About

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I'm Eleni Lobene (El-en-ee Low-ben-ay), a model and actress based in Washington, DC. I first entered the industry as a professional model in 2002. At that time, I mostly worked on the fashion side doing local runway and printwork. I had a physical portfolio (or "book") that I carried around to my (in person!) go-sees to interview with prospective clients. We shot on film (digital didn't exist) and sadly there is no video of my early work. It was probably a good time to buy Apple stock as I was super cool carrying a pink Razr phone back then. 

I left modeling a few years later because I put too much pressure on myself to maintain a size that wasn't healthy for me, and I ultimately pursued other interests. I was always drawn to modeling for its nearness to the art of fashion and focus on aesthetics, so when I left the industry, the so-called pendulum swung and I (almost rebelliously) focused on... of all things... science. I went on to earn several advanced degrees, raise a family and built a professional career as an organizational psychologist. 

Nearly 20 years later, my life has shifted and changed more times and ways than I can even recount, but I found myself in  circumstances which left me with unexpected bandwidth and a deep drive to pursue something creative. I'm passionate about health and fitness and am always preparing for my next race, so I wanted to find a way to incorporate that into my next endeavor as well. One morning, the idea of fitness modeling popped into my mind as I was driving home from the gym. I never, ever thought I'd return to modeling but I decided to contact my old agency (which is still thriving) and - voila! Here I am. 

My current work specializes in fitness, commercial and lifestyle with a splash of fashion. I thrive in creative spaces. For me, modeling and acting are an art form. To have the opportunity to participate as a model and actress in the whirlwind of brilliance of the  creatives who make up this world - such as photographers, designers, hair and make-up artists, and the like - is a true gift. 

I am so grateful for this chance to make a "come back," but this time in a world that looks a little different than it did at the turn of the century. Trust me when I tell you that 15-year-old Eleni could never have predicted this plot twist.