From Denmark to LA: My First Year Trying to Make It as an Entrepreneur

Hey there! I’m Kristoffer, and a year ago, I packed my bags, flew across the world, and landed in Los Angeles, the city of dreams, beaches, and endless sunshine. It’s a move I had been dreaming about for 10+ years—so finally making it happen in October 2023 was pretty surreal.

But let’s back up a little bit.

The Dream That Took a Decade

I’ve always wanted to live in the U.S. Every time I visited—more than 25 times over the years—it just felt like I belonged. Whether it was Los Angeles or somewhere else, the energy, the opportunities, and the lifestyle captivated me. Every time I returned to Europe, I couldn’t shake the thought: I want to live here one day. I’d spend hours watching videos of people who made the move, wondering if I could do it too.

But life has a way of delaying even the deepest dreams. For years, there was always something else—another project, another reason to wait. By the time I turned 31, I realized if I didn’t take action, I might get stuck, and this dream of mine could stay just that—a dream.

So, after years of hesitation, research, and soul-searching, I made the leap. In 2023, I secured an O-1 visa, the one for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in their field. For me, that field was sexual wellness and sex toys—a niche I’ve been deeply involved in for over a decade. With more than 10 years of experience and a track record as a kind of expert in this space, I had the credentials to back it up.

I can’t help but laugh thinking about the case officer at USCIS reviewing my 400+ page application about my expertise in sexual wellness. Let’s just say, they probably had a unique day at work!

Now, I’m here, living the dream I held onto for over a decade. It’s proof that sometimes, no matter how long it takes, your dreams are worth pursuing—even if they involve a very unconventional path.

A New Life in Los Angeles

I arrived in Los Angeles with just two bags and a dream, moving into the home of some Danish friends. They were kind enough to let me stay while I figured out my first steps. It felt like a good way to transition—moving to a new country is a big leap, and having familiar faces around made it less daunting. They helped with practical things like navigating the city and paperwork, but more importantly, they helped me feel less alone.

Once I found my footing, I signed up for a membership at WeWork. It became my go-to spot—a place to work, connect, and establish some structure in my new life. Having a regular routine gave me a sense of stability in a city that can feel so sprawling and unpredictable.

The first few months were a mix of excitement and adjustment. I explored LA, soaked in the energy, and reconnected with people I’d met over the years during my many visits. But, as expected, life didn’t completely fall into place overnight. Settling into a new country isn’t just about getting your paperwork sorted—it’s about adjusting to the pace, the culture, and even the small things like where to buy groceries or how to navigate the traffic.

I came with an idea or i guess plan: to continue working in the sexual wellness industry, a space I’ve been passionate about for over a decade. But, as is often the case, things didn’t unfold exactly as I envisioned. The industry hit a slow patch, and I found myself having to rethink my approach. Maybe that was to be expected—starting fresh in a new country often means unexpected challenges. In hindsight, this might have happened no matter where I moved, and that’s okay.

What I’ve learned is that these detours are part of the process. Starting over means adapting and finding new ways forward. Los Angeles hasn’t been an easy ride, but it’s a place that rewards persistence. Day by day, I’m building my life here, and while it’s not perfect, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Living Smart: Avoiding the LA Trap

I’d heard the stories—the ones about people moving to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, or New York, only to burn through their savings in six months. Flashy lifestyles, endless nights out, and the temptations of spending can drain anyone’s bank account fast. I knew I didn’t want to end up in that situation.

Before I moved, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t level up my spending until I started making more money in the U.S. It wasn’t about being frugal for the sake of it—it was about staying grounded and giving myself the breathing room to figure things out.

To keep costs low, I stuck to five simple strategies:

1. Staying with friends: I lived with my Danish friends instead of jumping straight into LA’s wild rental market.
2. Holding off on a car: Instead of buying one right away, I borrowed a car from a friend whenever I needed to get around.
3. Limiting dining out: It’s easy to get caught up in LA’s food scene, but I kept meals at home as much as possible.
4. Finding a community workspace: My WeWork membership was an affordable way to work and meet people without committing to a full office setup.
5. Avoiding lifestyle creep: I focused on building my foundation, not on keeping up appearances.

This approach gave me peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what really mattered—building my life in Los Angeles. By staying mindful and intentional, I avoided the stress that can come from trying to live beyond your means, and I was able to focus on making progress, one step at a time.

Navigating Career Changes: Staying True to My Roots or Exploring the Unknown

After moving to Los Angeles, I found myself at a crossroads. The sexual wellness industry, where I’ve spent more than a decade, has been slower than usual lately. While I’m still deeply passionate about the field, I’ve started wondering if it’s time to branch out and explore something completely new. It’s a tricky balance—holding on to what I know versus diving into the unknown.

In the meantime, I’ve been helping companies with projects in the sexual wellness space and taking on smaller projects while I figure out what’s next. Three months after my move, I even won an industry award. That moment felt like a reminder of everything I’ve built over the years—a sign that maybe I’m meant to stay in this space. But big decisions like these take time, and I’m okay with that.

Starting this blog has been part of the process. It’s a way for me to share my journey—the highs, the lows, and the moments of clarity. If nothing else, it’s a space to connect with others who might also be figuring out their next steps. Sometimes, it’s comforting to know you’re not alone in navigating the twists and turns of life and career.

For now, I’m embracing the uncertainty, trusting the process, and staying open to whatever comes next. Whether I stick with sexual wellness or venture into a new industry, I know it’ll be another exciting chapter in the story.

The Reality of LA Life: A Dreamer’s Paradise with a Tough Edge

LA is everything you’ve seen in the movies—the glamour, the opportunities, the endless sunshine—but it’s also so much more. Beneath the surface, it’s a tough city that demands a lot from anyone who dares to make it their home. It’s not for everyone. If you don’t perform, you can find yourself on the streets. Many people work two or even three jobs just to make ends meet because the cost of living is sky-high.

Coming from comfortable Europe—and especially Scandinavia, where the government is always there to catch you if you fall—this was a stark contrast. There’s no safety net here, no guarantees. But at the same time, that’s what I find so inspiring about this place. LA is full of people with dreams, drive, and goals, all trying to make it. There’s a raw energy here that pushes you to work harder and aim higher, and I love being surrounded by that ambition.

I’ve realized that moving to a new country isn’t just about packing your bags and getting on a plane—it’s about mentally committing to the experience. Now, as I navigate the challenges and opportunities of this city, I’m starting to find my rhythm. LA may be a tough place to thrive, but it’s also a place that rewards grit, resilience, and passion. And for all its difficulties, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be chasing my dreams.

Taking a Step Back to Move Forward

Looking back, I realize that diving into a new city without a concrete plan may not have been the smoothest approach. But honestly, who likes playing it safe all the time? I wanted to give myself room to breathe, to explore, and to figure things out. Keeping my costs low in the beginning gave me that freedom—and that flexibility to embrace whatever came my way.

I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and I think I work best under pressure, in situations where things aren’t too predictable. There’s something about that uncertainty that pushes me to perform at my best. The unpredictability of LA has been a perfect fit for me in that sense—it’s a place where things constantly shift, and you’ve got to adapt fast if you want to stay in the game.

Sure, I’ve had to pivot my career plans more than once. But that’s the reality of being an entrepreneur, right? It’s about being flexible, adjusting to what life throws at you, and staying optimistic, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s these moments of uncertainty that push me forward and remind me why I came here in the first place—to take risks, face the challenges head-on, and ultimately build something I’m proud of.

What’s Next?

Now that I’m starting to feel more settled, I’m ready to dive back into business full-throttle. I’ve got a few ideas brewing—some that tie back to the sexual wellness industry, and others that are completely new. That’s the beauty of being in LA—anything’s possible here. You’ve got the freedom to reinvent yourself, try new things, and explore different paths.

Through this blog, I’m excited to share my journey with you. Whether it’s diving into the details of my move, the ups and downs of the visa process, starting a business here, or offering tips for anyone thinking about making the move to the U.S., I’ll be posting weekly updates. I hope you’ll follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or whichever platform works best for you. My goal is to keep it real and provide insights into the reality of living and working in LA.

If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone considering a big move, it’s this: don’t wait for the perfect time, because it doesn’t exist. Just go for it. There will be bumps in the road, but you’ll figure it out as you go. And who knows? You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Keep following my journey, and let’s see what happens next!

So, here’s to year two in LA! I’m ready for it, and I hope you’ll stick around for the journey. Who knows where it’ll take me? Maybe I’ll build my next big venture right here—or maybe I’ll try something completely unexpected. Either way, I’m excited to find out.