Today we’d like to introduce you to Glad Elevado.
Hi Glad, 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?
During the pandemic, I was working in an investment firm, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to do something more creative—something that could eventually grow into a business. I was already selling clothes online, writing a blog, and creating planners, so I decided to take the leap and offer my services as a UGC Creator on Fiverr, under the name GLADitude, Inc. Back then, UGC wasn’t really a thing and I only had 3k followers so I definitely wasn’t an influencer – so I called it “live modeling.” To my surprise, within a month, I was making 40 videos a week!
Now, three years later, I’ve built on that foundation and, together with my business partner Sylvie Gilbar, successfully opened my second business: Drip Creative Studio. This 4,800 square foot brick-and-mortar space includes two dance studios, multiple photo and video rooms, and a podcast room. It’s incredibly rewarding to be making a living as a full-time creative. And to think it all started with making TikToks!
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?
Starting GLADitude definitely had its challenges. I had to find all my clients from scratch, which is probably one of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur. The biggest challenge was learning to believe in myself—realizing that I had something valuable to offer and that it was worth putting a price on. Filming content outdoors, with people watching, was also pretty nerve-wracking at first. And even now, when I tell people I create content for brands, I still get the question, “Do you actually make money doing that?”
When we started DRIP, I had no idea just how much money it would take to get a business like this off the ground. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone opening a brick-and-mortar space, it would be to double whatever budget you have in mind because the expenses really start to pile up. The finances were a huge source of stress for both me and Sylvie. Now that we’re three months in and out of the construction phase, things are a lot more manageable, budget-wise. But let me tell you, we work non-stop! It’s not even an exaggeration to say we sleep maybe four or five hours a night before we’re back at it, messaging each other and tackling the next task.
That’s why it’s so important to keep your “why” front and center. When things get tough, your passion and belief in what you’re doing are what will keep you going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At GLADitude, I love creating genuine, authentic UGC videos that really connect with people. I can always find something awesome about every product I work with, and it’s been a lot of fun figuring out how to present each brand in a unique way. With over 500 five-star reviews on Fiverr, I’ve had the chance to work with all sorts of products—from bath goodies and tools to furniture, insurance, and pet supplies. If you’ve seen it in a Facebook ad, there’s a good chance I’ve done it!
At DRIP, we’re known as the biggest dance studio and production space in San Diego, but what really makes us stand out is the amazing community we’ve built. Sylvie and I are naturally warm and welcoming, and we’ve created a space where everyone feels at home and supported. Our clients are just as friendly—they look out for each other, and DRIP has become a place where creatives not only work but also make new friends.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the diversity within our community. We have people of all ages and cultural backgrounds—dancers, photographers, models, you name it—all coming together in this space. If you want to see this for yourself, check out our Instagram! You’ll see just how vibrant and inclusive our community is.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that might surprise people about me is that I worked in finance for 15 years, and I actually love data, spreadsheets, and geeking out over numbers just as much as I enjoy creating. In fact, before I opened DRIP, I was taking classes at UCSD to get my CPA license—not because I wanted to become a CPA, but because I wanted to understand taxes and be able to do them myself. Yes, I’m that nerdy over money.
I think my analytical side has been a big part of why I’ve been successful in business. I’m really good with money and have a strong, healthy relationship with it. Every decision I make is backed by data, so while I’m creative, I’m not the type to make business choices based purely on emotion—I’m able to keep a clear head and focus on the facts.
Pricing:
- UGC Videos: $105-$145 per video
- Social Media Management: $2,500 a month
- UGC Coaching: $100 per hour
- User Generated Magic (my book on how to start a UGC business): $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gladitude.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladitudeinc
