Meet Rachel Bruno | UGC Creator, Etsy Shop Owner, & Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Bruno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
If you work hard, you’ll work your way up to success. They tell you in school if you work hard, you’ll get good grades. They tell you in sports if you work hard, you can win. They tell you if you work hard, you’ll climb up the corporate ladder and get those promotions. We’ve been conditioned to work hard to get what we want in life, but that’s just not the reality of things. And success isn’t a rigid, set-in-stone concept. It’s not about falling into a constant cycle of “doing” more and more and more. Taking a step back to merely ponder about what it takes to build ourselves to be better in whatever capacity that is, is what really matters. Success isn’t even guaranteed! What’s worth it is simply “trying” and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. We put this pressure on ourselves to be something in our minds that constitutes greatness, but true greatness lies not in what we do but in who we become. At the end of the day it’s of course important to try to reach our career goals, but it’s more about the kindness we develop, the happiness we spread, the challenges we overcome within ourselves, and the little things we begin to be grateful for. That’s true success to me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Since college, I knew I wanted to start my own business. I grew up self-motivated and disciplined. I was a decorated athlete and academic go-getter and I knew how to thrive on my own. I just didn’t know what that business would be. I began thinking about my interests and what was trending in the industry. I also researched all of the unconventional ways to work. At first, I started an Etsy shop. I spent about 7-8 months trying to build it until I became frustrated with my results, seeking other creative ways to be my own boss. I delved into more research and came across voice acting- which did not go far but later down the line, I was voiced in a German YouTube series that was going to be in theaters! I researched more and more and came across a video of a woman who discussed her modeling on Fiverr. I knew what Fiverr was. I had attempted to create unrelated gigs in the past on the platform. I looked at the modeling category on Fiverr to learn more about it. As I scrolled through I thought to myself “I can do this.” Truly, I knew that I could “model”- essentially be a user-generated content creator- and take photos, videos, and voice recordings for brands’ products in my own creative way. I had experience with computer design, editing photos and videos, editing voice recordings, and I had my marketing degree to back me up. I began creating gigs and they ultimately succeeded. That platform is where I started. Aside from the challenges of working with some tough clients from time to time, it ended up being much easier to succeed than I was expecting. I have my own creative way of thinking and I feel like businesses can appreciate the work I do for them. I’m straightforward, I have streamlined the process which clients enjoy, and I have my own flare of creativity that’s evident in my videos and photos (the reviews speak for themselves!). I have been slowly transitioning my business off of the platform, gaining clients from other networks, and building a new website that will only help me grow my business.

Starting this business has taught me to not overwork myself. It’s not the answer to success! I learned that there are limits to my capabilities in this business. I wish I could help everyone all at once, but pacing myself has been key to preventing burnout and constantly allowing the creative juices to flow. Something else that has helped me succeed is being open-minded. It can be challenging to put myself out there and be the face of brands’ products. Being open-minded, though, certainly eases the tension I put on myself. When I am completely open-minded I feel free to express myself in the videos I create, the photos I shoot, and the voice recordings I make. I feel free to accept criticisms, ask for feedback, and work to build my business for the better.

I’m excited to grow as a user-generated content creator and overall boss-woman. I have big plans for the future and I’m hoping to expand upon my offerings. I’m honing in on the fitness, nutrition, health, and outdoor spaces (I’ve developed a fitness plan that will be incorporated into the overall lifestyle theme of my website!)

It’s been a crazy journey getting to the point I’m at today. I’ve been able to wake up every morning to see the sun and stand on my own two feet. That alone has made me feel like I can do whatever I put my mind to. I’ve seen others, whether they be on tv or in person, accomplish things that have changed the world. I can only think that if they can do it, why can’t I? If I could give any advice it would be to take a chance on yourself! Those leaps of faith and moments of courage have made me into who I am today. They’ve helped me win races in college, get me an internship, start an awesome life in multiple states, begin a new career, start businesses, and write a poetry collection. They’re vital for moving forward and growing as a person. If you don’t take risks and play it safe, you’re telling yourself that your hopes, dreams, and aspirations are worth sacrificing. In the end when you take that risk, whether you win or lose, it’s better to say that you’ve tried, because nothing is worse than looking back at your life and thinking “I wish” or “I regret” not doing what you hoped to do with your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited the area I would take them all over! My favorite itinerary is the drive on 17 up the state and back down- Phoenix area to Sedona to Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon to Page and all the way back. I’ve done it all in 4 days so a week would be even better! Eating at The Perch Brewery and then grabbing a milkshake at Truland Burgers and Greens in Chandler is perfect for the first night. Driving up to Sedona the next day and climbing Bell Rock just before heading to the shops is a must. Staying at a Country Inn or Marriott in Flagstaff to catch some Zs for the day is the best. Taking a ride up the next day to see the Grand Canyon and grabbing some souvenirs is a favorite. Staring at the Grand Canyon in awe is priceless. Visiting the Desert Watch Tower and standing in two time zones at the Canyon before leaving is a last great farewell. Taking a drive up to Page, eating at Dam Bar & Grille, and staying at a Days Inn is a great way to end the night. Day 4- running up to the ledges of Horseshoe Bend and taking photos on the rocks is fun and serene. But what’s even more serene is driving over to Antelope Canyon right after and going on a tour with Taadidiin Tours. So quiet and peaceful and the tour guides know how to snap pictures of you in the right lighting! Driving all the way back down to Flagstaff on 17 the same day is tiring but also a notable end to the day. Before driving back to Flagstaff, Sunset Crater National Monument is an awesome way to end the sightseeing. The black boulders and volcanic rocks are some of the coolest things you’ll ever see. Going to the Desert Botanical Garden for a social on the 6th day is so much fun. Board games, cocktails, and live music all around. Can’t ever get enough of it. Visiting the garden and then driving over to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park to watch the sunset over Phoenix is almost bittersweet. It’s such a special way to end a trip like this.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my family, friends and new friends, and boyfriend who all played a part in who I’ve transformed into these last few years. Mom, dad, Amanda, Joseph, and the rest of the family. Caroline, Jarred, Bri, Brianna, Grace, and Josh. Thanks to everyone for helping me grow and learn about myself in ways I wouldn’t have known without you.

Website: rachelbruno.my.canva.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrachel_lynn/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelb2201/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UgcRachelB

Other: Fitness plan that will eventually be integrated into my website! https://pod-z.link/CO