In 2019, Oksana and Daniel Kolenitchenko pursued the American Dream by opening ‘Next Door Lounge’ in Los Angeles, leveraging their Berlin nightlife experience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to sell the club in May 2023. Oksana reflected on the emotional toll of this decision, emphasizing the need for personal growth and freedom. Now, with the club behind them, she seeks tranquility and family time, embracing new beginnings and the power of manifestation.
Oksana Kolenitchenko’s Journey to the American Dream
In 2019, Daniel, 42, and Oksana Kolenitchenko, 37, embarked on a journey to the United States, chasing their personal vision of the ‘American Dream.’ They launched the upscale nightclub known as ‘Next Door Lounge’ in Los Angeles, drawing heavily on their extensive experience from the vibrant Berlin nightlife.
Challenges and New Beginnings
However, the couple faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading them to make the tough choice to sell their beloved establishment in May 2023. Relocating to Las Vegas offered a lower cost of living compared to Los Angeles, but finding suitable buyers proved difficult.
As of now, Oksana Kolenitchenko is no longer associated with the ‘Next Door Lounge.’ Nearly two years after her announcement to sell the club, the Kolenitchenkos have finally bid farewell to their cherished venture. On April 4, 2025, Oksana shared with her Instagram followers, “Last week, everything finally became official – the last licenses were transferred. We are officially out. And we are free.”
In a heartfelt farewell video from the club, Oksana reflected on the emotional weight of their decision, stating, “This decision was anything but easy for us. Because we are letting go not just of a business, but a piece of heart, memories, dreams.”
Recalling the club’s peak when they hosted celebrities like Paris Hilton, Oksana reminisced about the vibrant atmosphere: “The place was thriving, fully booked for months. The energy – it was magical.” Yet, just a year later, they encountered financial hardships due to the pandemic’s impact.
According to Oksana, California’s restaurant industry struggled to recover from the pandemic’s effects. “One after another gave up – and eventually, we had to let go too,” she explained. The lifestyle of managing a nightclub no longer resonated with her current life: “Running a party venue, selling alcohol – that hasn’t matched our lives for a long time. And that’s perfectly okay. Not every dream remains the same. We evolve, and we must allow ourselves to let go.”
Now, the star of ‘Goodbye Deutschland’ feels an immense sense of freedom. Oksana and her family are in need of this release. “I poured everything into my family and our lounge. I nearly worked myself to exhaustion, ignoring my body’s signals, all to cling to something that no longer served me. Now it’s time for me,” she declared in a follow-up post on April 6, 2025.
With the weight of the ‘Next Door Lounge’ lifted, Oksana can finally focus on her family and take time for herself, enjoying moments of tranquility and sunshine. After a turbulent few years, she hopes to find peace in her life moving forward. “I believe in the law of attraction and the power of manifestation. Because I live it,” she affirmed.