About

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I'm Eleni Lobene (El-en-ee Low-ben-ay), a fitness coach and  model based in Washington, DC. I first entered the modeling industry as a fashion model in 2002. At that time, I walked countless catwalks and 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 a psychologist. 

Nearly 20 years later, I found myself with 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. 

Through my modeling journey, I found new ways to engage my psychology background, which included hosting a show about mental wellness. This meaningful endeavor made me realize I was still missing something. Then, an opportunity to pursue a new path as a fitness coach dropped out of the sky... and I knew it was the missing piece to this chapter of my career. I am so grateful to now have the opportunity to have a hands-on, meaningful, direct, positive impact on the lives of my clients. It is truly my calling. 

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.