Life & Work with Julia Gladchenko of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Gladchenko

Julia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Omsk, a city in Western Siberia, Russia, in an ordinary family of construction businessmen with 9-5 jobs. From a young age, I was passionate about the arts and never saw myself following my parents’ path. I initially thought I would become a fashion or graphic designer and never even dared to dream about Hollywood or Broadway.

I’ve always been a big fan of movies and shows. I could watch an entire season of a show in one day and go to the movie theater three times a week without ever getting tired of it. However, I never thought about being a part of them.

In 2020, I was going through tough times. I didn’t know what I wanted, what I could and couldn’t do, or how I envisioned my future. One day, I was watching a show on Netflix, and something struck me like electricity—I knew I wanted to be there. But at that point, I was so far from America and the entertainment industry in general. I didn’t even know where or how to start. But I knew: I needed it.

In 2021, I started thinking about applying to acting schools in New York and Los Angeles. However, with the onset of the war, I didn’t know if I could pursue this dream at all. By chance, I applied to AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in New York. I passed the audition and got accepted! Something that once seemed unreal became a reality: I was going to America!

The challenge of being so far from your family and not being able to see them was very challenging (still is), but every time I think about it-I know why I am here and my final goal. I feel it in my bones and in every cell of my body-my destiny is to be here and give joy to others!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This path hasn’t been smooth at all. It’s been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I went through various stages, from leaving my family and friends with no way back to facing rejections and dealing with people who didn’t believe in me. First, I lived alone in a country where I knew no one. In New York, I stayed in dorms with no friends, nowhere to go for the holidays, no way back, and just one suitcase. Second, I faced the intensity of acting school, where on top of my immigration challenges, I had to study hard to be among the best in my group. Third, I moved again, this time to Los Angeles, to go through the same challenges while trying to build my career and name in the industry. When I don’t know where I’m going, I just keep moving forward in the dark, and somehow, the light always appears. Navigating immigration and building a career in this field on my own has been incredibly tough, with countless “no’s” before finally hearing a “yes.” But throughout it all, I had faith in myself and what I was doing. It’s been the most challenging journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actress, creative producer, and recently, a songwriter! I came to America to pursue an acting career and graduated from AMDA College of the Performing Arts. Acting is one of my greatest passions, and nothing brings me more joy. I am incredibly grateful to do what I love, knowing my work brings joy and excitement to others.

I played a lead role in the psychedelic short film “Training Wheels,” which is set to make a big splash at festivals this year, and I’m thrilled about it! I had the opportunity to work with ANEU Media Group on the feature film “The Picture.” Additionally, I collaborated on a web series with one of YouTube’s most successful creators, Sameer Bhvnani, who has 1.8 million followers.

I love creating with people who want to change the industry and make something meaningful. That’s why I always support students from film schools in LA. I had the chance to work with AFI students on the wonderful project “Platinum.”

To be honest, things have been slower than I expected recently. I got frustrated, but I turned it into a positive outcome by starting to write and produce songs about my experiences. It has brought me so much joy and excitement. Right now, I’m working on the production of these songs, and I will release them this fall! I’m so excited about what’s coming!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe it’s never about luck; it’s about how hard you work and how many rejections you can endure without giving up. The correct number is zero—not a single comment, mean phrase, or laugh should stop you. Luck might bring instant results, but if you want to sustain success for years, luck alone isn’t enough. For me, luck is about putting in the work and eventually seeing the results.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgladchenko
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgladchenko/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF7kUvnAYK-W0atBe3SOx_w
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user169480055

Image Credits
Jess Choragwicki
Lucky Spencer
Chris Jon