Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Gurry
Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started creating user generated content (UGC) about 3 years ago in 2021. At the time, I was doing some modeling in NYC and sharing some of my work on social media. Photographers would tag me in photos, my agency would re share my modeling related posts, and brands, makeup artists, stylists, and hair stylists would post their work (featuring myself!) on their accounts. Without ever posting strategically, my following and reach started to grow this way. Before too long, I got my first email from a gummy vitamin company looking to work with content creators. I certainly didn’t consider myself a content creator at the time, but I decided to help them out as best I could. At first, I would send them images and videos in exchange for product. I did this with multiple brands before I ever made a dime, but in retrospect, I do think it’s a great way to get started and build a portfolio! Around the start of 2022, I had a nice list of reputable brands sending me products. Beauty, pet, lifestyle, fashion–some of my favorite brands, too! It was around that time I decided to start taking content creation more seriously, and began offering paid services in the form of UGC and paid promotions on my personal socials.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was fortunate enough to have a friend already working in content creation at the time I started. She was able to walk me through the process! However, there is definitely a learning curve to content creation. Understanding the value in your content is important. Knowing how to negotiate, what to charge, etc. Also, over time my content has gotten so much better! Understanding lighting, angles, how to write a successful script… At the end of the day, you want to offer as much value as possible, and the best way to do so is to create content that genuinely moves the needle. It takes time to learn! I still have a lot of room to grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a content creator who works with a variety of brands, primarily in beauty, lifestyle, pets, fashion, and wellness. Since moving to Cincinnati, I have also started covering local events like concerts, brand launches, hotel promotions, etc. Essentially, I create video and photo content for the use of the business that I am working for. Sometimes the business asks that I share it on my personal socials, if it’s aligned with my followers. Other times, I create the content strictly for their marketing use, which is usually in the form of social media posts or ads. I enjoy working with a wide variety of brands and businesses. Some of my favorite brands have become my customers, which feels so surreal! Additionally, it has been a blast being invited to local events, especially since I am still new in town. I also love helping others break into the content creation space. Most people don’t realize that you don’t need a social media following at all in order to get paid to create content. I coach people on how to build portfolios, reach out to brands, attract customers, etc., and I recently launched a UGC guide to help fast-track beginners to their first paid brand deal!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I was originally pursuing a career in modeling when I got started in content creation. I had an agency in NYC, and was working random modeling jobs here and there! When I first started, content was just something fun to do and a way to occasionally supplement my income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sydgurryugc.company.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydgurry/?hl=en
