Getting paid shouldn’t be the hardest part of being a creator. In this episode, Abby talks with Grace Tabib, founder of DuPay, about how creators can protect their income before, during, and after a brand partnership. Grace explains why unpaid invoices are so common in the creator economy, when to escalate a late payment, and how a professional third party can help you get paid without burning bridges. They also discuss the contract terms creators often overlook, what every invoice should include, and why creators need to stop treating brand deals like favors. Plus, Grace shares what entrepreneurship has taught her about asking for help, working within her zone of genius, and building a business her children can be proud of. Because doing what you love doesn’t mean letting people take advantage of you. Key Moments: 00:00 The Contract Clause Creators Miss 01:59 Meet Grace Tabib, Co-Founder of DUPAY 04:52 Why Unpaid Invoices Are So Common for Creators 06:20 DUPAY vs. Collections Agencies 08:15 The Third Party Advocate to Get You Paid 11:55 Are Brands Intentionally Ghosting Creators? 15:02 Three Reasons Invoices Go Unpaid 16:47 Practical Tips for Creators to Protect Themselves 20:31 When Should You Escalate a Late Payment? 24:20 Your Brand Deal is Not a Favor 25:36 Grace’s Biggest Lessons as an Entrepreneur 31:09 Grace's Personal Why Behind DUPAY 35:25 Time is Your Most Valuable Asset 36:24 Special DUPAY Offer for Listeners What is DUPAY? DUPAY is a lawyer-built income protection platform for the Creator Economy, serving creators, freelancers, and agencies. DUPAY combines contract tools (Contract Creator and Contract Check Report), invoice generation and tracking with a "Protected by DUPAY" stamp, and unlimited unpaid invoice advocacy. DUPAY has recovered over $1M for subscribers with an 81%+ success rate, on invoices ranging from $47 to $120K, across 16 countries. DUPAY was built on a simple belief: all income is worth protecting. Socials: @dupayme on IG, X, LI and TT Website: www.dupayme.com Email: Info@dupayme.com Promo code: $10 off your first month of Tools + Protection (reg. $29/mo) with code: ABBY10 If this episode was helpful, follow the show, share it with a creator friend, or leave a review. Every follow, share, and review helps get this show into the hands of more creators who want to build profitable businesses and lasting wealth. Helpful Links: Monthly newsletter signup Visit my website Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Follow on LinkedIn Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Creator Money, a DBA of Forefront Advisor Network, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this podcast shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons in another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. FAN/FWP will not provide follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state when rendering personalized investment advice for compensation without first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant to an applicable state exemption. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant, or legal counsel before implementation. Investing in securities involves risks, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.