Today we’d like to introduce you to Olena Dorosh.
Hi Olena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Miss European Universe 2025: The Rise of Elena Dorosh
Introduction
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Elena Dorosh — a Ukrainian model, entrepreneur, and the winner of Miss European Universe 2025. Her path is one of resilience, courage, and relentless ambition. From starting over in a new country with her son to becoming one of the most promising names in fashion, Elena’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams can come true — when you fight for them.
⸻
1. Elena, can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to Los Angeles?
My name is Elena Dorosh, I’m 25 years old, and I have a wonderful son named Daniil. We’ve been living in Los Angeles for two years now, but our journey wasn’t easy.
When the war in Ukraine began, I had to leave everything behind and start from scratch in the U.S. We arrived in Portland, Oregon, where I worked at a food store earning $14 an hour. Then I moved to Hawaii for a better-paying caregiving job.
Back in Ukraine, I held a degree in psychology and had a respected job at a sports military lyceum. But in America, I had to rebuild everything. My passion for modeling felt distant — like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I was a single mother in a new country with no support system, and survival came first.
I took on cleaning jobs — not because I wanted to, but because they gave me the flexibility to be a mom. Other jobs required a nanny, and I couldn’t afford that kind of luxury. So I did what I had to do. It wasn’t glamorous, but it allowed me to provide for my son.
Still, I held on to my dream. I never gave up on the vision of who I wanted to become.
⸻
2. How did you transition into modeling and eventually win Miss European Universe?
In December 2023, I enrolled in the Become a Model course by Sabina Kravchenko. I was out of shape, insecure, and had no idea how to pose, walk, apply makeup, or style myself.
Sabina taught us everything — how to find jobs through websites and chats, how to build a portfolio, and how to communicate with brands. I put it all into practice right away. I applied for dozens of jobs, built my portfolio, but for some reason… nothing clicked at first.
Then came a turning point: I saw a casting for Pageant of Masters, a performance-based modeling show. Because of my resemblance to Dovima, I was cast as her. I signed my first paid modeling contract and performed for 60 days in front of 2,000 people each night.
It was the beginning of my new life. I left cleaning jobs behind and began to see myself — and present myself — as a real model.
Soon after, LA Fashion Week arrived. I walked in every show I could: LA Fashion Week, Arthur Fashion Week, Bureau Fashion Week. I built connections with designers, photographers, brands, stylists.
At one of these shows, I met Gennadiy Kotlyarchyk, the producer of Miss European Universe. He invited me to compete — and I knew it was my moment.(напиши что он пригласил меня на кастинг miss European universe )
After the casting, I was honored to be selected as one of the official contestants. That marked the beginning of a truly transformative journey.
I had been training since autumn — and it wasn’t easy. I had to completely retrain my posture: my knees wouldn’t fully extend, I was noticeably slouched, my arms trembled with tension, and I had no sense of musical rhythm. On top of that, I wasn’t the slimmest girl in the lineup. Watching videos from those first rehearsals now, I see a tremendous difference.
We were guided and shaped by Boris Rudenko, our runway coach — a brilliant professional dancer, teacher, and mentor. With incredible patience and precision, Boris trained us every Sunday for three hours throughout the season. Under his direction, I developed not only the walk and poise required for the stage but a deeper sense of presence and confidence.
I lost weight, refined every detail of my presentation, and prepared myself mentally, emotionally, and physically for the big day.
And then, on February 27th, I stepped onto the stage, embodying five stunning looks — from swimwear to bridal couture — and felt fully, finally, ready.
And then… I was crowned Miss European Universe 2025.
That moment represented so much more than a crown. It was proof that everything I had endured was not in vain.
⸻
3. Beyond winning the title, what are you currently focusing on in your career?
Right now, I’m entering an exciting new chapter in my modeling career.
I’ve begun actively collaborating with clothing brands and building relationships in the industry. I’m currently in conversations with several modeling agencies in Los Angeles, with the goal of signing with the right one and clearly defining my direction as a professional model.
One area I’m especially passionate about is bridal fashion — I truly enjoy working with designers who create timeless wedding gowns and elegant evening wear. I’m also eager to explore opportunities as an accessories model, and I dream of seeing my face representing a beauty or skincare brand.
At this stage, my goal is to work as a full-time model and fully dedicate myself to this career. I’m building strong collaborations, expanding my portfolio, and taking every opportunity to grow professionally in the fashion and beauty space. Modeling is not just a passion for me — it’s a path I’m ready to follow with my whole heart.
4. What has been the biggest lesson from your journey so far?
That you are never truly alone — even when it feels like the world has forgotten you.
There was a time when I tried to carry everything on my own — the fear, the pressure, the weight of starting over. But it was only when I surrendered my path to God that things began to shift. He gave me peace when I was exhausted. He gave me direction when I was lost.
I’m a woman of faith, and I say that with deep joy. I walk through life knowing that I am guided by His light and covered by His love. Through every challenge, He gave me strength, and now I do my best to carry that light forward — to bring love, wisdom, and grace into everything I do, both on and off the runway.
Modeling may have taught me how to walk, but faith taught me where to go — and who I truly am.
B
5. What advice would you give to young women who want to break into the modeling or fashion industry?
First of all — understand that this is not just about looking good.
Modeling is real work. It’s exhausting, competitive, and emotionally demanding. You’ll be rejected, judged, and underestimated. And you’ll have to show up anyway — with energy, grace, and discipline.
But if this is truly your dream, it’s worth it.
• Believe in yourself. No one else can do that for you.
• Invest in your growth. Learn, take courses, build your skills.
• Take risks. Step into the unknown — that’s where the magic happens.
• Surround yourself with the right people. Energy is everything.
• Stay consistent. Even when it feels like nothing is working — keep going.
The runway doesn’t reward perfection.
It rewards persistence, presence, and people who know their worth.
6. What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m working toward one of my biggest dreams — walking in a Gucci runway show as a high fashion model. This goal motivates me every day, and I’m putting in the work to make it happen.
I’m also currently preparing my own signature event — Royal Dinner with a Queen — a luxury gathering to celebrate my pageant victory. But more than a celebration, it’s a tribute to elegance, heritage, and the art of connection. I want to open the doors to everyone who wishes to attend, from creatives to entrepreneurs, and create an atmosphere of style, substance, and inspiration.
This will be a sophisticated, classic event with an unexpected twist — I’m preparing a grand performance and artistic surprise for my guests. It will be something unforgettable. Details about the date and location will be announced closer to April 10th, so stay tuned via my social media and official website for updates.
I’m truly excited for what’s to come — and I know this is only the beginning.
⸻
Closing
Thank you, Elena, for sharing your inspiring story. You are living proof that with heart, hustle, and vision — anything is possible.
Follow Elena Dorosh:
Instagram: @lena_cetodel
Website: lenadorosh.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the hardest parts of my journey was starting over completely — in a new country, with a child, and without any support. I arrived in the U.S. with no money, no connections, and limited English. Every day felt like survival. I worked in food stores, caregiving, and cleaning — not because I wanted to, but because I had to provide for my son.
At the same time, I was struggling inside. I had lost my confidence, my body wasn’t in shape, and modeling seemed like an impossible dream. I didn’t know how to pose or walk — I felt invisible.
But even in my darkest moments, I knew I wasn’t alone. I turned to God, and He gave me strength when I had none. He gave me peace when I was overwhelmed, and hope when I felt lost. My faith became my foundation. It helped me keep going when everything else was uncertain.
I chose to fight for the vision I had inside me. I studied, trained, faced rejections, and kept showing up — with faith in my heart and a quiet confidence that I was being guided.
Today, I look back at those moments not with shame, but with pride. They shaped me. And they remind me that if I could get through that — with God by my side — I can achieve anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time model working across several areas of the fashion and media industry. I pose for catalogs and new designer collections, represent brands on runways, shoot beauty and skincare commercials, and act as the face of different businesses and projects.
As the current Miss European Universe, I regularly attend leading fashion and lifestyle events with my crown and sash, which brings visibility and helps me connect with new clients and collaborators.
At the same time, I’m developing my own event agency. I’m building a creative team — including musicians, dancers, show performers, photographers — and forming strong partnerships with venues. I organize private events from start to finish, with a focus on quality and artistic vision.
Right now, I’m combining modeling with event production and growing in both areas. It’s not always easy to balance everything, but I truly enjoy what I do and believe in every project I take on.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m inspired by stories that challenge the mind and touch the soul. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is a timeless favorite, full of mystery and depth. I also return to General Psychology by Maklakov — a nod to my academic background — and Story by Robert McKee, which shaped my creative thinking.
For apps, I keep things smart and stylish: Instagram for connection, Behance for inspiration, Canva for visuals, Notion for planning, CapCut for quick edits, and Audible for learning on the move.
Podcasts I love? Janet Lansbury Unruffled for parenting wisdom, The Mindset Mentor for daily motivation, On Purpose by Jay Shetty for soulful insight, and Fashion No Filter for an inside look at the industry.
Pricing:
- Modeling (runway / catalog / commercial) Starting at $300 per project / $100 per hour
- Brand collaboration (social media + promo content) From $250 per post / $700 for full campaign package
- Event appearance (with crown & sash) From $500 per event (2–3 hours)
- Private event hosting / coordination Starting at $1000 per event (includes planning & on-site presence)
- Creative direction / concept creation From $250 per project
Contact Info:
- Website: lenadorosh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lena_cetodel?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
