A Life-Changing Moment with Simon Asmar: Elsa
Elsa’s career in the entertainment industry took a transformative turn in 2010 when she was chosen by the legendary Simon Asmar to host Studio El Fan, one of Lebanon’s biggest variety shows. For Elsa, this moment wasn’t just an opportunity; it was the validation she had been dreaming of since childhood. Hosting Studio El Fan allowed her to showcase her passion and creativity, marking the start of a career that would span multiple avenues within the entertainment industry.
From a Childhood Dream to Reality
Since she was young, Elsa dreamed of becoming an actress, and she pursued this vision with dedication, earning a drama diploma from the Lebanese University. Despite her determination, Elsa was faced with fears familiar to many aspiring artists: What if she couldn’t secure any roles? What if, like so many elderly artists in Lebanon, she ended up without work? These questions weighed heavily on her, but rather than let them hinder her dreams, she decided to take proactive steps. To ensure a stable income, Elsa taught drama at schools for five years, balancing her passion for acting with a commitment to financial security.
Building a Business for Security
While teaching drama, Elsa continued to audition and eventually began receiving acting offers. However, she knew the entertainment industry could be unpredictable, so she took another bold step to secure her future. Elsa founded a hostess and coordinators agency, which she successfully ran for 11 years. This business allowed her to support herself while continuing to pursue her artistic dreams, showing her resilience and business acumen.
The Family That Fuels Her Drive
Beyond her career, Elsa is proudest of her family. For her, her children are her greatest achievement and the reason she continues to work hard and persevere. They give her purpose and motivation, and she considers them her anchor and inspiration, a constant reminder of what’s truly important in her life.
Starting as an Extra to Earning the Spotlight
Elsa’s journey in acting didn’t begin with a lead role but rather with humble beginnings. As a university student, she took on freelance roles as an extra in TV ads, gradually working her way up to main roles. Her big break came when renowned Lebanese writer Marwan Najjar offered her a part in one of his series. From that point on, her career gained momentum, leading her to where she is today.
A Teacher and Mentor: Nadra Assaf’s Lasting Influence
One of the most inspiring figures in Elsa’s life has been her dance teacher, Nadra Assaf. Elsa credits Assaf not only for teaching her dance but for instilling in her a sense of resilience and the importance of fighting for her rights. This mentorship helped Elsa to navigate challenges, both professionally and personally, and to stand strong as a woman in a demanding industry.
Overcoming Setbacks with Faith and Positivity
Throughout her life and career, Elsa has faced disappointments and betrayals. Despite these setbacks, she remains grounded in faith, thanking God for her blessings and choosing to stay positive. For Elsa, negativity only worsens situations, and she strives to keep hope alive, believing that a positive outlook can lead to better outcomes.
No Failures, Only Lessons Learned
Looking back, Elsa doesn’t see any failures in her career. While there may have been roles or opportunities that didn’t add much value, she never considers them failures. Instead, each experience has contributed to her growth as an actress and as a person, adding to the rich tapestry of her career.
Lessons in Trust and the Need for Toughness
Over time, Elsa has learned to be cautious about whom to trust. In the entertainment world, where competition can be fierce, she’s found that some people may act as friends only to turn on her when it suits them. She has come to realize that being nice isn’t always beneficial and that, sometimes, she needs to be tougher to make her mark.
Ambition without Limits: Always Striving for More
Elsa’s drive for success is unrelenting. She never feels she’s reached her peak; instead, she believes there’s always more to achieve and ways to improve. This relentless ambition pushes her to keep moving forward and striving for excellence, as she believes her ultimate goal is still ahead of her.
Paving Her Path Without a Mentor
Though Elsa has reached impressive heights in her career, she sometimes wishes she’d had a mentor or agent to guide her. She takes pride in the fact that she achieved everything on her own, but she acknowledges that a guiding hand could have made her journey smoother. Despite this, Elsa is immensely proud of her self-made success, proving that determination and self-belief are powerful tools.
Recognition as a True Actress
Today, Elsa is proud to be recognized as one of Lebanon’s true actors. She’s worked hard to move beyond just being seen as a pretty face on TV, striving instead to be appreciated for her talent and dedication to her craft. Elsa hopes that when people hear her name, they associate it with genuine talent and skill in acting.
Elsa’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and unyielding ambition. From her early doubts to her success as an actress and businesswoman, she exemplifies the power of following one’s dreams despite the challenges. To stay updated on Elsa’s journey, follow her on Instagram.
