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

Alright, Katavia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I decided to become a part time UGC Creator (user-generated content) Creator for brands on social media in October of 2022. At the time I was working full time for a healthcare tech company, doing my 9-5 routine and lifestyle, but I was always craving the “what’s my next move?” aka what can I do for my 5-9? I knew I had a love and passion for creating, editing and sharing content on Instagram and Tik Tok. I wanted to start taking content creation more seriously and focus on making valuable, authentic and engaging photos and videos for big and small brands in the skincare, lifestyle, travel and beauty business. Allowing these brands to use the content I create organically or as paid ads on their websites and/or social media platforms. User-generated content has been around since 2005, when brands started to take notice and implementing this as a marketing concept and strategy to bring drive, awareness and consumers to their brand. Now, do I wish I started creating content that was more User-generated focused sooner? Nope, I truly believe I started at just the right time. We are seeing a rise in the need of UGC creators collaborating with brands on social media. I truly believe my timing to jump in and provide my services. The only thing I would change is how long I put off just simply “starting,” I spent so much time mindlessly scrolling on Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook. I knew I always wanted to pursue becoming a full time content creator and it was just a matter of when.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Katavia or Tavia for short. I am the Creative behind UGCbyTavi. I have been creating content since “Myspace,” but I have been taking content creation more seriously since 2020 when I joined Tik tok. I’ve always had a hustler’s drive and competitive spirit since I can remember, I just didn’t know where to put my energy, skills and time, where it would be valued most in the social media marketing space. I started really getting into User-generated Content as a small side hustle in October of 2022. I got on Tik Tok and saw an influx of  information on “How to become a UGC creator” and “What is a UGC creator” and “How to make 10K as a UGC Creator working with brands.” I was skeptical at first, but eager to learn more about “UGC” and how to create content for brands. I started watching youtube to understand the fundamentals of user-generated content and  invested in 1:1 consultations with other creators on Tik Tok that had become successful in UGC and started a business with it. The services I currently offer are product, lifestyle and UGC photography, as well as testimonials, reviews and unboxing videos. I also create short form videos (tik toks/reels) for the brand when it comes to organic or paid ads that they can use to run on their socials. I currently do outreach when looking for collaborations on instagram with brands in the skincare, lifestyle, beauty and fashion niche.

The problem I like to focus on and offer to brands is bringing awareness, return on investment when it comes to a paid ad and helping the brand build a diverse and loyal customer base to their social media. People want to trust your brand but also feel like they can relate to the “user” sharing their experience with the product the brand offers. I think what sets me apart from other creators, is I am always open to learning a new skill set I can add or improve to my content creation. I like to study what’s trending in social media and what is performing well when it comes to sounds, transitions, hooks, and a CTA (call to action) when creating short form videos. Also who are the brands competitors? Seeing what is performing well for one brand, and can that same concept be used for my client and the collaboration we are partnering on. The thing I am most proud of so far is the fact that I went from being skeptical about UGC and turning around to take the risk to pursue this journey as an option to make it a full time career down the road.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The long term goal I want to explore is replacing having a 9-5 lifestyle, income and job security. While I “like” being a part of Corporate America and having a career, I would love to have the freedom to live the life that I want, doing what I’m truly passionate about. Another goal of mine that I am currently working on, is offering my UGC services for free to small and local Black owned businesses in California. I want to make sure these businesses or brands get a spotlight or shout out on my social media page. This will help with additional exposure and bring awareness to their business as well as bring in diverse and loyal customers. I definitely want to see more of the BIPOC community and brands in the forefront of social media. Overall goal is to become a digital nomad that is traveling and creating authentic and engaging content for Airbnb’s, small resorts, timeshares, hotels and even tap into real estate (listings). Down the road I can offer social media management services for airbnb’s that need help running their social media. Another goal I have added to my plate is maybe start a podcast, make a blog or start a youtube channel. Main focus is being impactful when it comes to social media marketing as a UGC Creator.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a content creator so far, is the connections I have made with a ton of brands I personally align with. I also find it very rewarding when the brand I collaborate with, ends up being satisified with the content I created for them. I have recieved only positive feedback and comments on my work, communication and execution. I had one client tell me that they liked that I could speak to their target audience without making it feel or look like the video content was like a sales pitch. Another big reward I never saw coming was the community I was able to connect and build with on Twitter. So many supportive UGC Creators, Mentors and Coaches that are successful, resourceful and dominating this marketing space is amazing to see. I definitely consider all of them my friends, and would not be as far as I am, without any of them helping me along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: ugcbytavi.my.canva.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugcbytavi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katavia-ames/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/life_with_Tavi
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@life_with_tavi