In April 2020, with ambulance sirens piercing New York’s empty streets, my family fled to Virginia—our hedge fund dreams collapsing just eight months after moving from Moscow. Investors disappeared, bank accounts sat unopened, and our savings plummeted from $150K to $70K.

Desperate for stability, I enrolled in a data analyst course—then a call from a New York friend changed everything. His father’s startup needed capital, but their financial model was a mess: absurd numbers and wild projections. That’s when it clicked.

My financial expertise found its purpose. Those jumbled numbers weren’t just errors—they were dreams teetering on collapse, entrepreneurs like me who’d poured everything into their vision only to stumble over money mistakes. I offered to fix their model for $2,500; their eager ‘yes’ revealed my calling.

What started as survival became my mission. Entrepreneurs don’t just need models—they need a guide to turn financial chaos into clear, actionable strategies. Their grit echoes my own shift from fixing spreadsheets to safeguarding dreams.

Now, working with founders, I see this pivot wasn’t just survival—it was my purpose. Every time I decode their numbers, streamline operations, or unlock funding, I’m fueling the same relentless spirit that carried me here—championing visionaries who defy the odds.