Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannae Smith
Hi Shannae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey with a passion for photography, beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and travel, inspired by friends and family who encouraged me to share my work. Around 2013, I realized I could monetize this passion and launched my first open Instagram page in 2020. Balancing content creation, my ugc business, my household and homeschooling my three children, I faced significant health challenges, including a devastating case of CRPS, which required me to relearn how to walk. Alongside CRPS, I also have another mystery rare disease, which makes daily life extremely challenging. Despite these obstacles, I persevered and continued to work through my recovery. I am a wife of 12 years and I often incorporate my husband into my work. I do not show my children’s faces however they are apart of my daily content creation, I make personal family content for us and then cut them out for public viewing to protect my families privacy. I am now going on 34 and I am very happy with my level of success and hope to write a book soon.
Being self-taught, I became a pioneer in the first wave of UGC Creators and also co-founded Bloomie Education Division, where I manage various aspects of digital marketing and influencer tasks. You can find it at Bloomie for Creators. My journey and experience has given me the opportunity to consult for businesses, manage social media, and take on various roles in the digital marketing landscape. I’m skilled in advertising and understand both sides of being a creator and a brand.
I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams and provide authentic, relatable content. Not only do I work with brands, but I am a brand myself, giving me a unique perspective on what it’s like to be both a creator and a brand. This dual role allows me to bring a mix of experiences and insights into my work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love while helping others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a digital entrepreneur, content creator, and brand owner, I’ve faced significant hurdles and obstacles. Managing CRPS and another mystery disease has made it challenging, especially when it comes to attending events and conferences. Burnout is another obstacle that affects many creators and can lead them to quit. I’ve experienced burnout myself and had to push through it. Imposter syndrome is another challenge that many creators face; even I experienced it early in my career. It’s not talked about enough, but it’s quite normal. Starting with modest beginnings, I had to work my way up, and now I’ve furnished much of my home through brand deals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a digital entrepreneur, content creator, and brand owner specializing in user-generated content (UGC), influencer marketing, and digital strategy as well as advertising. My work focuses on creating authentic and relatable content that resonates with audiences while helping brands connect with their customers in a genuine way. I combined psychology, AI, and many other tools to optimize my work and ensure I am effectively and efficiently managing my business and teaching others to do the same.
I specialize in photography, videography, and storytelling, primarily in the beauty, lifestyle, and home niches. I love to travel but finding small hidden gems here in Utah is unmatched highlighting their business is always a pleasure. I’ve worked with thousands of brands, not just as a creator but as a brand myself, giving me a unique perspective on both sides of the industry. What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with business strategy, ensuring that my content is not only engaging but also impactful.
One of my greatest strengths is my expertise as a master negotiator. Throughout my career, I have successfully navigated high-stakes brand deals, ensuring that both creators and businesses get the best possible outcomes. I have a deep understanding of industry rates, contract negotiations, and partnership structures, allowing me to advocate for fair pay, long-term collaborations, and strategic deals that benefit all parties involved. This skill has been instrumental in my ability to build a sustainable career while helping other creators secure their worth in the digital space.
One of my proudest achievements is building a sustainable business from the ground up, starting with modest resources and working my way to a position where I’ve furnished much of my home through brand deals. Additionally, I’ve overcome significant personal challenges, including managing CRPS and other health conditions, which have made attending creator events and networking difficult. Despite these barriers, I have persisted, proving that success in this industry is possible with resilience and smart planning.
Beyond my own success, I’m passionate about advocating for other creators, providing valuable resources, and helping them navigate the evolving landscape of digital marketing. My goal is to inspire and empower others, showing that with dedication and adaptability, anyone can turn their passion into a thriving career!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Utah is that it’s absolutely breathtaking. Salt Lake City is stunning, with beautiful architecture, great places to eat, and incredible views. But it’s not very handicap-friendly, especially when it comes to creator events. I wish there were more accessibility and opportunities for disabled creators.
Pricing:
- UGC Video (Edited & Voiceover): $450-$1,000
- Sponsored TikTok Video: $500-$2,000
- Sponsored Instagram Reel: $500-$1,500
- Consulting (per hour): $150-$350
- Long-Term Brand Partnerships: $5,000+/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ugcher.com/ugcher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannaeaislinn
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ugcher
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannae-smith-284bb6287
- Twitter: https://x.com/UGCher
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@herdisruptivemedia
- Other: https://ugcher.website/
