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

Tanna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The idea for my creative services business really came from realizing how draining it was to constantly share my life as an influencer. I’ve always loved being creative—whether it’s through photography, design, or content—but after a while, I found that being an open book online was taking a toll on my mental health. Losing my mom in 2020 added extra stress, but the bigger issue was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to keep sharing everything.

That’s when I discovered user-generated content (UGC). It was the perfect way to stay connected with my creativity and help brands without the need to overshare my personal life. I could focus on creating videos and photos that helped businesses while maintaining boundaries that were better for my mental health. I felt confident I could make it work because I already had experience in photography, social media, and design. Plus, the UGC space was growing, and I knew there was real potential to succeed while keeping my life a little more private. It just clicked for me, both personally and professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Tanna Marie, and I’ve always had a love for creativity. From a young age, I was fascinated by photography and design, and I started my first business when I was just 15. Over the years, I built up my skills in photography, graphic design, and social media, but I took a big turn a few years ago. After finding being an influencer draining—constantly sharing my personal life for the sake of content—I decided to pivot and focus on user-generated content (UGC). This was a way for me to still stay creative but without the emotional exhaustion of oversharing.

Now, I create content that helps brands showcase their products in an authentic and engaging way. My focus is on crafting high-quality, real-world content that speaks to potential customers—whether that’s through photos, videos, or ads. I love creating visual storytelling that captures the essence of what a brand offers while keeping things relatable and genuine.

What sets me apart is my mix of skills: I have a background in photography, social media strategy, and graphic design, which allows me to produce content that’s not only visually appealing but also aligned with the brand’s marketing goals. I understand how to connect with an audience and what type of content will resonate with them.

I’m most proud of how I’ve created a business that aligns with my values and my need for balance. Being able to help businesses grow while maintaining my mental health and personal boundaries is something I’m really proud of. My work is a reflection of that: it’s real, authentic, and designed to make a difference for the brands I work with.

For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that I’m passionate about bringing creativity to the table in a way that’s thoughtful and impactful. I approach each project with intention and focus on producing results that truly resonate. I’m not just about creating pretty pictures—I’m about creating content that tells a story and drives business forward.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing that non-creatives might not fully understand about my journey is the sheer amount of work that goes into being a creative, especially when you’re working from home. Many people assume that creating content for brands or working in UGC isn’t a “real job.” But when you’re balancing that with the demands of running a household and caring for three boys, it’s definitely a full-time, high-energy gig.

It’s kind of like when I do photography—people think I just click a button and deliver photos, and that’s it. But there’s so much more to it. From preparing for the shoot, getting the right lighting and angles, to editing and making sure the final images align with the client’s vision—there’s a lot of work that goes into each shot. The same goes for UGC creation. It’s not just about taking a quick video or photo; it’s about understanding the brand’s message, creating content that speaks to the audience, and ensuring everything flows together in a way that makes an impact.

Working from home with kids can be a challenge in itself. It’s not just about creating beautiful content—it’s about managing logistics, staying on top of deadlines, and juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a household. It’s a constant balancing act, and it requires focus, time management, and dedication. So for anyone who thinks being a UGC creator or working from home is easy, I can tell you it’s the opposite. It’s a lot of hard work, but also incredibly rewarding.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

For one, I wish I had a deeper understanding of business operations—things like contracts, pricing, and how to manage client relationships. Early on, I was focused on the creative side, but I quickly learned that a business needs structure to thrive. Tools like 17hats for client management and platforms like CreativeLive or Skool for business courses would have been so helpful in getting me on track faster.

When I first started in photography and content creation, I felt like I was doing everything on my own. I didn’t realize how much support and insight could come from connecting with others in the same industry. Social media groups, mentorship programs, and networking platforms like YouTube or even Instagram can provide not just inspiration, but also practical advice, collaboration opportunities, and accountability.

There are also some tools I wish I had known about earlier that make the creative process so much smoother. Canva is an amazing tool for quickly designing graphics, social media posts, and marketing materials. Planoly and Unfold are both lifesavers for organizing and scheduling social media content, while CapCut is perfect for editing quick and polished videos on the go. Social Curator has been invaluable in providing ready-made content ideas and a strong community of creators to connect with.

Lastly, I wish I had discovered the power of self-care and boundaries earlier. As a creative, it’s easy to burn out if you’re constantly juggling client work, personal life, and the pressure to always be creating. Learning to set boundaries and take time for myself would have saved me from a lot of exhaustion and frustration.

In hindsight, discovering these resources earlier would have made my journey smoother, but I’m grateful for the lessons along the way!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tannamarie.com
• Instagram: @mermaidmomsocial or @heytannamarie
• Facebook: heytannamarie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heytannamarie/
• Twitter: mermomsocial
• Other: Tiktok: @mermaidmomsocial

Image Credits
Lily Notz, Co. & My husband