We recently connected with Alana Calviello and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in content creation right now is the shift towards authenticity. After years of watching large influencers dominate the space, people are starting to feel disconnected from the perfectly curated, luxury-focused content. It feels out of touch, and audiences are craving something more relatable—creators who remind them of themselves and the people they know in real life. They want to see content that feels real and attainable.

It kind of reminds me of that scene in 13 Going on 30 where Jenna wants to revamp the magazine with relatable photos featuring everyday people instead of famous models. That’s exactly what’s happening now—there’s a growing emphasis on micro-influencers who bring a sense of genuine relatability and authenticity to the table.

Another trend I love is the rise of community events that foster deeper connections. A great example is CreateHers, an event I’ve attended a few times, which has been a huge success in bringing creators together to network and support one another.

Personally, I love where this trend is heading. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of many large influencers, but they’ve almost become celebrities at this point, and to many viewers, that can feel unattainable or even unauthentic. I know so many small creators who are incredibly talented and capable of producing amazing content that genuinely resonates with audiences and drives sales for brands.

From my own experience, I’ve found that my most successful content on TikTok Shop comes from simply talking to the camera like I’m chatting with a friend—no script, no fancy production, just me being myself. That kind of raw, unscripted content is what people are connecting with the most right now, and I think it’s such an exciting opportunity for smaller creators to thrive.

Alana , 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?

Hi, I’m Alana, a 28-year-old full-time accountant and content creator. I’ve been working as an accountant for seven years, but for a long time, I felt unfulfilled in my career. I spent countless hours working long days, feeling stuck and craving a creative outlet that could bring more joy into my life. In 2023, I stumbled upon a few TikToks about UGC (User Generated Content) which is content created by everyday consumers to showcase products in a relatable and authentic way. It was something I could do from home with just my iPhone and minimal startup costs, and I was immediately intrigued.

Once I got comfortable on camera, I became obsessed with the process. I spent every free moment building my side hustle—filming example ads, reaching out to brands, and engaging with an incredible online community. Over the course of a few months, I not only built a successful business but also found the creative outlet I was searching for. My background in accounting turned out to be a huge asset because all the admin and business logistics came naturally to me. The challenge and the thrill came from learning how to film, edit, and market products in a way that resonates with audiences.

The real breakthrough happened when I started selling on TikTok Shop. Just two weeks in, I had my first viral video, and things took off from there. In my first full month, I hit five figures, and within five months, I had multiple viral videos and achieved incredible financial success—all by being myself and talking directly to the camera. In December alone, I generated $100K GMV, and that’s something I’m extremely proud of.

For my clients, my goal is to make their products relatable and engaging, highlighting key features and ultimately driving sales. My approach is simple but effective: I rarely script my videos, and instead, I just start talking like I’m chatting with a friend. What sets me apart is my consistency, confidence, and authenticity. I believe the best content comes from a genuine love for the products I promote, and I think that sincerity shines through in my videos.

What I want people to know is that you can truly do anything you set your mind to—but it all starts with believing in yourself. I used to think I wasn’t creative enough to be a content creator because, well, I was just a “boring accountant.” But stepping outside of that mindset and embracing my personality is what brought me success. Whether you’re looking to get into content creation or take your brand to the next level, know that authenticity and passion are the keys to making it happen.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

Content creation offers a diverse range of revenue streams, making it an incredibly scalable business. I generate income through UGC fees, where brands pay me to create content they can use across their platforms, and ad usage fees, which allow brands to run my content as paid ads for a specific period of time. Affiliate sales through TikTok Shop and discount codes provide an ongoing revenue stream, earning commissions from product sales driven by my authentic, relatable content. Retainer deals are another significant income source, where I work with brands on a monthly basis to produce and post a set number of videos, ensuring consistent engagement. Additionally, I offer creative strategy and social media management services, helping brands develop content strategies and maximize their online presence. Beyond content creation, I have the ability share my expertise through coaching, guiding aspiring creators on pitching brands, developing content strategies, and monetizing their work. Something I’m thinking about expanding into is selling digital products such as guides, templates, and mini-courses that empower others to succeed in the industry.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the incredible sense of community that comes with it. It started as simply posting content online and has evolved into forming genuine connections with so many like-minded people—some of whom have become real-life friends. We interact on each other’s posts, share experiences, and build friendships over time that go beyond just content creation. The community is so supportive, always offering advice, celebrating wins, and lifting each other up during challenges. It’s amazing to see how we all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, yet we’re all pursuing the same goals and finding success in our own unique ways. Watching others grow, hit milestones, and achieve things they once thought were impossible is so inspiring and rewarding. Whether it’s sharing tips on brand collaborations, cheering each other on through viral moments, or simply having a space to vent and be understood, the sense of community and encouragement is unmatched. The creative space isn’t just about making content; it’s about making real connections and being part of something bigger than yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alanaroseugc.my.canva.site/alana-rose
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanarosesocials/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_alanacalvs?_t=8qoqVIyUqb8&_r=1