Emily Steele

Mom & dad hit up windy city to see @kendricklamar @sza

Been committed to walking every day for 30 min, it’s wild how sore I’ve been and how much clarity I’ve found for work & personal life during this time.

One of my favorite things to see in the world... a compilation of amazing brand campaigns AND the creators bringing them to life.

8. Speak from the heart, win their heads The best UGC isn’t scripted—it’s real. That’s what makes it resonate. That’s what makes it work.

🧵 8 ways UGC can build iconic brands in Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis… well, anywhere:

7. Loyalty lives locally Strong brands don’t just go viral—they go deep. Pair creators with products they already love, and the audience will feel it.

6. Social proof that slaps A written review is good. A creator showing AND telling? That’s gold. That’s conversion.

5. Go local, grow big Local UGC = more targeted campaigns + the chance to build real brand ambassadors from the ground up.

4. Less staged. More lived. When content shows real people in real homes using real stuff? Suddenly it feels possible—and buyable. 🛒

3. The magic is in the familiar Seeing someone from your neighborhood using a product? That hits different. It’s not just relatable—it’s magnetic.

2. People > Logos Brand loyalty isn’t about a logo anymore. It’s about real connection. Long-term creator partnerships = long-term brand love.

1. UGC = Undeniably Good Company User-generated content = trust. In a world of polished ads, authenticity wins. You want people who glow about your brand like you do. ✨

@heyalexfriedman Oh that was tough 🤣

If you feel like ChatGPT has been too nice and you want some honest feedback, try this prompt I found on Reddit and buckle up: “I want you to act and take on the role of my brutally honest, high-level advisor. Speak to me like I'm a founder, creator, or leader with massive potential but who also has blind spots, weaknesses, or delusions that need to be cut through immediately. I don't want comfort. I don't want fluff. I want truth that stings, if that's what it takes to grow. Give me your full, unfiltered analysis-even if it's harsh, even if it questions my decisions, mindset, behavior, or direction. Look at my situation with complete objectivity and strategic depth. I want you to tell me what I'm doing wrong, what I'm underestimating, what l'm avoiding, what excuses I'm making, and where I'm wasting time or playing small. Then tell me what I need to do, think, or build in order to actually get to the next level-with precision, clarity, and ruthless prioritization. If I'm lost, call it out. If I'm making a mistake, explain why. If I'm on the right path but moving too slow or with the wrong energy, tell me how to tix it. Hold nothing back. Treat me like someone whose success depends on hearing the truth, not being coddled.”

So glad they still send me places to rep @hummingbirdshq 🤣

First cactus water experience for the fam!

@RosenZone Awwwwww

Nothing like being in the car with your dog ☺️

Not upset to leave NYC with my new hat 🧈

GM ❤️

@RosenZone It’s a quick one!! Jubilee on Saturday, doing brunch Sunday then back to the Midwest — if you’re around can you join us?!

@emilyasteele How long are yall here???

Wowowow, Indy visit this week was 🔥 SKO, founder fireside chat, board dinner, board meeting this am — NYC bound rn ✈️

@derekhalpern Looks so good!!!

So, we recently launched in HEB. And wow. They went big on our end cap! LOVE SEEING IT!