In the colorful world of global fashion, media and influence there are a few voices that not only stand apart for their beauty and style, but because they are on purpose, in focus and dedicated to transformation. Eva Makdessi is one such, an icon of strength, affirmation and creativity who has beautifully accomplished each stage of her life with a true identity and the Sharpest Vision.
From the teen fantasy crowned Miss Achrafieh at age 15, to a driving force for Lebanon’s most influential women and international media luminary Eva has had an extraordinary journey sown with grit, talent and passionate advocacy for women. Today, as a social media influencer, model, journalist and entrepreneur she continues to redefine what it means to be that modern day woman who has the world in the palm of her hands; Mixing beauty with a sense of purpose and glamour with grace.
A Path Paved in Resilience and Thirst for Love
Eva’s journey starts with a childhood conviction that “our dreams are always big, and our belief, that anything can happened; is huge. That childhood optimism never dissipated, even as life tried her in unforeseen ways. Eva battled health issues and personal misfortune early in her life, including a serious illness during her first pregnancy. But instead of being broken by the pain, she channeled it into strength.
I chose to make a life filled with love, positivity and meaning,” she says. “To nourish wholesome thoughts, relationships and habits in daily life.”
That attitude shaped her life philosophy that beauty runs deep, not just skin deep and is built on emotional and spiritual health. Despite the early fight, Eva went to university with an unstoppable determination, achieving multiple qualifications while also completing countless workshops in a variety of different disciplines ranging from medicine and law to business computing, skincare outcomes, diction and TV journalism.
Her own mixed bag of schooling mirrors a rare multilayered outlook. Eva’s fascination with all layers of the human experience led her to the world of beauty, fashion and media that she would in turn take by storm.
From Beauty to Broadcasting: A Visionary Is Reimagined
Eva’s introduction to the limelight was as natural as her birth. Her glowing smile and eloquent voice soon led to regular appearances on television, first as a guest for Arab Women Channel giving health advice and beauty tips, then as TV host with Bright I, a content creation company providing new media production.
With poise, a savvy mind and personable communication style, she soon stood out. In time, she became a recognizable figure in Lebanese and Arab media, where she wrote about subjects that were dear to her heart: beauty, lifestyle, self-care and women’s empowerment.
In 2006, Mrs. Lebanon was added to her growing profile of competitions Eva had participated in. But rather than bask in the glow of (relative) celebrity, she’s leveraged that cachet toward something worthier: inspiring other women.
“I’ve always been a fan of merging beauty with purpose,” Eva says. “Real beauty is about kindness, confidence and authenticity. It’s how we make others feel, not just how we look.”
Advocate for Women and Humanitarian Causes
Beyond fashion and television, Eva’s impact glows the brightest in her social and philanthropic labor. Her empathy propelled her to become a member of the Lions International Association, serving as President for the Beirut Victory Lions Club and subsequently as Zone Chairperson leading several initiatives in education, social welfare and women empowerment.
Her efforts were recognized internationally. Four years later, she was recognized with MC International’s Awards in Lebanon as both “Woman of the Year” and “Lady of Year;” a distinction that represented a new level in her journey to guide women through advocacy, mentorship and education.
In 2019 she was nominated as “Ambassador of Art and Creativity” which followed “Ambassador of Peace” in 2022 through the World Organization for Peace and Diplomatic Development, appreciation that reflects her unceasing work towards radiating a culture of love, peace and unity among societies.
These positions provided Eva with a larger platform to raise her voice not just as an aesthetics guru but as something beyond; a humanitarian powerhouse wielding her influence for the greater good.
Elle Maraa: A Voice for the Voiceless Women
In 2018, Eva launched Elle Maraa, which is an online magazine and media website that celebrates the accomplishments and lifestyle of women on a global scale. The publication — ellemaraa. com, directly reflects Eva’s lifelong mantra: challenge and inspire other women in all aspects of their lives from business to beauty.
It was through Elle Maraa, that she set up a digital ecosystem where women could access stories that ignite courage, creativity and confidence. It features global trends in fashion, health, fitness, travel and culture — but at its core is empowerment.
“It’s not just about trends,” says Eva. “It’s a celebration of transformation, finding your voice, embracing individuality and living with purpose.”
Her dedication to sincere storytelling and positive impact solidified her as one of the young female media entrepreneurs redefining digital culture in the Arab region.
A Multifaceted Media Star
Eva’s flirtation with the media only continued to snowball. I am the Director of Media and Technical Relations at HelouAlFan. com since 2016, she has worked alongside A-listers in entertainment and communication. She also worked with Al Joumhouria TV and hosted the beauty and health segments that were shared across social media.
In 2023, she was on air with a lifestyle and beauty oriented program @HalaArabiatv whit Eva show where she invited some of the worlds leading doctors & plastic surgeons who masterminded the latest aesthetic and wellness trends. Every episode does a mix of practical advice and destigmatizing talk about what we’re doing to take care of ourselves.
Her truth-telling approach to sharing resonates with her listeners around the globe. She doesn’t just wax poetic on beauty, she makes it accessible, relatable and deeply human.
Honors and Global Recognition
Eva has been honored with a number of awards and accolades for her creative leadership over the years. She was recognised by the Lebanese American University for her outstanding arts in fashion and beauty, and ranked in the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Inlebanon.
She participated in The First Online International Film Festival as a guest of honor in 2021 and was presented with an honorary appreciation diploma for cultural and artistic knowledge.
She was named as one of the Most High-Impact Women Leaders Making a Difference in 2022 and Miss Influencer Lebanon in 2023, proving her impact had been noticed within digital media.
In 2025Eva continues to shine and make headlines globally as she is now listed among the “100 Entrepreneurial Leaders of Influence” by Entrepreneurial Arabia Magazine and features in UAE Stories Magazine. Every single one is a testament to her great knack of growing with the times yet remaining true to who she really is and what she set out to do.
Giving Women a Voice, One Story at a Time
Eva’s profession isn’t just success, it’s service. From hosting a TV show, to mentoring young creators, or walking red carpets, her mission remains the same—to empower women to transcend restriction, reframe beauty and dare to dream without fear.
She firmly believes that empowerment starts from the inside. “You must first DREAM of a fulfilling life, and then you have to feed that DREAM with healthy thoughts,” she says. “Once the mind is right, all else follows confidence, love, a sense of purpose and even beauty.”
Her impact ripples through communities and she allies with artists, influencers, dermatologists, public figures to have conversations that inspire her audience and celebrate diversity.
A Font of Grace, Vision and Humanity
Manaotova behind the glitz is a down to earth lady filled with humility and compassion. Her training routine is the result of years of hard work, discipline and a strong passion to help others. At the flick of a switch she transcends worlds between glitzy fashion runways of Beirut and charity galas, from TV studios to humanitarian missions but at the heart of it all is her mission: using her platform as a force for good.
And her message to women is simple and profound:
“Stay true to your rhythm. Trust your intuition. You have everything it takes to make a life worth living and beautiful.
Eva Makdessi isn’t just a media star or an influencer she is the embodiment of resilience, grace and strength. Her story serves as a proof point that beauty and strength are not mutually exclusive, but partners in crime — and evidently when a woman chooses to just be who she is, it grows into something truly iconic.
Stepping into 2025, her influence reaches across travel far and wide -” both cultural and industry. However, by writing for Elle Maraa series or performing in front of the TV cameras or as a brand ambassador, Eva inspires millions to believe in possibility, to embrace their authentic selves and flow through life from the heart.
And that’s exactly what makes her definitely one of the most iconic female characters to watch in 2025.
