Meet Elke Osadnik

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elke Osadnik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elke, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was something that was organically born out of me going through the O-1B visa process with very limited support, some 14 years ago. So I chose to do my own research via the internet, and via many in-person and phone conversations with US immigration attorneys within the US – so I could identify patterns of common information and opinions. This exercise led to me developing a huge interest in US immigration in general. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I found that friends, affiliates, family etc. continually asked me questions about the process and one day, out of the blue, a US-based immigration law firm approached me asking if I’d be interested in working for them, on a part time basis. I jumped at the chance to learn even more, by working within a US immigration law firm myself . Several years later, I finally decided to work for myself, after many colleagues, friends, and even some immigration attorneys suggested I work for myself in a support capacity for artists.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I would have to say I’m most proud about the fact that I dreamed of moving my life to the US as an actor, and despite being told by so many (within my industry, and within my close network of friends) that “I couldn’t achieve this” – I did. My dream was to move to the US and simply have the chance to audition more frequently than I am able to, in Australia. I achieved this in my first six months of being LA. To then book work was always “icing on the cake” for me. So it’s been a delicious cake as to work as an actor, for me, is one of the biggest joys. Doing what you truly love.

To then look at my life today, living between Los Angeles and Atlanta, as a US Citizen, still working as an actor, yet running my own business in the very field I was told I would not achieve a visa within, is well, almost hard to believe. But pretty cool I guess.

The visa journey opened up a passion for US immigration law, that I never knew existed, and I am proud that I’ve found a way to work with my business brain, without giving up my creative ‘acting brain.’

When it comes to my “point of difference” as an actor, and business owner of Stateside Careers, my clients have highlighted it over and over to me as this: “You can really empathize with us. You’ve gone through the O-1B visa process yourself. You understand the steps but most of all, the anxiety we go through. It means so much to have your support.”

My personal story of overcoming the nay-sayers to achieve my own visa for acting, then obtaining a Green Card, and now being a US Citizen is very encouraging for my clients. I’m not here to ever offer them “legal advice” or steer them towards just “following a feeling” without doing the work to back it up, with their Attorney’s legal guidance, but if they are doubting themselves, my story is of great encouragement to them. I love offering whatever emotional support I can, to keep them feeling positive, throughout the visa journey. Imposter Syndrome is real for so many of us and it can definitely creep in during the visa process

I also truly believe that the fact that I truly care for every single client is a win for us all. My clients know I’m always here for them. That I will work fast. Be responsive. Make myself available. Listen to them. For me, it fuels my soul knowing I’m being of service and giving back to these people who have put their faith in me. So it’s a win-win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gosh I would have to say that I love to explore the shops on Melrose. So many cute little boutiques to shop in there. So much street art to check out. Plus, I am addicted to The Playground dance studio on Melrose run by Kenny Wormald and Robin Antin. It’s a BLAST and has been my “happy place” for years. If you can dance or not, it’s a fun, welcoming environment.

I also love a hike along Fryman, Runyon, or Bronson Canyons. All of them are so different but worth checking out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to say that there are several people who have been enormously supportive when it comes to my learning within the US immigration space. They are Managing Attorney Liz Profumo of Global Talent Immigration Law Group and her Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany Gomez. I have also learned an enormous amount from US Immigration Senior Paralegal/Australian Licensed Attorney, Paul Altmann. All individuals have been open to answering so many questions I have had for them over the years, and teaching me a lot about US immigration law. They have also always led with kindness, authenticity, humor and a passion for assisting their clients.

There is also a book that was very impactful regarding how I structured my business. It is called “The Thought Leaders Practice” by Matt Church; Peter Cook; and Scott Stein. This book helped me to identify with myself, what I was hoping to achieve for my future clients, and myself, by establishing Stateside Careers. It was a game changer. Once I read the book, I had lift-off.

Website: https://www.statesidecareers.com

Instagram: @misselkeberry

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkeosadnik/

Image Credits
David Noles Photographer