Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Depoian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

Absolutely! In fact, I built my business *on* taking vacations. I started as a travel content creator because I was an International Studies major in college. Traveling has always been a top priority for me. I like to think of me and travel as a package deal. Travel has always been a source of inspiration for me—new places, cultures, and experiences spark creativity and fresh ideas that fuel my business. But I get it—many entrepreneurs feel like stepping away, even for a short break, will cause everything to fall apart. The truth? Taking time off *actually* makes you a better business owner.

First, let’s talk mindset. As entrepreneurs, we often tie our identity to our business. It feels like if we’re not constantly *in it*, things will stop running. But the key to sustainable success isn’t working 24/7—it’s creating systems that allow the business to function without you for a short period. If you can’t step away for a few days, that’s a sign that something in your business needs adjusting.

So how do you make it work? Here’s what I’ve done to balance being a business-owner while still taking time to travel.

1. **Automate and Delegate:** Before I step away for any trip, I make sure I have automated systems for key tasks. Whether it’s email pitching, social media scheduling, or other automation tools- these things keep my business running so I don’t feel like I am missing anything by taking a few days off.

2. **Set Boundaries and Expectations:** Let your clients and audience know you’ll be away ahead of time. I am always transparent with brands on when I am traveling so our expectations can be in alignment. Most times, they are super understanding and we work around my trips.

3. **Start Small:** If a week-long vacation feels impossible right now, start with a long weekend. See how things run without you, then tweak your systems for a longer break next time.

4. **Trust Yourself:** If you’ve built a solid foundation, your business *won’t* crumble in a few days. Taking a break gives you fresh energy and perspective. I’ve had some of my *best* ideas while sitting on a beach or exploring a new city.

In the end, for me at least, travel is essential for the growth of my business. I know as business-owners it can feel like taking time off means you’re missing out on making money or missing opportunities, but the reality is it’s giving your brain time to rest and come back better than ever. Your business should support *your* life, not the other way around. Step away, recharge, and watch how it benefits both you *and* your business in the long run. 🌍✨

Anna, 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 Anna Depoian, and I am a full time Events & Experiences Specialist and a part time Content Creator and Creative Strategist. I am now 23, but about a year ago, I built a career that blends creativity, strategy, and storytelling in a way that allows me to work on projects I truly care about. I always knew I didn’t want to take the traditional corporate path. Growing up in a family where my parents worked outside of the corporate world, I saw that success doesn’t have to follow a set formula. I wanted to build something of my own—something I was passionate about that also gave me the freedom to be creative and make an impact.

I started my career in events and marketing, where I gained firsthand experience in brand activations, campaign development, and audience engagement. While I loved the fast-paced nature of events and love all the opportunities to travel, I knew I also wanted to blend more of my personality into my job and feel like I had more say in the direction of my work. That’s when I discovered user-generated content (UGC) and creative strategy—two areas that allow me to combine my skills in marketing, content creation, and brand storytelling.

Now, I help brands connect with their audiences in a way that feels authentic and engaging. As a content creator, I specialize in producing relatable, high-converting video content designed to build trust and drive action. Whether it’s product testimonials, lifestyle integrations, or engaging short-form videos, my focus is always on creating content that resonates with real people. But my work goes beyond just creating content—I also help brands develop a strategy around it. I assist in ideating high-performing campaign concepts, optimizing content for different platforms, and ensuring that a brand’s message is clear and impactful. My background in events and marketing gives me a unique perspective because I understand both the creative and strategic sides of brand growth.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between marketing and content creation. I don’t just make videos for the sake of it; I create with a purpose. I know what brands look for in content, but more importantly, I know what audiences actually engage with. In a digital space that is constantly evolving, I focus on authenticity and long-term strategy rather than just chasing trends. My goal is to help brands tell their stories in a way that feels natural and, ultimately, drives results.

I am most proud of the fact that I have built a business around something I truly love. It may sound weird, because most people are dying to leave their 9-5 jobs to be a content creator, but I love all my jobs. They make me feel fulfilled and the skills I learn at one job, help me at the others. I like that I can travel with my 9-5 job and work on events, then come home and film fun concepts for big brands that I never thought I could work with 2 years ago. I’ve worked with brands that share my values, developed content that has reached wide audiences, and helped businesses grow in ways they never expected. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work is making an impact, whether it’s through a creative campaign or helping a brand refine its message.

For brands looking to create content that not only captures attention but also converts, I bring both creativity and strategy to the table. For those thinking about stepping into content creation or creative strategy, I encourage them to take the leap—there has never been a better time to build something you’re passionate about.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Having multiple revenue streams has been a key factor in my growth as a business owner. As a UGC Creator, Social Media Manager, Creative Strategist, and TikTok Shop Creator, I have developed a diverse skill set that not only increases my income but also makes me more adaptable in an ever-changing digital landscape. Rather than relying on a single source of revenue, I have built a business that allows me to generate income in multiple ways while honing different skills that complement one another.

Each of these roles serves a unique purpose in my business. As a UGC Creator, I work with brands to produce authentic, engaging content that resonates with their audience. This allows me to tap into the growing demand for relatable, high-quality video content while giving me creative freedom in my work. My role as a Social Media Manager builds on this by helping brands develop and execute strategic content plans to grow their online presence. Managing social media accounts for local Rochester brands has strengthened my understanding of audience engagement, content performance, and platform trends—all of which contribute to my ability to create effective campaigns.

Beyond content creation and management, my work as a Creative Strategist allows me to take a more high-level approach. I help brands develop marketing strategies that align with their goals, whether that’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or building a loyal community. This role requires me to think critically about messaging, audience behavior, and long-term content planning. It also ties into my work as a TikTok Shop Creator, where I focus on leveraging e-commerce opportunities through short-form content. This has allowed me to understand not just content marketing but also how to drive sales through social media platforms.

Having multiple revenue streams has given me financial stability and creative flexibility. It allows me to pivot when necessary and continuously expand my expertise. Instead of being locked into one specific niche, I can offer brands a well-rounded approach that integrates content creation, marketing strategy, and sales optimization. This diversity has made me a stronger entrepreneur because I can adapt to industry shifts and offer a more comprehensive service to clients. For any business owner, developing multiple income streams can be a game-changer, not just for financial growth but for professional development as well.

In the future, I hope to offer some 1:1 coaching sessions to up and coming creators. Currently, I do group calls once in a while to teach creators about Social Media Management and Travel UGC. I am also thinking of launching some digital products such as a Travel UGC Guide to help creators get into that niche. I mean who doesn’t want to travel for free or event get PAID to travel? I want to empower creators to feel confident taking on any niche of content or taking jobs as a Social Media Manager if the opportunity arises.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle has grown into something much bigger than I ever expected, but interestingly enough, I’m not even sure that going full-time with content creation or my other ventures is my ultimate goal. I genuinely love what I do in my 9-5, as it continuously opens doors for me and allows me to explore different aspects of marketing and strategy. That being said, in just a year and a half of doing UGC, I’ve unlocked so many new opportunities, and it has definitely taken some financial pressure off. However, I don’t feel like I need to make the switch to full-time because I’ve found a way to balance it all. It’s challenging, no doubt, but why stop doing something that brings both joy and financial benefits?

Some of my biggest milestones over the past year have reinforced just how much my side hustle has evolved. I’ve had the opportunity to work with huge brands like Estée Lauder, Milk Makeup, and Halara—collaborations that once felt out of reach when I first started. One of the most exciting achievements was buying a house, and the down payment was fully funded by my UGC work. On top of that, I landed multiple furniture collaborations, allowing me to furnish my home almost entirely through brand partnerships. These experiences showed me that the work I was doing on the side had real, tangible rewards beyond just extra income.

One of my biggest milestones came last month when I made more from my part-time work than I did from my 9-5. It was a surreal moment and, naturally, people started asking, “Why not just quit and go full-time?” Sure, I could, and one day I might, but I’m in no rush. Right now, I love the balance I’ve created between my full-time job and my personal brand. Diversifying my income streams has given me a sense of security and freedom, and as long as I’m enjoying what I do, I see no reason to choose one over the other. My journey has proven that success doesn’t have to mean an all-or-nothing approach. For now, I’m happy growing my business at my own pace while continuing to explore the endless possibilities that both my career and my side hustles bring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annadepoianugc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annadepoian.ugc/
• Twitter: https://x.com/annadepoian_ugc
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annadep_tts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc