Founder of Blue Pacific Immigration

Stefan Junge • August 23, 2022

Alena Odegova is an entrepreneurial powerhouse whose ambitions are consistently met through due diligence and grit. Having immigrated to Canada, Alena uncovered the harsh reality that immigrants faced and the many obstacles in their way when trying to gain citizenship. Empathic in nature, Alena used her experiences and hardships to build the foundation of her very own immigration law company, looking to offer the help she wished she had when going through that process.

On the business side of life, Alena has over ten years of experience in immigration law and is currently the Owner and CEO of Blue Pacific Immigration with head office in Vancouver, BC. Running this successful operation came as a natural progression after Alena achieved four separate master’s degrees in subjects that cover immigration law, economics, and management. Matching her education and work ethic is her commitment to health and personal development; having won gold medals in Judo and winning ballroom dance competitions in the past.

Nowadays Alena regularly sees a personal trainer and prioritizes her health, with plans to run for Miss Vancouver in December 2022 alongside all her other ambitions.

Where did the idea for Blue Pacific Immigration come from?

Before working with immigration law, I was going through my Immigration process to Canada. It was extremely tough, and I went through around eight different lawyers and consultants trying to get help in the process, but none of them was a perfect fit for my situation. This inspired me to create a more efficient way to help others and be the person I wish I had when trying to become a Canadian citizen.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Typically, I’ll prioritize tasks, respond to inquiries and emails, review immigration files, and hold consultations. To be productive, I prioritize my health to stay healthy and sharp. I also delegate much work and only give my energy to what needs me.

How do you bring ideas to life?

For my immigration consultancy business, I researched all the steps, costs, skills, and education needed to be successful in the field before taking action. I spent the following year building a network of people in the industry, taking and passing exams, and personally investing money into the business before it officially opened.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me in Canada for my clients is the current demand for skilled workers and any employees in some provinces. The labor shortage has created immigration programs that make it easier for immigrants of any profession to come to Canada and make it their home.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I am constantly prioritizing my health and personal circles of life. This fulfills me and allows me to be more resourceful and attentive as an entrepreneur.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I don’t think I would give any advice to my younger self; she got four master’s degrees without it before 30, plus succeeded in many fields of life.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I tend to find that most people agree with me and what I do. I believe this is because those around me share the same vision and mentality that I do.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Listening to people and truly understanding them and their needs. Only when you are authentically interested in helping them can you provide good help for them.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Kindness, complete transparency, and genuinely wanting to help people. I recently posted a YouTube video following the invasion of Ukraine that details how people can immigrate to Canada. I could have charged for this information, but I went with my heart and posted it for free because I wanted to help as many people as possible. Moreover, I have a chat group in Telegram with thousands of people, where I provide free support and participants help each other.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I hired a friend to work for me, and it backfired. I would let her mistakes and mishaps slide because we were friends, but this ultimately cost me. I overcame it by reflecting on my mistakes and accepting full responsibility for them before learning and moving on. Lesson learned, hire people who really fit for the vacant position, no favors.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Share something of value for free to the community. Your generosity and professionalism will attract future clients.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently took a colleague out to dinner after a stressful day for us both. We had a great time when we needed it the most. Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I have this incredible calculator built into my website that allows people to see how many points they have towards immigration.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Rob Dial’s book, Hack Your Goals: The Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Success. The name speaks by itself.

What is your favorite quote?

Everything that happens is for the better.

Key Learnings:

• Always be positive and kind.
• Share your knowledge and experience to help others whenever possible.
• Always take action towards your goals and once you do, never stop.

Stefan Junge

Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.