If rejection has ever made you want to curl up and never pitch a brand again and you want better pitching strategies, and the confidence to run your business like a CEO, this one's for you.

Today I’m joined by my girl Ericka, founder and CEO of Silkenn, and host of the Boss Babe Reset Podcast. We dive deep into how to handle rejection (as a founder and as a creator), emotional regulation, and stepping into your role as a business owner, not “just” a UGC creator.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Why rejection is non-negotiable in building a business — whether you're pitching brands, raising capital, or landing paid UGC deals
• How founders REALLY feel about content creators pitching (and what brands look for)
• Why rejection is not personal — it’s just information, not a verdict
• How to shift from “I’m just a content creator” to “I’m a CEO with a business”
• Practical ways to reframe rejection so it doesn’t derail your confidence
• Erika’s personal journey founding Silkenn after grief, burnout, and a career pivot
• The nervous system tools you NEED as a freelancer or UGC creator
• How to regulate your body before regulating your mind (game-changing!)
• Pitching to brands when you feel scared or unqualified
• The truth: even after 6 figures in UGC, I STILL get rejected
• Why faking it ’til you make it is sometimes exactly the energy you need
• Embracing the long game — why success in UGC requires consistency and boldness

Where to Find Ericka:

 Ericka Nicole — Founder & CEO of Silkenn

• Podcast: Boss Babe Reset
• Brand: Silkenn — pollution-protection skincare rooted in microbiome science
• Instagram & Threads:  @theerickanicole
• Website: silkenn.com

If you’re a content creator constantly running around filming UGC…
you need Huel in your bag.
 Use code PA Y E D for 15% off your first order.
Link is HERE 💛

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I actually make money doing UGC?”  this episode is your proof. Krista joined the UGC Accelerator just two months ago and made $1,000 in her very first month—all through Upwork. Now she’s landed over $2.5K in paid brand deals and is turning UGC into her dream remote career (all while being a mom of three.)

In today's epsiode,  Krista shares exactly how she discovered UGC, built her first portfolio, and landed her first $1,000 project on Upwork within 30 days.

We dive into:

• The step-by-step of how Krista landed her first paid deal on Upwork 
• What types of UGC projects she took on (and how much she charged)
• How she balanced building her portfolio with being a full-time mom and small business owner
• The mindset shifts and “why” that kept her motivated through it all

Fuel your day the smart way with Huel — my go-to complete meal packed with 35g of protein, 27 vitamins & minerals, and 7g of fiber (plus, it’s totally plant-based ).

Get 15% OFF your first purchase using code PAYED at [huel.com/PAYED](https://www.huel.com/PAYED)& make sure to fill out the post-checkout survey to support the show! 💫

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

This month, I averaged $130 an hour working part-time as a UGC creator.

Today I’m breaking down exactly how I did it — every brand deal, every deliverable, and how I balanced it all while only working around 10 hours a week. This isn’t influencer content. This is real, sustainable user-generated content (UGC) that pays you to travel, create, and work remotely. 

If you’ve ever dreamed about landing paid brand deals or building a flexible remote work lifestyle,  this is your episode.

In This Episode:

• 💸 The exact breakdown of my $5,175 month in UGC income
• 📸 How I structure retainer clients and one-off paid brand deals
• 💼 Why taking a slightly lower rate can build long-term client relationships
• ✉️ My go-to pitching strategy using Bento (use code MADDY for a discount!)
• 🧠 How I keep my workload light and still average over $130/hour
• 🌍 How UGC allows me to get paid to travel while working part-time

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Bento – My favorite platform for pitching UGC deals. Check it out here
  and use code MADDY for a discount 💌

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Today I’m breaking down how to pitch yourself for holidays and seasonal campaigns — from Black Friday to Valentine’s Day — so you can land more UGC brand deals and grow your income doing what you love.

This week we’re diving into how to tailor your UGC pitches for holidays and special seasons to stand out in brand inboxes. I’ll walk you through:

✨ How to tweak your general pitch for Q4, Black Friday, or Christmas campaigns
 💌 What timeline to use when pitching for each season
 ⚡️ A simple strategy to make your outreach more effective (and stress-free)
 💸 How to use discounts and incentives to book more brand deals

Plus, I’m sharing my go-to pitching tool — Bento — that helps me send 50+ personalized pitches in an hour! (Use code MADDY for 10% off your subscription 💌)

Whether you’re a new creator or already landing UGC gigs, this episode is your crash course in leveling up your UGC pitching strategy — so you can spend less time at your desk and more time exploring the world. 🌎

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Big Leap by Guy Hendricks — my yearly mindset reset 📚
• Tool: Bento
  — my go-to platform for email pitching (code MADDY for 10% off)

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

If you’ve ever wished brands would come to you instead of spending hours pitching or think "Fiverr doesn't work for me" Your mind will be changed after today's episode. 

My guest, Nate Flake, just landed a $3,000 UGC deal on Fiverr minutes before hopping on this interview. And he didn’t cold pitch. He didn’t chase brands. He simply set up his Fiverr gigs strategically — and let inbound UGC deals roll in.

We’re diving deep into:

• Fiverr vs. Pitching — Which One Gets Faster Results?
• How to Set Up a High-Converting Fiverr Gig 
• The exact pricing strategy Nate used to go from $60 videos to charging $475 for videos 
• The brutal truth about “low-paying” UGC gigs 
• 5 Mistakes That Kill Your Fiverr Visibility
• Unexpected UGC Niches You Can Cash In On Right Now

Connect with Nate Flake

• Host of UGC 101 Podcast
•  Instagram: @nateflakecreates
• Use code PODCAST for 15% off his Program and Discord Community 

Check Out:  The Travel Creator Podcast

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Today we are sitting down with my UGC student Lana to unpack how she went from seasonal work to building a thriving UGC (user-generated content) business that funds her travels across the U.S.

She shares how she started small — filming $50 videos from her RV — and grew her confidence, her client base, and her income to over $3,600 a month within three months. We talk about the real journey of becoming a content creator, the power of mindset, and the practical tools that helped Lana stay consistent and focused.

If you’ve been dreaming of getting paid to travel, this episode will show you how to turn that dream into reality — without needing to become a full-time influencer.

We dive into:

• You don’t need to be an influencer to make money online as a UGC creator.
• $50 gigs can turn into $500+ deals when you build relationships and stay professional.
• Confidence grows from action — not perfection.
• UGC can give you freedom, flexibility, and a way to get paid to travel.

 Resources Mentioned:

• $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
• UGC Platforms: Billo, Fiverr, JoinBrands, Cohley

Follow Lana: Her Website

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Today I’m spilling all the details on exactly what I made from UGC in September plus some seriously inspiring wins from my students inside the UGC Accelerator. From landing four-figure retainers to snagging their very first deals through cold UGC pitching, my students are proof that this industry is not too saturated—you can 100% do this too.

If you’ve ever wondered:
 ✨ How much you can really make as a beginner in content creation
 ✨ What UGC pitching looks like in action
 ✨ And what kind of deals are possible within just weeks or months of starting…

…then this episode is going to give you all the motivation you need.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Real student wins from September (including retainer deals + big-name brand partnerships!)
• My own September UGC income breakdown—exact numbers, deals, and deliverables
• Why UGC is still such an incredible opportunity right now
• How you can get started with UGC pitching even as a total beginner

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

What if I told you that sending cold emails as a UGC creator could actually land you thousands of dollars in deals—without ever hopping on a sales call? Yep, it’s possible. Today I am sitting down with Jaclyn, the co-founder of Bento, the #1 UGC app that has completely transformed the way I pitch. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why pitching is a numbers game and how to stay consistent
• The secret to creating portfolios that brands actually want to click on
• Common mistakes new creators make in their UGC pitches
• How Bento automates pitching so you can focus on creating
• Why communication and negotiation skills matter as much as your content
• Tips to increase your email response rate and close more deals

BENTO AFFILATE CODE: 

>>https://app.onbento.com/?acode=MADDY
Use the Code : MADDY 

Connect with Jaclyn and Bento:

• Instagram: @onbento
• TikTok: @onbento
• Website: Onbento

🎧 Listen to Laura’s show: The Travel Creator Podcast: if you want even more strategies for travel content creators. 

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about UGC rates in 2025—from base pricing to ad usage, whitelisting, raw footage, bundles, and more. Whether you’re a brand-new UGC creator or an experienced travel creator looking to scale, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how to price your work with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The truth about beginner UGC rates and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer
• How to structure base rates, ad usage, and whitelisting fees
• Why pitching brands directly can increase your earnings
• My current rates as a travel creator in 2025
• How to bundle content into packages that land higher-paying deals
• Extra income opportunities: raw footage, additional hooks, exclusivity, and rush fees

Links & Resources:

• 📌 Download My Free Rate Sheet
  (your guide to UGC pricing)

Connect with Laura Haley: 

Find out more Travel Creator tips at the Travel Creator Podcast

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Okay, let’s be real — no one becomes a content creator because they love thinking about taxes. But if you’re making money with UGC or content creation, the IRS still expects their cut. And trust me, not knowing the basics can come back to bite you hard.

That’s why I brought on today’s guest, Catina Borgman. Catina has been a tax professional for nearly 20 years. Today, we’re covering them all — from filing as a sole proprietor vs. LLC, to what you can actually write off, to the sneaky truth about “gifted” collabs..

 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The difference between being a sole proprietor and forming an LLC as a content creator.
• How to file taxes as a UGC creator and when you actually need to start filing.
• The best system for setting aside money for taxes as an entrepreneur.
• Which expenses are tax deductible for content creators (think: editing software, props, mileage, home office space).
• Why gifted collabs, product trades, and hosted stays are still taxable income.
• Tools and resources Catina recommends for managing money as a content creator.

>>>>>Check Out Laura from:  The Travel Creator Podcast

@travelcontentwriting

• Connect with Catina:

Website: www.GypsyWander.life
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084742088441
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GypsyWander

Small Business Blueprint Webinar - Understanding Business Entities & Taxation When Starting a New Business: https://www.gypsywander.life/store/p/ygzdrsbo0onm50ud2twofjavvtk3vo

Affiliate Link:

Wave Accounting: waveapps.sjv.io/6eamNK

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass