Life & Work with Abby Arnold of Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Arnold

Hi Abby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Let’ start with where I’m at today! I work in social media, though maybe not in the way you’d think—I specialize in user-generated content (UGC), making content that feels organic for brands to use for their social accounts.

I spent years trying to blend my passions and thought I’d always have to choose between them, but now, I’ve found a way to bring everything I love into one career. Growing up in Overland Park, I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in fashion. By high school, I was obsessed with fashion magazines, took my first photography class, and started taking Instagram seriously. It wasn’t long before I was pursuing Fashion Marketing in college, working as the Style Coordinator for the university’s magazine, then moving up to co-editor-in-chief. I was always all in, from styling shoots to networking with brands, even when people told me I put way too much effort into my social media.

After college, I landed a role as a social media coordinator for by Egreis, a fashion brand based in Kansas City. What started as scheduling posts quickly grew into running photoshoots, directing models, and eventually creating content in front of the camera myself. That job sparked a shift in my dreams from traditional fashion styling to the world of social media. Three years later, I joined a digital marketing agency, managing social accounts for 30+ brands. I learned a lot about what I liked—and didn’t like—about agency life, and it was around then that I started a UGC side hustle, which soon became my full-time gig.

And now, those photo and social media skills have become the foundation of my career. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to travel, work remotely, eloped in Hawaii, and recently, my husband and I bought a home in Brookside. Today, I get to choose projects I’m passionate about, handling everything from concept to final product.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Freelancing has been anything but a smooth road, and I think anyone who takes this path can relate. The biggest challenge is the lack of guaranteed income; it’s a constant hustle to find new projects, and you’re responsible for managing everything from taxes to health insurance on your own. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had my husband’s support. He’s encouraged me to take this leap and reassured me that if things don’t work out, we’ll still be okay. I’m lucky that once I fully committed to this career, it took off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

But freelancing has its ups and downs. There’s no guidebook for what I do, so I’m constantly learning as I go—whether it’s about refining my business practices or navigating unexpected setbacks. Just this week, I completed an entire project, only to have the company cancel at the last minute, leaving me with two days of unpaid work. My obstacles have taught me a lot, but they also make you question your value. It’s tough to know how to price your work or decide what your time is worth, especially when starting out. A friend once told me, ‘If you believe you’re providing value and doing good work, then never doubt yourself.’ I carry that advice with me because I do believe in the work I’m doing, and I’m learning to stay confident even through the challenges.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create social media content for brands to share on their accounts, whether it’s a fun trend or a paid ad. My work focuses on fashion, wellness, and lifestyle, and I get to be hands-on in so much of the process—concepts, directing, styling, and editing—which lets me bring together all my passions and skills.

This year has been packed with crazy experiences. I worked with Busch Light and NASCAR, which led to sitting front row in the pit at the NASCAR Iowa Corn 350! I also filmed on a private jet for a jet-broking company, was featured in a commercial on Hulu, flew to LA for a luxury eyewear shoot, and even saw myself on a big screen in Times Square. I also got to attend the Palm Springs Film Festival and met fellow content creators at a KC Royals influencer event. Plus, I get sent so many products to try out, and sometimes end up loving them (I can’t live without my Fortify skincare, Beam Dream powder, and Hampton Sun tanning mist)! Social media has opened so many doors and given me some amazing new experiences.

But what I’m most proud of is how my work keeps evolving and getting better. I’ve recently expanded from solo projects to trying out directed UGC-style shoots, where I can hire local models, scout locations, and create bulk content packages for brands. I love collaborating with Kansas City’s creative community and introducing new faces to UGC. It’s exciting to push myself, take on new challenges, and get to use my creativity every day. And if you’re looking to get into UGC check out my portfolio account on Instagram for tips & examples! @heyplatforms

The push I feel to keep getting better is what makes every project exciting, helps me deliver work that stands out, and has led to the success I’ve seen so far!

How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in both my life and my business, with its share of good and bad moments. One of my TikToks gained 17.5 million views, which I’d call mostly luck—but then it also came with a wave of hate comments (which I can laugh about now!), so that could be counted as bad luck. But I’ve always had a ‘my hands are open’ mentality—I try to take every opportunity that comes my way and make the most of it, because even the smallest chance can lead to unexpected places. I really believe in the saying, ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,’ so I stay ready and try to make the most out of everything that comes my way!

Pricing:

• UGC video campaigns $350+
• UGC photo campaigns $250+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abbyvideo.my.canva.site/abbyarnoldugc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heypfanny/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/heyplatforms/