The UGC Blueprint: How Creators Make $6.5K/Month (with Mia Mirzayan)

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Mirzayan, NYC-based strategist, content creator, and founder of Creator Vault. Mia has spent the past three years creating organic and paid content for brands like ADIDAS, Banana Republic, Canva, and Haus Labs.

We get into everything from landing higher-paying gigs, to what separates top UGC creators from the rest, to the real difference between influencer vs. UGC campaigns. Mia also shares the mindset shifts that helped her build a career in content, and what inspired her to create Creator Vault - the app helping creators earn more, avoid bad brand deals, and make smarter business decisions.

If you’re a creator, strategist, brand marketer, or anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes of UGC, this one is full of tactical gems.

00:00 — Intro & What We’ll Cover

Setting up the episode, what UGC really is, and how Mia got started.

00:08:53 — Getting Ghosted by Brands & How to Protect Yourself

Mia shares her own story of being ghosted and the systems creators can use (Creator Vault, DuPay).

00:09:56 — Tactical Advice for New UGC Creators

Watermarking, submitting fewer videos first, getting partial payment up front.

00:14:00–00:20:00 — Creator Vault Deep Dive

How it works, who it’s built for, and how it helps creators avoid bad brand deals.

00:29:40 — Pricing: What to Charge for UGC

Market-rate guidance for organic UGC and ad content, usage rights pricing, and how to avoid undercharging.

00:35:00 — Influencer vs. UGC Campaigns

Where they overlap, where they differ, and what brands actually want in 2025.

00:40:00 — Building a Sustainable Creator Career

Mia’s perspective on longevity, repeat clients, and protecting your energy.

00:47:38 — Mindset: The Real Reason Creators Succeed

Mia’s philosophy on belief, daily reps, failing forward, and staying consistent.

00:49:11 — Handling Hate Comments & Staying Resilient

Why mindset matters more as you grow, and why “cringe” is part of the job.

00:52:00 — Final Advice for UGC Creators

What she wishes she knew earlier, and her #1 tip for getting started.

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