This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cara Torchia, a 25-year-old actor and UGC creator based in New York City. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
In four months, I went from earning nothing from freelance user-generated content (UGC) work to fully supporting myself, which allowed me to forgo traditional employment. I used to be a nanny for a family on the Upper East Side. I’m also a performer.
I was drawn to UGC for the flexibility and financial freedom it offered as I pursued a creative career, and I’ve since focused on building my business full-time.
I started making content in January and had my first $10,000 month in May.
I wanted a flexible way to make income
Before launching my UGC business, I performed in the Broadway national tour of Hairspray from summer 2023 to summer 2024, then worked as a performer aboard a cruise ship for nine months, visiting 31 countries.
After getting off the cruise ship, I didn’t want to get a traditional job and wanted to use my current skill set as a theatre performer. I worked part-time as a nanny from fall 2024 to February 2025.
My mom says I’ve been making videos in my bedroom with my webcam since I was 5. I would shoot my own social media content while on the Broadway tour and cruise ship. UGC was a natural progression, as I have experience engaging audiences.
I learned about UGC from Instagram UGC creators posting about their work
I looked into it and discovered Fiverr, a marketplace for freelancers. I signed up, set my pricing, posted sample videos, and started receiving inbound inquiries from brands searching on the platform. I didn’t need to pitch or do any outreach.
I made sure to hit it out of the park with those first videos. The first month was slow; I earned about $1,000, and then it really picked up.
A lot of people treat UGC as a side hustle, but I scaled to $10,000 a month in five months by treating it like a real business from day one. I’m professional with my communication and delivery, and I always go above and beyond with my videos.
As I completed more projects, my profile ranked higher in the algorithm, and it grew from there. Reviews on your profile help potential buyers know, like, and trust you by showing real client feedback and examples of your work. It becomes a snowball effect.
I earn about $10,000 a month
I deliver high-quality work by connecting on camera with emotion and performing script reads professionally, all the things I trained for. What sets me apart from other creators is my storytelling. I print out the script and approach it like theater: what story are we telling, and how can I make it an engaging ad?
I love it when brands give me creative freedom because that’s where I really shine. I work with all kinds of brands and don’t have one specific niche. I’ve done everything from skincare to windshield wipers, and I work with a lot of lawyers, too. I just filmed a video for houseplant soil.
As long as I’m comfortable with the product, I’m open to anything. I’ve since worked with over 150 brands.
Outside Fiverr, I’m starting to land retainer clients
My retainer clients request a set number of videos each month, which gives me another source of guaranteed income.
I’m also getting more inbound inquiries via email and social media, where I share my UGC examples and behind-the-scenes content about how I get the shot in NYC.
I typically work 30 to 40 hours a week
I have complete control over my schedule. Some days I don’t work at all, and other days I’ll work 10 hours. It never feels like work because it’s creative, and I film a lot outside in NYC, which is a major draw for brands that want to be featured on the subway, in Central Park, or in Times Square. The best part is I can shoot it all on my phone.
Because I have a high volume of work right now, I keep an in-depth spreadsheet that I check every morning and every night to track exactly where each video is in the pipeline. Some weeks, I have 16 videos due, so staying organized is essential.
I would love to work with big-name brands like Lush or Nike
I would also love to work with more local businesses. UGC also allows me to continue pursuing theater, and if I book another national tour, I can take this business with me.
I’m extremely grateful; UGC has changed my life and given me fun, freedom, and flexibility.
