Meet Yana

We recently connected with Yana and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yana, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

It comes from being independent and taking full responsibility for my results. When I commit to something, I treat it like a business, not a hobby. I’m also very growth-driven and I don’t like doing the bare minimum. Being a UGC creator really sharpened that – deadlines, communication, and quality are non-negotiable when you’re working with brands.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a Los Angeles–based creator, influencer, and UGC professional working across multiple niches and brand categories. What excites me most about this work is turning a product or idea into content that doesn’t feel like an ad.

Alongside my creator work, I also work in the hospitality industry, primarily with restaurants in Los Angeles. That experience has sharpened my understanding of how strategy, visuals, and timing translate into real-world impact. It’s important for me to have balance between creativity and structure in everything I do.

Professionally, I’m currently focused on a larger upcoming project that brings together my experience in content creation and brand strategy, while also exploring the next phase of expanding my work in a more full-service direction. There’s a lot in motion, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, consistency and discipline. Just showing up, day after day, even when it felt like nothing was happening, made all the difference. My advice for anyone starting out is to find a rhythm that works for you and stick with it – treat your work like a long game, not a quick win.
Second, planning and structure. One of the most impactful skills I developed is being organized and intentional with my time and responsibilities., because structure allows you to stay on top of everything while still being creative and adaptable.
Third, communication and professionalism. Being clear, reliable, and easy to work with has opened just as many doors as creativity. Responding on time, meeting deadlines, and setting expectations early builds trust fast.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Definitely investing in my education and teaching me discipline. They showed me the value of hard work and staying committed, and those lessons have stayed with me in everything I do – from managing projects to building my career. It’s really the foundation that keeps me moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kanashulya.com
• Instagram: kanashulya
• Yelp: Yana Kanashko