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

Hi Tran, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I founded UGC Foundations to make social media education and career opportunities accessible to anyone, whether they’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career. Since 2022, I’ve taught over 4,000 students, made +1000 free educational videos for the public, helped generate more than $5 million in creator earnings, and opened doors for paid career opportunities with over 1,000 brands.

But what matters most to me are the stories behind those numbers. The 43-year-old immigrant who built a career in a language that wasn’t her first. The broke college student who was able to stay in school because UGC paid the bills. The stay-at-home mom who became the breadwinner of her family after a decade out of the workforce.

I love that I get to teach and also hire creators for paid campaigns and share real job opportunities inside my community. My mission is to create clear pathways to income so that everyday people can build sustainable, flexible lives that put family and freedom first.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I first started teaching, UGC was barely recognized as a professional service, let alone a sustainable career path. I was one of the first, and I’m proud to still be one of the longest-standing educators in this space. From the beginning, my mission has been to make content creation education accessible to everyone, not just a select few.

It hasn’t been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to figure out everything from scratch… how to build trust online, how to balance the pressure of being an early voice in a new industry, all while working 12-hour shifts as an ICU nurse. I stayed the course while many others moved on, and surrounded myself with people who were smarter than me. I think that consistency and willingness to learn despite the outcome is what sets me apart.

I also carry my story as a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant. Growing up, career paths like nursing or medicine felt like the only options, and for a long time, I thought choosing anything else would make me a disappointment. But through UGC, I’ve been able to build a career that’s not only creative and unconventional, but also financially successful. I am proof that it’s possible to thrive in spaces outside of what’s traditionally expected. I want others from similar backgrounds to know that you’re not limited by your parents’ choices, and that it’s entirely possible to build a million-dollar business doing something you love.

My journey into UGC wasn’t just about me. At the time, I was looking for a way to support myself while also sponsoring my partner from Belgium in what would become a three-year long-distance relationship. I knew that if he was making sacrifices to build a life here, I had to make sacrifices too and that meant finding a career path that gave both of us financial stability and room to grow.

In many ways, I thought healthcare would always be my greatest impact. But I realized that while I could help patients in the moment, I wasn’t able to follow them into the day-to-day of their lives. As an educator, I get to see the full story unfold. I’ve watched new creators turn UGC into six-figure marketing careers, step into leadership roles at agencies, or even launch their own businesses. Beyond the numbers, I’ve built lifelong friendships and witnessed people transform from their lowest points to building lives they’re proud of. That kind of long-term impact has been more fulfilling than I ever imagined.

Looking ahead, my vision is to scale UGC Foundations into an even bigger global educational network, both online and in person. After years of building 1:1 mentorships, cultivating a community that produces top-tier creators, and hosting in-person workshops, I want this business to become a one-stop hub for creators at every stage of their careers from their very first paid post to building their own agencies. I’m designing the backend systems to make this sustainable, so that even if I eventually step back, the resources and opportunities will continue to grow.

More than anything, I want people to know that UGC isn’t just about making videos for brands. It’s a creative pathway to time freedom, financial stability, and building a life on your own terms. My identity isn’t just social media, but I love how it creates opportunities for anyone willing to try.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s my perfect day in the city…

We’d get breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club and drive to a hike in the Superstition Mountains. We’d go on a hike to the Legend of Superior Trails and hunt for some Apache Tear stones, which are little black natural volcanic glass rocks. Once we have a jar-ful each, we’d take them home and tumble them over the next few days in case of any future crafts we wanted to make with them! For dinner, we’d go to Otro Cafe and eat the best mexican food ever.

End the day listening to some live music at Westside Jazz and Blues, where my boyfriend Rino plays at and call it a day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes! Emily Em https://www.instagram.com/emilyem.photography/ and RINO https://www.rinuspauel.com/

Website: https://tranugc.com

Instagram: instagram,com/tran.ugc

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tranugc

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