When I landed my first UGC gig, I didn’t have a portfolio. I didn’t have a ring light, a mic, or even a clue what “B-roll” meant.
What I did have was a phone, a decent east-facing window, and the willingness to just try.
It Started With a Random Post…
I saw a listing from a haircare company called Head Kandy in a little PR group on Instagram. They were looking for creators.
I’d been applying to a few things here and there, so I figured — why not? I sent them a short email. No portfolio, no pitch deck. Then I forgot about it.
Three Weeks Later, I Got the Email
They offered to send me a hair dryer, curling iron, and styling products — and pay me $200 for two 60-second reels. But I had to deliver within 3 days of receiving the package.
It felt urgent. Like maybe others had bailed and they were scrambling. But I didn’t care. I was in.
The Setup? Just My Phone and a Window
I had no gear. No tripod. No idea what B-roll was.
So I stood in my east-facing window, held up my phone, and filmed. I demonstrated the hair tools, talked to the camera like a spokesperson, and hoped for the best. No fancy edits, just real footage.
I emailed them the files, and they replied: “Thank you.”
That was it. First gig done.
But Then... No Payment
Weeks passed. No money.
I followed up politely and got this response:
“You never sent an invoice.”
Wait — what?!
So I Googled “free invoice template,” filled it in, and changed the default invoice number from 001 to 321 — because I didn’t want to look brand new.
I sent it off.
Two weeks later, the money arrived.
That Was the Moment I Got Hooked
When that $200 hit my account, I danced around my house like a kid. They paid me. I got free products. This is real.
I thought, the universe just handed me a new direction.
Then I started researching. And that’s when I realized: $200 was rare. Most UGC gigs paid $50 to $100.
Still, that first fluke gave me belief. And belief changes everything.
Why I Created the Guide
After that, I went down the rabbit hole — learning everything I could: how to edit, pitch, deliver content, invoice, build a portfolio…
It was exciting — but also overwhelming.
So I created my UGC Starter Guide for the version of me who had no idea where to begin.
What to film. How to send it. How to get paid.
All in one place.
If You’re Just Starting Out…
I hope you get your own “Head Kandy moment.” And I hope it comes sooner and easier than mine.
If you want to skip the guessing and start getting paid:
🖊️ Get the guide for $7
You’ll save time, build confidence, and actually get moving.
Thank you, Headkandy. And thank you, universe — for sending that first email
XO,
💛 Brenda