Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Hanzel.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved makeup and fashion since I was in high school. Always trying to recreate outfits and makeup looks I saw in magazines. Tearing out pages and had them all over my walls. I decided I was going to go to College for Fashion Merchandising. I loved doing makeup for my friends and clients for their special events. Life had gotten in the way so I had put it away. I decided after I had my daughter that I wanted to get back into what I loved the most giving my advice on products that I felt in my opnion works for women in their 40’s and older, but within a budget. All women want to look good as we age and I want to give that to them. I started researching ways to become an influencer. I started giving my opnion on products that I purchased and what I thought and how well it worked for me. I reached out to different sites to be accepted into their influencer programs. I watched videos how to showcase products on video or in pictures. I bought props, my ring lite and playing around with it. It had taken me three years to get where I am now redoing videos till I thought they were perfect to send out on my social channels. I have met some wonderful influencer that have become friends with and we all help each other out. Giving pointers, promoting one anothers videos. It has helped me work with some amazing brands. From Laura Mercier to Sephora, and Chanel. This has helped me get more comfortable taking pictures of products to even videos of myself talking about my thoughts on certain products. It has given me a sense of self-esteem that I never had. It has been amazing!
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?
It has been a struggle especially getting started. Not knowing what you are really doing how.to get the perfect shots. Learning how to build up followers, even having your videos or photos having a lot of views or likes. I had companies give me feedback and how to have better videos before you upload them. At first its hard to take their critique but in the end it helps you grow as UGC creator. Their were days I felt like giving up because I thought I will never get as many followers or the company of dreams to reach out to me. I had to give myself many pep talks saying “Andrea you can do this, just takes time and patience. You got this.” It is a lot of patience and learning along the way. I am always learning something new.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a UGC creator/ influencer. I try and target women that are in their 40’s and up. Finding products that are budget friendly. Skincare that helps improve our skin helps us look good for ourselves. I show how the product works, what is in the product. The benefits and cons. Their has been products that did not work for me and I let my audience it didn’t work for me. This is why however. It can for someone else with different skin texture than me. My proudest moment is having a company like Sephora or Estee Lauder reaching out to me, saying they love my pictures and want to use it on their site. It has made me feel like I have really made it! I dont have anything that sets me apart from others. I am still learning and striving to be the best for myself.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you are wanting to become a UGC creator have patience with yourself. It takes time and a lot of learning along the way. Be comfortable with being in front of the camera and talking. I am a very shy person this has helped me come out of my shell and give me the self confidence that I didn’t know I had. Start buying props, and back drops and a good ring camera to start. Just a lot of learning and being able to take criticism.
Pricing:
- Ring Camera $25
- Backdrops $30
- Props $60
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreacarolinehanzel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YwLy3pTSL/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreahanzel5
