.

Tina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Tina Angelina, and I’m a full-time UGC (User-Generated Content) creator and Creative Strategist. I help brands craft impactful advertisements, develop comprehensive content strategies, and execute their plans effectively. UGC involves creating organic or paid ads for brands without needing to be an influencer. However, it’s a process that requires structure and strategy. To succeed, you need well-crafted scripts with engaging hooks, clear calls-to-action (CTAs), and a solid understanding of consumer behavior and purchasing power.

Staying updated on advertising trends is essential in this field. I frequently utilize resources like TikTok’s Creative Center and Meta’s Ads Library to analyze top-performing ads. Additionally, I draw inspiration from my UGC colleagues and mentors. Being creative can be challenging, so having a network of like-minded professionals to rely on for guidance and support is invaluable.

I started my UGC journey by consistently posting UGC-focused content, following industry leaders, and branding myself as a UGC creator across all social media platforms. This path required a great deal of energy and commitment. In the beginning, I had no roadmap or guidance, but I was determined to make it work. I established a content schedule, posting 2-3 Instagram Reels daily, and actively engaged with the UGC community. At the same time, I expanded my reach by creating a separate X (formerly Twitter) account, building a presence on LinkedIn, and uploading content to YouTube Shorts. I ensured I was consistently visible, especially to brands, because personal branding is crucial for securing partnerships and minimizing the need to “pitch” yourself constantly.

What sets me apart in this space is my authenticity and commitment to staying true to myself. Unfortunately, many creators prioritize sales over honesty, often selling guides or exaggerating their income for views. I believe that authenticity will always take you further in life than pretending to be someone you’re not.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

From an outside perspective, many people assume this job is easy and that all it involves is creating content. However, there is so much more that goes into it than most people realize. Having worked a traditional 9-to-5 job, I can confidently say that this is far more challenging. Leaving a 9-to-5 job means stepping into a 24/7 commitment. When you’re your own boss, your success hinges entirely on the time, effort, and dedication you invest into your business.

The business side of being a UGC creator is often underestimated. Many believe we spend our days doing little, but the reality is vastly different. You are your own business manager, responsible for reading and negotiating contracts (and ensuring there are no liabilities), pitching your services to brands, and managing your personal branding. Additionally, you need to track your finances meticulously, ensuring invoices are sent and payments are received on time.

The work hours are anything but conventional, often involving late-night editing sessions and early-morning shoots. Success in this field is directly proportional to the effort you put in. It’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle. The hours you dedicate to your craft ultimately determine the rewards you reap.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

As a creator, I believe the most impactful way someone can support you is by liking, commenting, reposting, and sharing your content with others. It’s often surprising how many strangers on the internet provide more encouragement and genuine support than some friends or acquaintances in real life.

If you see a friend pursuing their dreams, the simplest yet most meaningful way to show support is through small actions, like leaving a comment or sharing their work. These gestures may seem minor, but they make a significant difference.

I also believe that kindness is something society could embrace more. You never know when the underdog you once overlooked transforms into the alpha. A little support and kindness can go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tinaangelina.com/ugcportfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaangelinaa/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-moghaddam-991668166/
• Twitter: https://x.com/UGCtinaangelina?mx=2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tinaangelinaa/shorts

Image Credits

Tina Angelinas Iphone