Our Client: Sena Cesur
Our client, Sena Cesur, decided to relocate to the United States while running a successful food business in Turkey specializing in çiğ börek (a traditional Turkish fried pastry with seasoned meat filling) and mantı (small Turkish dumplings similar to ravioli, served with yogurt sauce). With her family’s future in mind, Ms. Cesur leveraged her Tatar heritage and master’s degree in gastronomy to shape her entrepreneurial journey in the food industry.
After approximately eighteen months of thorough research, the Cesur family’s dream of moving to the U.S. began to take shape. They initially explored Los Angeles but ultimately settled on Florida as a more family-friendly location. Their plan was straightforward: establish a bakery business that would qualify them for an E-2 investor visa, allowing them to build a new life in the United States.
E-2 Visa Process and Strategic Planning
When planning their E-2 visa application, Ms. Cesur and her family carefully evaluated various immigration options. Though they initially considered an L-1 visa through her husband’s work, they determined that the E-2 investor visa better aligned with their goal of running an independent business in the U.S.
During their initial two-week visit as tourists, the Cesur family refined their business concept. They had originally planned to open a San Sebastian cheesecake shop, but encountered a significant obstacle when mall management refused to grant them a permit due to a similar business already operating in the area. With time running short, they needed to pivot quickly.
We had to think about what could replace the San Sebastian cheesecake. Within an hour, we came up with the macaron concept. The new product needed to be popular and appeal to everyone. We decided on macarons because we wanted something that Americans, foreign visitors, and Turks would all love.
- Sena Cesur
Thanks to Ms. Cesur’s quick thinking and adaptability, they successfully transitioned to a concept featuring macarons and American cookies. Working with mall management, they meticulously planned everything from visual design to menu offerings, pricing strategies, and equipment needs—all critical elements for their E-2 visa application.
Challenges and Solutions in the Business Establishment Process
The Cesur family faced unexpected hurdles while establishing their business. They ordered their display stand from Turkey, only to have it mistakenly shipped to Canada where it remained lost for 34 days. This mishap forced them to pay rent on an empty space while precious time slipped away.
Something like our stand getting lost was completely unexpected, but these things happen. I advise others to be prepared for such situations. I believe you should always have a backup plan.
- Sena Cesur
Even after recovering the stand, they encountered electrical compatibility issues that resulted in two refrigerator motors burning out within two months. Combined with the looming E-2 application deadline and staffing challenges, the situation became increasingly stressful. This is where Grape Law’s expertise proved invaluable.
A New Life in the United States
The Grape Law team prepared Ms. Cesur’s time-sensitive E-2 application with meticulous attention to detail and submitted it before the deadline. Throughout this process, we continued supporting her as she established and developed her business. With the E-2 visa approval, the Cesur family’s carefully planned business quickly gained momentum. Today, Ms. Cesur is preparing to open a second location while also expanding through a distribution agreement that will bring her products to a third retail outlet.
Meanwhile, the family’s transition to American life included navigating the education system for their children. Despite initial language barriers, they found the U.S. school system remarkably supportive.
The school was very helpful. My son was in 1st grade in Turkey, and he started directly in 2nd grade here. The school provided additional supportive classes and even invited him to summer school. Schools in the United States are not only high-quality but also very supportive of children’s education. And the best thing is that all of this is free.
- Sena Cesur
Working with Grape Law
Sena Cesur’s successful establishment of her business in the United States highlights the importance of proper planning and professional legal guidance. At Grape Law, we make it our mission to understand each client’s unique circumstances, conditions, and aspirations so we can develop truly customized solutions.
Navigating the complex U.S. immigration and business formation processes requires specialized expertise and a proactive approach—precisely what Grape Law provides. Rather than offering quick fixes, we deliver comprehensive services designed to support our clients’ long-term success and help them build legally sound foundations for sustainable lives in the United States.
Ms. Cesur’s story exemplifies how immigration challenges can be overcome through strategic planning and expert legal guidance. We take pride in contributing to her American success story and remain committed to supporting her future goals.