Meet Elvira Jain—slaying in both business and beauty. As the founder of Maison Ellyse, an up-and-coming talent and PR agency in the UAE, she’s proving that success isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making it count where it matters most.

Elvira’s journey is far from the usual. Sure, she’s got international modelling experience with brands such as Gucci, Dior, Philip Plein and Dolce&Gabbana (yes, fr) and an Insta-worthy lifestyle, but behind the scenes, she’s all about strategy, numbers, and results. With a background in finance and an MBA under her belt (total girl boss), she knows how to make brands shine and, more importantly, how to make them profitable. It’s not just about throwing events or getting people talking about brands—it’s about creating campaigns that bring serious ROI (Return on Investment, in case you were wondering).

Maison Ellyse is where creativity meets strategy. Elvira’s not here to play; she’s here to build businesses that last. Her approach is all about blending the PR with smart, financial thinking, something she knows all about from growing her profile.

In this chat, Elvira spills the tea on her journey, her hustle, and how she’s making Maison Ellyse a force to be reckoned with.

Cosmo ME: From model to mogul—what was the moment that made you say, “I’m starting my own empire?”

Elvira: I’ve always been interested in building an empire. At 18, I started my first company, an international model agency. I worked with models on contracts, sending them to countries like the U.S., Europe, and Asia. I was very selective about the models I represented—most were already successful, like being on the cover of magazines.

When I was 22, I sold the agency. One of my models, who was doing really well, offered to buy it, and I agreed. At that time, I was modelling and doing well myself, but I couldn’t manage both—running the agency full-time while pursuing my modelling career. So, I sold it and focused on modelling for a while. But I always knew modelling was a stepping stone, something temporary. I wanted to create something bigger.

Dress: Tory Burch
Shoes: Alaïa

Cosmo ME: So, you were already thinking about the future?

Elvira: Yes, I’ve always had the mindset of an entrepreneur. I even did my MBA in business because I was fascinated by mergers, acquisitions, and strategies. From the start, I wanted to build a company that could grow big or one I could sell.

Cosmo ME: What do you love most about being the founder of Elysee Management?

Elvira: I love being close to the brands I once worked with as a model. Of course, we’re still growing, and I’m confident we’ll work with the biggest brands in the future.

What excites me the most is seeing things from a different perspective. As a model, you’re the face of a campaign or runway. As an entrepreneur, you’re the one strategizing and growing the business. Helping companies become famous, building awareness, and driving growth—those are the aspects I’m passionate about. I love seeing tangible results.

Dress: Sportsmax
Shoes: Alaïa

Cosmo ME: What was the biggest plot twist in your career journey? Did you always know you’d go from walking runways to running the show?

Elvira: Honestly, I always did well in modelling. From my first trip to China, I worked with brands like Lacoste, which was a big name at the time—15 years ago. In Dubai, I was on all the major campaigns and I even worked in Singapore, Hong Kong, Milan, Spain and Greece.

But deep down, I always knew I wanted more. Modelling was a support system for my future career, not the end goal. My vision was always to build an empire, and Maison Ellyse is a step in that direction.

Cosmo ME: What’s one piece of advice you’d share with women who want to break barriers and lead in their fields?

Elvira: It’s all about mindset. First, understand the value you bring to people or businesses. What’s your unique offering? Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Life will throw challenges your way—nothing comes easy. People only see the end result, not the hard work behind it. You need strategies, a strong mindset, and a clear vision to guide you. Without that vision, it’s easy to get lost.

Cosmo ME: What habits or routines keep you motivated in such a demanding industry?

Elvira: For me, it’s the relationships I’ve built and the results I deliver. Brands I work with see the value I bring, and that keeps me motivated.

I don’t think about PR traditionally—I focus on business growth and how to elevate companies to the next level. I also personalize everything. I look at what the company truly needs and offer tailored solutions. Seeing companies grow and knowing I played a part in that is incredibly rewarding.

Cosmo ME: As a former model and now a business leader, how do you empower the talent you work with?

Elvira: I think my story empowers them. Seeing how I transitioned from being a model to an entrepreneur motivates others. I also take the time to talk to my team and encourage them.

Reality is tough, and not everyone is ready for it. For example, I once had a team member who wasn’t meeting expectations. After multiple conversations, we decided to part ways. A year later, she came back, asking for another chance. I saw that she had changed, and now we’re working together again.

Top & Skirt: Marques Almeida
Shoes: Bottega Veneta

Cosmo ME: What’s your ultimate “fake it till you make it” tip?

Elvira: Honestly, I can’t fake it. I’m very straightforward and transparent. If something doesn’t feel right, I can’t pretend it does. My approach has always been to work hard and stay honest.

Cosmo ME: What’s been an unexpected moment in your career so far?

Elvira: Sometimes things don’t go as planned. For example, I wanted to open a clinic. I spent two years on it—rented a space, and bought equipment—but it didn’t work out. I lost a lot of time and money.

Then, one day, I was in Miami, and a designer asked if I could organize a fashion show in two days. It was easy for me because I had the connections. Another designer then asked for PR help, and it clicked—maybe the clinic didn’t work out for a reason. I realized my true value was in PR and business strategy. That’s how Maison Ellyse was born.

Jacket & Trousers: Jacquemus
Shoes: Bottega Veneta

Cosmo ME: Would your advice be to stay open to opportunities?

Elvira: Absolutely. Be open to opportunities, but stay clear on your ultimate goal. Challenges will come, but if you know what you want, it’s easier to overcome them.

Cosmo ME: A huge part of your success comes from relationships and connections, doesn’t it?

Dress: A.W.A.K.E. Mode

Elvira: Yes, absolutely. The relationships I’ve built since I was 15 are still strong today. Even at events like Milan Fashion Week, I meet people I worked with a decade ago.

Cosmo ME: That’s amazing. You’ve truly turned your connections into a superpower.

Elvira: Exactly. I’ve leveraged my network, combined it with my knowledge and vision, and created something meaningful.

Interview: Sara-Aisha Kent

Photography: Žiga Mihelčič

Styling: Charlotte Marsh Williams

Hair and Make Up: Elena Zhosan