We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marissa Ciancitto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marissa below.

Marissa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

After college, I worked as a TV Commercial Producer, gaining years of hands-on experience in video framing, lighting, angles, marketing psychology, and on-camera presence. I thrived in the creative process and loved every moment of it. Then, I discovered TikTok videos from content creators sharing exciting opportunities in the emerging social media and digital marketing space – UGC (User Generated Content). The idea of becoming a content creator, collaborating with brands without needing a massive following, was exciting, accessible, and opened up a whole new world.

As time went on, I kept my production job but also started to crave the time flexibility and location freedom that a social media career offered. After diving further into the space, I thought, “I can totally do this, and do it well!” Even if it started as a fun side hustle. I knew personal branding was key, especially as a UGC creator, where brands could see both my skills and personality. So, I dove in headfirst—spent about a month researching everything from performance metrics to creating killer content examples and even built my own website portfolio.

At first, I was worried about judgment and rejection, but I finally took the leap, sharing my work online for brands to see and applying for gigs on Twitter (now X). Then, about a month in, in October 2022, I landed my first paid gig with a fashion brand. They offered me $300 for two full videos, and when that email hit my inbox, I was like, “wait what? this is possible!”I think I shed a tear and definitely raved about it for weeks!

At the time, I thought this was just the start of a nice side income, but as things started to take off, I realized it could grow into something much bigger than I ever expected.

Marissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Of course! I’m Marissa, a 27-year old full time business owner as a UGC Creator and Social Media Specialist. In general, I love all things travel, wellness, and balanced living, which is exactly what my career allows for. My business provides me with time flexibility to make my own schedule, location freedom to work from anywhere, and the opportunity to balance career and living.

As I mentioned, my journey began with a background in TV Production. After college, I worked as a TV Commercial Producer for about two years, and while I enjoyed it, I craved more freedom—both in location and time. That’s when I discovered UGC (user-generated content). It’s where everyday people, not just influencers, create digital content for brands to use as ads. I instantly knew this was the perfect mix of creativity, storytelling, and flexibility I had been searching for.

I help brands build trust and authenticity with their audiences in ways that high-end content and stock images just can’t. It’s all about that genuine human connection—sharing my own experiences to make the brand relatable. Whether it’s talking about skincare concerns, health supplements, or even showcasing pet products with my Golden Retriever, the goal is to be an expert in every category, while keeping it real!

Now with 2.5+ years of experience in social media, I have worked with 250+ brands, established my own company, and continue to grow my team.

I take pride in bringing a genuine, ‘best friend on FaceTime’ vibe to all my content. My clients know they’re getting a fun, engaging creator who can connect their products with the right audience. Authenticity and connection are what social media scrollers are really looking for, and I love delivering that. By blending this approach with my expertise in direct response marketing and video production, it’s a formula for success. I consistently deliver 3-4x ROAS, and 80% of my clients come back for more content.

I’m blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends that allowed me to take a risk and follow my dreams. My goal is to help others live the life they desire without fear of failure, comparison, or others expectations!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been the heartbeat of my business, where building a personal brand and audience is everything.

When I first started, I wasn’t just posting for fun (like I do more of now). I was all-in on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where UGC creators find gigs that align with their niche. I used it to connect with brands, pitch my services, and show off what I could do.

Brands are always looking for creators who get the full marketing picture—creative ideas, SEO, trends—and know how to engage. Responding to comments, joining conversations, and building genuine connections are key. When brands see I’ve built a loyal, engaged community and understand the strategy behind it, it builds trust—and that’s exactly what they want.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to be intentional. It’s not just about posting beautiful photos or videos; it’s about creating content with a purpose of educating, entertaining, or inspiring. Share stories that align with you and your ideal community. Think about what you want your audience to feel or do.

In today’s world, I believe every business—no matter how big or small—needs to have a presence on social media. Social media has A LOT of power, so go use it!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

As an entrepreneur, continuous learning is key to my growth. Over the years, I’ve really immersed myself in podcasts, books, and following other creators to sharpen my skills.

One standout recommendation is Rob Dial’s “Mindset Mentor” podcast. He covers everything from mindset and habits to business growth, all in quick, 20-minute episodes—perfect for busy people. Rob gets straight to the point and offers tons of value with actionable tips you can actually use in both your career and personal life.

When it comes to books that have shaped my journey, there’s TONS! The 4 Agreements, Atomic Habits, You Are a Badass, and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are all must-reads. Each one has given me tools I’ve incorporated into my life, and the continued learning is crucial.

The biggest lesson from these resources? Success isn’t a final destination—it’s a way of life. It evolves as we do, and it takes DAILY effort, patience, and a focus on your goals to keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marisskybusinessUGC.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissky_business/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-ciancitto-a86149162/
• Twitter: MarissaC_ugc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Marissky_business

Image Credits

All photos are taken by me!