We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elena Denisova-Clark. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Elena, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people silently struggle with money and the idea of financial freedom—but rarely talk about it openly. Most of us weren’t born into wealth, so we grow up learning how to trade time for money just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.
Even those who “seem” to have a lot often feel they don’t have enough. As income grows, so do responsibilities—bigger families, new homes, pets, school costs, that pool in the backyard. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of earning and spending.
Money is still a taboo subject for many, but I believe it’s one we need to bring into the light. I’m not trying to chase passive income in a fairytale sense—I’m focused on increasing location-flexible income. My goal is to build income streams that allow me to work from anywhere, doing what I love, while earning more per hour than I ever could in a 9–5. It’s not about escaping work—it’s about reclaiming freedom.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Elena D. Clark—an actress, real estate investor, and storyteller sharing what I’ve learned about building financial freedom from the ground up. A few years ago, I came to the U.S. with a suitcase, big dreams, and over $50,000 in debt. Today, I own multiple cash-flowing properties across the country, and I share what’s worked for me with other creatives and immigrants who want to take control of their finances—even if they’re starting from zero.
I’m currently creating a guide called Financial Freedom for Creatives & Immigrants, where I combine practical investing tips with real stories, poetry, and lessons from my own journey. It’s not a typical real estate manual—it’s honest, human, and designed to help you feel less alone in the process.
Right now, I’m working on expanding access to financial literacy in a way that feels human, hopeful, and actually achievable. Whether it’s finding your first deal or learning how to talk to lenders without fear, I want people to know: you don’t need to be rich to start—you just need to be brave
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world handed me labels, bills, and expectations,
I was a barefoot dreamer with a backpack of questions.
A girl who believed stories could heal and ignite—
that beauty was born from both struggle and light.
Freedom, I knew, wasn’t handed or found—
it’s something you build, brick by brick, sound by sound.
I was an immigrant with nothing but a stubborn heart,
a love for music, for movement, for messy, raw art—
and a whisper inside me that never would quit:
“There’s more out there for you—go get every bit.”
Before they told me to shrink, play it safe, stay small,
I was already rehearsing how to risk it all.
And even when the world tried to rewrite my role,
I tore up the script—and reclaimed my soul.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re not behind, you’re just starting. Just be a little kinder to yourself along the way.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say yes—but it’s not the whole me. The version people see is definitely real. I don’t fake it or pretend to have it all together. What you see online or in interviews is me, just a little more polished, a little more clear on the message I want to share. But the messy parts? The doubts, the tired days—I don’t always show that, even though it’s just as real.
I share from my heart, but I also protect parts of it. The public version of me is real—but like anyone, there’s more behind the scenes that doesn’t always make it into the post or the page. And I think that’s okay.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve honestly never been great at doing what I was told to do—especially if it didn’t feel right. Even when I had to take survival jobs, I always tried to find some meaning in them, to bring my voice into whatever I was doing. And if something really didn’t sit right with me, I’d just leave. I couldn’t stay in places where I felt silenced or pushed into a role that didn’t fit.
What I’ve always valued is my freedom to choose. I’ve built a life where I can work for myself, use my skills, and enjoy what I do—even if it’s not always my ultimate dream job. Every step, every job, every pivot has led me somewhere meaningful. Even the in-between seasons were part of building who I am—and who I’m becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elenaclarkperformer.com
- Instagram: @elenadclark
Image Credits
Captured during events:
Rebel Capitalist Live
Empowered Investor Live
Live performance of Jeff Goldblum in Rosewood, NYC
Photographer unknown
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
