How I Turned Videos From My Phone Into a New Income Stream (And You Can Too)

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of doing “all the right things” but still craving creativity, fun, and more income—you’re not alone. I was there, too.

Then my bestie Kayla Ybanez introduced me to something I had never considered for myself: user-generated content (UGC). And let me tell you—it changed everything.

UGC is exactly what it sounds like. Everyday people (yes, even women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond) create short, real, relatable videos for brands to use in their ads or social media. No scripts. No fancy cameras. No influencer status required.

Wait… You Get Paid for That?

When Kayla first explained what she was doing, I thought, Well, that’s cute, but that’s not for me.

I convinced myself I was too old. Too wrinkly. Too late.
But eventually, I gave in and tried it. I filmed a simple video. Then another. And another. Fast forward a few months, and I’ve paid off bills, received free products I used to buy, and created a brand-new revenue stream doing something that actually brings me joy.

It’s helped me reconnect with the creative side of myself that got buried under all the tactical “business building” work. And the bonus? When I nourish my creative energy, everything else flows easier.

Why Brands Are Obsessed With UGC

Here’s the thing: marketing has changed.

Brands are shifting away from overly polished influencer content and expensive ad agencies. Instead, they’re hiring real people—like you and me—to talk about products in a way that feels natural and believable. Why? Because it works.

Whether you’re a dog mom, a new grandma, a makeup minimalist, or someone who just loves unboxing new gadgets—there’s a place for you in the UGC space.

The #1 Thing Holding You Back Isn’t What You Think

Spoiler alert: It’s not your age, your tech skills, or how you look on camera.
It’s the belief that this isn’t for you.

I had that belief, too. But Kayla helped me reframe it. She showed me how to lean into the skills I already had, to grow my confidence one video at a time, and to build something fun and profitable—without burning out.

The #1 Thing Holding You Back Isn’t What You Think

Spoiler alert: It’s not your age, your tech skills, or how you look on camera.
It’s the belief that this isn’t for you.

I had that belief, too. But Kayla helped me reframe it. She showed me how to lean into the skills I already had, to grow my confidence one video at a time, and to build something fun and profitable—without burning out.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

That’s why Kayla and I created something we wish we had when we started:
An immersive, in-person UGC + confidence retreat in the Outer Banks (June 10–12).

We’re bringing 5 women together to: