
Elah's Story
by Julieta Miquelarena
“The Dominican Republic is where my roots are, my home, where I recharge my batteries, where I feel relaxed and happy.”
People around Santo Domingo told Elah and her family, since she was a child, that she could make a fantastic model. But this was for Elah a massive, 'too massive' dream she couldn’t allow to have, due to other types of priorities and difficulties.
'One particular day' as she remembers, her mother damaged their car, making it impossible for them to come back home; so out at their aunties' house, they waited while the car was being fixed by a local technician.
The waiting time was becoming unbearable, so they started taking photos of Elah:
“My mum took some photos of me and sent them to a small modeling agency in my country. They responded very interestedly on the following day.”
Elah traveled with her mum on a public bus for 4 hours toward Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic capital) to meet with the modeling agency.
“On the way there, I saw a sign that said: ‘Today is your big day.’ That gave me much hope. I believe in the signs of the universe.”
What was for Elah a new possibility became much more: The people that worked at the agency became close to her, “kind of like her family,” as she says.
They showed great support; they believed in her and her career. They knew, perhaps, about the success she could have.
Elah kept traveling for approximately 3 years by public bus from her hometown to the Capital; she gained local success.
The travels continued, and her new modeling agency helped her build herself as a professional model — they taught her how to walk in heels and pose for the camera.
“I remember my aunt and I went out to buy some heels for me in a flea, where you get used and cheaper things.”
After enormous effort and time, not letting anything impede Elah from fulfilling her job, she would have her most significant opportunity in Republican Dominican when a worldwide recognised agency arrived in her country. They were there to see about 60 models, including her.
What was a “local and impossible” dream was about to change Elah’s expectations even further:
“Thanks to God they chose me, and two weeks later, I was flying to London with a suitcase full of dreams and gratitude.”
She speaks of God close to her heart. For Elah, her career beginning wasn’t easy, and that’s what makes her feel grateful each day for the life she is living, and the opportunities that came along; as for satisfaction that finally approaching her dreams provoke her:
“I would have never imagined that I would be next to the Eiffel Tower walking a fashion show or even having a Photoshoot near the sea that I also enjoy very much.”
Is hard for Elah to pick a favorite job since each job is a treasure for her:
“My dream is to do worldwide campaigns like Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and to keep traveling the world while working”
Living in between Los Angeles and New York, Elah’s career is now managed by The Industry and Freedom Los Angeles — both highly recognized modeling agencies.
The success continues for this Dominican Republican goddess, who seems to keep her roots close to her as her priorities. When asked about what represents her the most, she wraps our conversation up by saying:
“LOVE”