On Being a Brand Ambassador : My Favourite Hustle!
- Taylor Cohen
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
By now, you probably know about my journey to financial wellness. You probably know that I went from broke to $100k in just two years. But what you may not know is that I was hustling and I mean hustling to make the money that would start to change my life!
For over a year, I was a Brand Ambassador (BA for short), making extra cash and scoring some unforgettable experiences! This gig was one of the best decisions I made when I needed fast cash and I had the time of my life doing it. In this post, I'll tell you about some of my favourite highlights - and how you can get in on the action too!
What Is a Brand Ambassador?
In a nutshell, a Brand Ambassador is someone who represents a brand in person. Sometimes it’s liquor samples at a local store; other times, it’s a huge event like a sporting event or convention. The best part? You get to create memories and experiences while getting paid - sometimes over $40 an hour!
These gigs usually operate on a 1099 basis, meaning you’re an independent contractor, and the lengths of the shifts can vary. That means, you get to tailor your experience to your life!
Pro-Tip: Always account for taxes as an Independent Contractor.
The Wonderful World of Brand Ambassador Gigs
The range of gigs I’ve done is WILD, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are some of my most memorable side hustles:
🍸 Liquor Sampling: I’d pop into local liquor shops, set up a table, and give samples of whiskey, vodka, or whatever spirit needed a little extra love that weekend. It’s only a few hours of work, and the pay was great—perfect for covering a night out or stashing away some extra savings.
⚾ Working Major Events: I got to work the World Series! I didn’t even care that I’m not a huge sports fan because the energy was incredible, and I got paid a sweet hourly rate just for chatting with fans. I’ve also worked sneaker conventions (think lots of hype-beasts and rare Jordan's aka heaven), drag competitions (SO much fun and the performances were iconic), and even weddings where I got to be a part of forever memories.
😂 Live Entertainment Gigs: One of the best gigs I landed was working a show for one of my favorite comedians. I got to see the performance for free while getting paid to help out. I mean, come on—how many side gigs let you get paid for something you would have paid for!?
💃🏽 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dancer: Yes, you read that right. I was out there on the dance floor hyping up the crowd at bar mitzvahs. It’s honestly one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had — and no... I cannot dance!
🍜 Sampling at Grocery Stores: These gigs were a staple for me. You set up a little booth, smile a lot, and give people free samples of snacks or drinks. Most shifts were 3-4 hours and paid really well, especially considering how low-pressure it was.
🤘🏽 The One That Got Away: Monster Jam
One gig I always wanted to work but never got the chance? Monster Jam! Roaring trucks, stadium lights, and an audience full of adrenaline junkies! It’s still on my bucket list of gigs I want to land and I plan on getting back in the game!
How I Landed These Gigs (and How You Can Too)
Getting started as a Brand Ambassador does take a little upfront effort, but it pays off fast. Here’s what worked for me:
Setting Up Profiles: I took the time to set up profiles on gig sites like Trusted Herd, and it was worth every second. It helps you get your name out there and makes it easy for companies to see what kind of events you’ve worked before.
Using Facebook and Craigslist: Believe it or not, Facebook and Craigslist were gold mines for finding gigs. I’d join local event staffing groups on Facebook or search Craigslist for “event staff” or “brand ambassador” postings. You’d be surprised how many great-paying jobs are posted there.
Staying on Top of Taxes: Since these gigs are **1099**, you’re on the hook for your own taxes. I made sure to set aside a percentage of each paycheck so I wasn’t blindsided come tax season. Pro tip: Keep track of your income and expenses (like mileage) so you can save big on deductions!
Why You Should Try Being a Brand Ambassador
If you like variety, meeting people, and making good money for short shifts, this side hustle is for you. You get the flexibility of choosing when you want to work, and the pay is often much higher than typical part-time gigs. Plus, the experiences are unforgettable—who else gets paid to dance at bar mitzvahs, serve whiskey samples, or work a drag competition?
Ready to Start?
If this sounds like your kind of hustle, start by setting up a profile on Trusted Herd, check out local Facebook groups by searching "Brand Ambassadors of [Closest City to You]", and keep an eye on Craigslist for postings. Take the time to build out your profile and respond quickly when new gigs pop up. With a little effort, you could be raking in extra cash while having a blast.
Happy hustling, and may your gigs be as wild as mine!
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