“More Than Modeling: Growth, Focus, and the Reality Behind Eli Desejo”

To begin, who is Eli Desejo beyond the images, titles, and social media presence? How would you describe yourself today?

I’m a person who is always learning more about myself and about the world. That’s the base. In today’s fast world, if you don’t learn new things and don’t apply them to your life, you start feeling like you’re wasting time.

You’ve spoken about starting over—what moment in your life pushed you to choose reinvention over comfort?

I always choose comfort. It’s important to me. But it’s also important to remember that growth is not always pleasant. It’s the same as training in the gym: if you want muscles to grow, you have to damage them first. Life works the same way. Discomfort will happen anyway — either life pushes you through hard situations and forces you to change unexpectedly, or you choose discomfort consciously, in a controlled way, to create more comfort later. 

Dubai appears to play a strong role in your current chapter. How has the city influenced your mindset, ambition, and lifestyle?

I had many illusions about Dubai, like most people do. But after living here for some time, I realized what really exists here — people. People who are constantly developing. And most importantly, everyone here has goals. It doesn’t matter if you’re a real estate agent, a businessman, or a delivery driver. Nobody complains. People take responsibility for their lives and build them.

Modeling is often seen as visual, but rarely emotional. What part of yourself do you bring into every shoot that people don’t see?

Focus, seriousness, and responsibility. Behind the scenes, I’m like an orchestra conductor. I control all the details so the final result looks exactly the way you see it.

You balance modeling with sport and wellness. How important is discipline in shaping both your body and your character?

Sport has been part of my life forever. My first coach once told me: “Eli, this won’t just be training — this will be your lifestyle.” When I was a child, I didn’t understand what he meant. Now I do. You need an inner support system, like the legs of a chair. There should be four of them: health, independence, family and friends, and the values you live by.

How do you maintain inner balance while living in a fast, image-driven world?

Inner values. One day I wrote down what really matters to me in life, regardless of the external image. If your outer life doesn’t match your inner values, it destroys you very fast. But if you have a strong foundation — your values and what truly makes you happy — then what happens outside doesn’t matter as much. It’s temporary.

What values guide your decisions today—both professionally and personally?

I have more than ten values, but I’ll share my top three:

 1. If you want something, don’t settle for less.

 2. Treat all people with respect if they treat you with respect — regardless of their social status.

 3. Invest your time and energy in people. Relationships should bring growth and something good to both sides. If they don’t, it’s just a waste of resources.

Finally, what message would you give to women who are afraid to start again from zero?

Honestly, every version of myself. Each stage of my life contributed to who I am today. Every path, every win, and every mistake. All my decisions, and the way I listen to myself and keep going despite fear and difficulties.