From Beauty Passion to a Life in the Spotlight

For Eva Makdessi, beauty was never simply about appearance. It became an entry point into a much larger world of communication, confidence, creativity and women’s empowerment.

Today, Eva is known as a social media influencer, model, journalist, television personality and entrepreneur with a strong presence across the Arab media landscape. Her work spans beauty, fashion, lifestyle, travel and female entrepreneurship, but behind these interests is a career that has steadily evolved over the years.

Her story is particularly interesting because it did not follow one straight path. Instead, Eva continued adding new skills, experiences and responsibilities until her different interests began to connect. Beauty led her toward television. Television opened the door to journalism. Journalism created opportunities in digital media, while social work gave her career a deeper sense of purpose.

That combination has become one of the defining elements of her public identity.

The Early Years That Shaped Her Direction

Eva’s relationship with the beauty industry developed early, eventually leading to her first television appearance on Arab Women Channel, where she discussed skincare advice and beauty remedies.

The experience gave her an early understanding of how powerful television could be as a way of connecting with an audience. Rather than remaining behind the scenes, she found herself increasingly comfortable in front of the camera.

In 2006, she participated in Mrs Lebanon, adding another important chapter to her growing public profile. She also underwent television training with Antoine Kassabian and later worked as a presenter with Bright I, a content creation company involved in television and new media production.

At the same time, Eva continued investing in her professional development. Workshops in makeover, image and lifestyle consulting helped strengthen her understanding of beauty and presentation.

Her education eventually became another important part of the journey. In 2015, she graduated from An-Nahar Academy with a diploma in Radio and TV, followed in 2016 by further training in diction and news.

These experiences gave her something more valuable than a collection of certificates. They helped build the communication skills that would become central to her career.

When Beauty Found a Greater Purpose

As Eva’s professional world expanded, so did her understanding of influence.

She entered social work through the Lions International Association and was appointed President of the Beirut Victory Club. Her performance and commitment later led to her appointment as Zone Chairperson.

This experience introduced another side of leadership. Beauty and media could attract attention, but social work gave that attention a purpose.

For Eva, supporting people and supporting women gradually became closely connected with her professional identity. Her recognition as Woman of the Year and Lady of the Year in Lebanon in 2014 became an important milestone in that journey.

Her involvement in charitable activities, public events and fundraising initiatives further strengthened her connection with community work.

It was becoming clear that Eva did not want her influence to exist only on television screens or social media feeds. She wanted it to create something meaningful beyond them.

Building a Stronger Position in Arab Media

In 2016, Eva became Director of Media and Technical Relations at Helou Al Fan, adding another professional dimension to her media career.

Her work also brought her closer to the entertainment and awards industry. In 2017, she became a jury member of the Beirut Golden Awards, giving her an opportunity to participate in recognizing talent and achievement within the region.

By this stage, Eva had moved well beyond being known simply for beauty.

She was developing a reputation as a media professional who understood presentation, communication, lifestyle and public engagement. Her experience across television, journalism, events and digital platforms allowed her to operate across several areas of the industry.

That versatility would eventually become one of her greatest strengths.

Elle Maraa Became Her Biggest Expression of Vision

One of the most significant moments in Eva’s entrepreneurial journey came in 2018 with the launch of Elle Maraa.

The platform was created as a dedicated space for women, bringing together content around beauty, fashion, health, fitness, travel, hotels, lifestyle and other subjects relevant to modern women.

But the deeper idea behind Elle Maraa was bigger than publishing trends.

It represented Eva’s belief that women deserve platforms where their interests, ambitions, challenges and achievements can be discussed openly. The platform allowed her to combine her experience in beauty and media with her growing interest in female empowerment.

In many ways, Elle Maraa became an extension of Eva herself. It brought together the different chapters of her career and transformed them into a platform with a wider audience.

Taking Beauty Conversations Beyond the Surface

Eva’s television work has continued to evolve alongside her digital presence.

In 2021, she presented lifestyle and beauty content associated with Al Joumhouria TV and its social media platforms. Her approach has consistently focused on making beauty conversations informative and accessible.

That direction became even more visible in 2023 with her Eva TV show on Hala Arabia TV. The programme brought international doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons into conversations about beauty and emerging technologies.

Rather than presenting beauty as something purely visual, Eva has used these discussions to explore the knowledge behind it.

Her work allows audiences to hear directly from specialists while giving viewers an opportunity to ask questions and engage with subjects that are often surrounded by confusion or misinformation.

This has helped position her as more than a lifestyle personality. She has increasingly become a communicator who connects audiences with professionals and ideas.

Recognition Has Followed a Career Built Over Time

Eva’s growing influence has been reflected through a series of awards, appointments and media features.

She was named Miss Influencer Lebanon in 2023, while her earlier recognition included acknowledgment from the Lebanese American University for her work in fashion and beauty and recognition among influential women in Lebanon.

Her international-facing roles have also expanded. She was appointed Ambassador of Art and Creativity in 2019 and later Ambassador of Peace in 2022, reflecting her involvement in humanitarian and social initiatives.

More recently, Eva has received recognition across business, lifestyle and entrepreneurship publications. In 2025, she was selected among the 100 Entrepreneurial Leaders of Influence by Entrepreneurial Arabia Magazine and was also recognized by CIO Think as a female personality to watch.

These recognitions represent different parts of the same journey. Some celebrate her media presence, others her entrepreneurial work, while others highlight her contribution to women and society.

A Modern Definition of Influence

Perhaps the most interesting part of Eva Makdessi’s career is the way she has expanded the meaning of influence.

Her public image may be closely associated with fashion, beauty and glamorous events, but her professional journey includes journalism, television, entrepreneurship, charity work, leadership and advocacy.

She has appeared at major galas and red carpet events across the Arab world and has presented awards to prominent personalities. Yet her strongest message continues to revolve around women finding confidence, developing their skills and creating opportunities for themselves.

Her career demonstrates that influence can evolve.

It can begin with a television appearance and grow into a media platform. It can start with beauty and become a conversation about confidence. It can begin with personal ambition and develop into a mission to support others.

The Journey Continues Beyond the Spotlight

Today, Eva continues to build her presence between Lebanon and Dubai while developing her work across beauty, media, lifestyle and entrepreneurship.

Her story is not defined by one title. She has been a presenter, journalist, beauty expert, entrepreneur, social media personality, founder, jury member, ambassador and advocate.

Each role has added another layer to her identity.

What makes her journey compelling is that success did not come from choosing between beauty and purpose. Eva found a way to bring them together.

Her career shows how personal passion can become professional influence when it is supported by learning, resilience and a willingness to evolve.

For Eva, the spotlight is not simply a place to be seen. It is a platform to start conversations, celebrate women and create opportunities for others.

And as her story continues to move between media, beauty, entrepreneurship and social impact, her most important chapter may still be ahead.

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