In Conversation With Model Elise Gosdschan: How A Brissy Girl Can Make It In NYC

LIVING THE DREAM

New York City – a place as elusive as it is enticing. It’s where dreamers, believers, and creatives come in swarms, where ambition isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected – and, from Aussie shores, it looks like the only way to make it, in amongst the chaos and creativity, is to hustle against the odds. But still, if you’re anything like us – harbouring a secret longing to live out your Sex and the City dreams – the question is this: how do you turn that New York pipe dream into a reality?

To answer your burning questions, we chat to Aussie it-girl Elise Gosdschan, who made the move from Brisbane to New York in 2025. And, in just eight short months, she’s sculpted her corner in the city that never sleeps, taking on life as a model in one of the most competitive fashion capitals in the world.

Now frolicking and flourishing in the streets of NYC, Elise takes us through her moving process, her biggest challenges, as well as her must-visit sites as a local and advice for those on the precipice of following in her footsteps.

For creatives looking to make their mark, or anyone who’s considering a stint across the pond, consider this your guide to making it in the Big Apple, from a girl who’s living and breathing it. The dream, that is.

Tell me about your New York move

I’ve been living in New York for eight months, in the East Village, and it still doesn’t feel real sometimes. I moved here not knowing anyone at all and having to navigate everything by myself, and somehow, quite quickly, it has started to feel like home. I have found my NYC people, my places, my rhythm, my confidence – and now I can’t imagine not being here – well, at least for now.

I am so glad that I landed here as I can walk everywhere (and I love a good walk), and my apartment is only 10 mins walk to SoHo, and just walking up the street is an exciting and different adventure every day! It feels like a little pocket of creativity and chaos with people hustling, traditional older New York locals living (like you see on TV), friendly homeless people, cool wine bars and traditional New York delis – it is absolutely everything NYC! Walking out of the front door every day is entertainment and chaos, but it also feels like a community. It’s busy; but,the buzz all around makes me feel safe and less lonely on the days that I’m missing home.

What are 5 things people should know if they want to move to New York?

1. You don’t have to feel ready; you won’t ever be ready for NYC, you just have to make a plan and go.

2. It’s completely different from coming here for a holiday, you won’t see or do the tourist things, you will really ‘live’ here. The city and the pace and the outrageous people will overwhelm you at first, but then you will shift from being overwhelmed to being curious, and your eyes will open to everything. The city and the people and your everyday interactions will teach you everything.

3. You learn to be street smart very quickly, and that gives you confidence. I was so excited when I moved here, and perhaps I was a bit too confident and trusting. I had my bag stolen (including keys, phone, wallet), and I’ve learnt from that.

4. People are more friendly and kinder than you expect, especially when you’re new and are brave enough to talk to strangers. A lot of people are from somewhere else, so they have been through the ‘new’ phase and generally welcome you with open arms – I’m sure that being an Aussie helps!

5. It’s so expensive here, but you learn to be resourceful and to do things on a budget. Most people are conscious of money, but it’s free to do many of the iconic NYC experiences: walking the streets of SOHO, the West Side Highway, the Highline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Brooklyn Markets, Williamsburg, Central Park, and the list goes on!

What’s been an unexpected challenge?

Missing home in a way I’ve never missed before! My family, my friends, my dog, the beach – they all feel very far away when you’re on the other side of the world and in a different time zone. Even though I’m loving it and thriving here, my morning and nighttime calls to my family and friends are essential!

I also didn’t realise how much I’d miss nature. Living in a city made of concrete is such a contrast to growing up in Brisbane and spending weekends at the beach. I’ve learned that little moments of calm every day are essential – I love my early morning walks when the city is quiet before it wakes up, and spending a few moments sitting in a park or a quiet café is liberating in a way that feels good for my soul. Including these things in my NYC routine helps me cope with missing home.

What made you want to move to NYC?

It all started with a trip with my mum. I fell in love with the city, and during that trip, I signed a contract with Wilhelmina Models. I was lucky enough to have them sponsor me, and a year later, when my visa came through, I knew I had to try – even if I was scared and didn’t really believe I was doing it.

Signing with Wilhelmina meant stepping into a world I’d dreamed about, and New York is where those dreams actually turn into work. It’s intense, but it’s also incredibly inspiring. New York is fashion! It’s energy, ambition, and creativity all wrapped into one city. Being here pushes me to think bigger, to dress bolder than I would in Brisbane, and to show up more confidently. No one judges you in New York; everyone is being themselves fashion-wise and personality-wise, there are no limits!

In New York, people feel like everything is possible; if someone else can make it, then you can too! People here are chasing something, and being around that kind of energy makes you believe you should chase your own dreams; in fact, it’s expected that you do that here.

I moved here with doubts, of course, but also with this feeling that everything would fall into place if I trusted myself, and it has. Everything that I achieve here or conquer makes me feel stronger.

What is your advice for people wanting to move to NYC but are too afraid to take the leap?

Being scared because you are so far away is natural, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it – it means you should.

My advice is: don’t wait until you feel ready because you won’t ever be ready. Just jump in, make a plan, save some money. Take the leap, you’ll figure it out when you get here. I’ve realised that no one else has it all figured out, they just make it up as they go along!

The city will teach you all you need to know, and if it doesn’t work out, you’ll come home with so many experiences to share and be proud of, having learnt so much more about yourself than you ever could by playing it safe. If you’re thinking about it, I’m proof you can arrive knowing no one and still thrive.

What are your biggest highlights?

Career-wise, the opportunities have been incredible. I’ve had work opportunities that feel surreal. Just modelling here in New York and popping into my agency is a highlight. And then there’s modelling in New York Fashion Week and recently getting signed by a Milan agency, all within 6 months of arriving here. Such pinch-me moments!

Personally, my biggest highlight has been the friendships that I have made here, which already feel like lifelong friendships, even though I’ve only been here eight months. I’m also proud of how much I have adapted to a completely different life.

Brisbane vs New York. What are the biggest differences?

• Brisbane is comfort, cleanliness, sunshine and space. New York is fast, loud and cool.
• In New York, everyone walks like they’re late to something important, and there is a surprise on every street, every day. Brisbane is more relaxed and carefree; you know what you are going to get.
• Brisbane is outdoors – early to rise, early to bed, and knowing everyone when you go out. New York is bright lights, noise, cafés, restaurants, nightlife, new pop-up shops every day, walking everywhere, and meeting new people every time you go out.
• New York is definitely more expensive than Brisbane, but there’s a different kind of resourcefulness that you learn as a result.
• New York pushes you. It’s inspiring being around people who are chasing big goals – it makes you believe bigger for yourself too.

Top spots all 20-somethings should visit in New York?

For the classic NYC vibe

• West Village – dreamy streets, iconic wine bars, and the best dinner spots
• SoHo – shopping, cafés, and people-watching
• East Village – fun bars, casual eats, and always something happening

For “New York movie moments”

• Walk the High Line at sunset
• Central Park picnic (spring/summer feels unreal)
• A Broadway show or last-minute tickets for something spontaneous
• A rooftop bar – because every rooftop makes you feel like you’re living your best life

For a Brooklyn day

• Williamsburg – vintage shopping, amazing food, and great night spots

New York is honestly endless – you can do the same neighbourhood five times and still find something new each time. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, now’s the time to do it.

Imagery: @elisegosdschan

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