We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elijah Gubanov. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elijah below.

Hi Elijah, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

When I first arrived in the United States in February 2023, I was completely alone. I had just two suitcases and no idea about anyone here. It was a daunting experience, knowing no one and feeling like a stranger in a new country.

But then, my family — distant relatives of some friends of friends from Jersey — reached out and offered me their help. They gave me the chance to stay with them for free during my first few weeks, which was an absolute lifesaver. Not only did it protect my wallet, which had just $5,000 for my entire new life here, but it also gave me a sense of mental peace and stability. Having a place that felt like a home made such a huge difference in my adjustment.

I slept on the top bunk of a two-level bed, while another immigrant who had arrived a month before me stayed on the bottom bunk. Eventually, my hosts moved into the parents’ bedroom to make space for me.

I will forever be deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity they showed me. Their support gave me a foundation that made all the difference as I navigated my new life in the US. That act of selflessness was the launchpad I needed to start this chapter of my life, and I’ll never forget how it made me feel—like I wasn’t completely alone in the world.

Elijah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve had quite a journey that’s shaped who I am today, both professionally and personally. Growing up in Russia, I was deeply involved in the arts — I performed in theater, worked as a radio host for a federal station, and hosted television shows. Alongside these creative pursuits, I also spent four years organizing and leading events. Later, I worked for six years at a major FMCG company, which gave me a strong foundation in business operations, leadership, and strategic thinking.

However, life took an unexpected turn when I had to make the difficult decision to emigrate. Arriving in the US with no documents and no clear path forward, I knew there would be a lot of challenges. I had to embrace the reality of starting over, and in the early days, I worked in any job I could find — from being a personal assistant and driver to dog-walking and even working as an animator. All the while, I relied on my diverse skill set, which eventually opened doors for growth.

Soon, I became the general manager at a high-end dog daycare and boarding facility in Manhattan, which sparked the idea of starting my own business. In parallel, I was involved in film and commercial shoots, creating content for social media, and working on digital marketing projects. In September 2024, I began a certification program in digital marketing through Google to further expand my knowledge in this growing field.

One of my proudest moments was being part of the continuation of the TV series And Just Like That for its third season, and I’m also thrilled to be running my own practice, offering high-end dog boarding services. This includes everything from walks, medication administration, and grooming to training, all tailored to the needs of the animals in my care while their owners are away.

Additionally, I’m currently producing a queer-focused project with a London-based producer, and I’m involved as a host in a pilot for a children’s educational show with BRIC producers. Both of these are volunteer-driven, and I’m incredibly passionate about them, as they allow me to give back to my community and continue creating. For me, creativity and freedom are essential, and that’s why I’m constantly working 366 days a year — because I truly believe that pursuing your passions means dedicating yourself fully to the process.

What sets me apart is my multifaceted background, blending business acumen with creative talents, and my ability to adapt to new environments while maintaining a strong sense of purpose. I’ve learned that success is about hard work, adaptability, and staying open to new opportunities. My journey has taught me that anything is possible with perseverance, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My brand is about embracing challenges, being versatile, and always striving for growth — in both my professional and personal life.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients or followers to know, it’s that I am always evolving, always creating, and always ready to take on the next challenge. Whether it’s in my dog boarding business, my creative projects, or my work in digital marketing, I’m committed to providing high-quality services that exceed expectations.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience, for me, wasn’t just about pushing through hard times — it was about staying true to my ideals, no matter how tough things got. The first year and a half in the United States were incredibly challenging. Without full documentation, I faced constant obstacles, like being unable to rent an apartment or get stable work. The language barrier — English as my second language — made everything even harder. There were countless rejections, and the cultural differences, combined with my lack of understanding of the system here, weighed on me. It felt like the world was pressing down on me, and sometimes it seemed like every door was closed.

But giving up was never an option for me. I had a vision, and it was clear: I wanted to be on TV, to be part of the creative industry, and to be recognized at a high level in the U.S. I dreamed of hosting TV shows, attending the Teffi Awards or even the Oscars one day. And to make that happen, I knew I had to hustle. The pressure of starting from scratch in a new country was immense, but the fire in me was stronger.

I risked everything to pursue this dream — not just my time and energy, but also the possibility of never being able to return to my home country. I knew that meant I might never see my mother or grandmother again, but I accepted that as the price for the freedom I was seeking. I made a conscious choice to trade the comfort and familiarity of home for the opportunity to live in New York and pursue the life I wanted, no matter how difficult the journey.

There were moments when I questioned whether I made the right decision, but I refused to back down. Every setback only fueled my determination. Today, when I look at where I am now, working in the entertainment industry, running my own business, and contributing to creative projects, I can say that the price I paid was worth it. This is the life I fought for — and I’m just getting started.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is inspiring others to dream bigger, sparking that fire in their eyes. It’s the challenge of making someone smile, creating a genuine exchange of energy, and seeing the happiness reflected in their eyes. That connection is everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahomg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyelijahomg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahomg/