Elvenes makes Oprah breakthrough

Thato Kala | Tuesday February 4, 2014 15:09

 

In fact, the former Miss Universe international contestant, who moved to New York after her stint in the global pageant, singles out her most memorable moment in the US as the day she walked into the American media mogul, Winfrey.  “I was working for Avon and after the shoot I had a casting for O Magazine. On the way out, right outside of the studio, Oprah walks over with her entourage. She was stressed out, but very friendly as always. From there I had a casting for O Magazine the same day and got it,” said Elvenes.  

The 27-year-old Elvenes was born at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to a Motswana mother and a Norwegian father. She was raised in Maun. She is currently working full time as a model for Images Model Management, as well as a commercial actress for Innovative Artists in New York.

“My modelling career is going very well. To be honest, the first year here was much harder than anticipated, which is normal for NYC, but now it has picked up to a pace where I can hardly keep up,” she said.

She represented Norway in the Miss Universe international finals four years ago and credits the competition for giving her the courage to continue on to New York.

She said: “You are Miss Universe Norway, Botswana or whatever country it is for only one year.  After that it is up to you to use it to your advantage. I chose to continue modelling and here I am in the ‘city of opportunities’.  I’ve done fashion weeks, shot with famous photographers and brands and met amazing people. What more could one ask for?”

 Apart from modelling, she works closely with the New York-based creative lab Ceft & Company.  She describes them as a 360° communications and marketing agency that focuses by design, to not be an advertising agency nor a product design firm nor a digital agency or an event agency; yet, they provide all of the above and more when relevant.

She considers her time in New York as an educational season and is convinced it can easily be implemented in the Botswana market.  Close players in her connection to Botswana have been former Miss Universe Botswana, Tirelo Ramasedi and film director, Moabi Mogorosi.  “We have previously and will hopefully in the future be working together on new projects in Botswana, focusing on youth, empowerment and development,” said Elvenes.