Meet Lena Teva

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lena Teva. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lena, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a combination of experiences that shaped me early in life and throughout my career. Growing up, I was taught that anything worth achieving required dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to showing up, no matter how challenging the road ahead might be. This mindset laid the foundation for how I approach my work today.

In the promotional modeling industry, especially in a city like Las Vegas, where competition is fierce, I quickly realized that success wasn’t just about talent or looks—it was about how consistently and professionally you performed. Early on, I faced challenges with staying consistently booked and building a loyal clientele. However, I knew that if I wanted to stand out, I needed to go beyond expectations at every event. That meant being prepared, showing up on time, always delivering top-notch service, and making meaningful connections with clients and attendees.

This work ethic helped me gain the trust of clients who began to request me for repeat shows and even recommend me to others. Many of those brands that gave me a shot years ago still work with me today, a testament to the effort I put into every interaction and event. Traveling to shows across the country, judging pageants, and working with international brands are all opportunities that came through hard work and consistency. My career path required flexibility, adaptation, and a willingness to learn from every experience, but it’s those values of commitment and perseverance that have driven me to keep pushing forward.

Ultimately, my work ethic is about going above and beyond, not just for my clients, but for myself—knowing that each job I take on is a chance to build something lasting and meaningful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve spent over 8 years as a promotional model in Las Vegas, primarily working at trade shows, and have expanded my experience into related areas like print modeling, acting, and judging pageant shows. My journey in promotional modeling began with a passion for creating memorable experiences and building genuine connections with attendees, which quickly became my signature approach. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest brands in the world, helping them launch new products and drive excitement at their events.

What excites me most is the range of experiences this career offers. From representing brands at high-profile events to traveling across the country, I’ve had the chance to meet new people and learn how to tell a brand’s story in creative ways. Over time, I’ve also expanded into content creation, where I collaborate with companies to craft digital promotional materials, from product videos to social media campaigns. This allows me to extend the reach of a brand beyond live events, capturing the attention of their digital audiences through engaging content.

The digital shift during the pandemic really opened my eyes to new possibilities in promotional work. I pivoted to focus on online events and webinars, creating content that could engage audiences in virtual spaces. This experience sparked my passion for digital promotional content, where I realized the importance of storytelling and visual engagement in today’s marketing world. Whether it’s crafting a product demo video or developing promotional materials, I love how content creation allows me to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Currently, I’m focused on leveraging both my promotional modeling experience and digital expertise to help brands create cohesive experiences across live events and online platforms. I’m also passionate about mentoring others in the industry, sharing what I’ve learned about building lasting client relationships and adapting to an ever-changing industry.

For me, it’s all about finding new ways to make connections – whether in person at trade shows or through digital content that resonates with audiences. I’m excited to keep evolving, both professionally and creatively, while helping others grow along the way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are three qualities and skills that I believe have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, relationship-building, and a strong work ethic.

First, adaptability has been crucial in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Whether it’s adjusting to the shift from in-person events to digital promotions or learning how to thrive in different types of projects like acting, print modeling, or creating digital content, being open to change has helped me stay relevant. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace change and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning new skills or taking on different roles, adaptability will help you grow and stand out in a competitive market.

Second, relationship-building has been key to my success. In promotional modeling, it’s not just about representing a brand well—it’s about making genuine connections with clients and event attendees. I’ve found that building long-term relationships with clients leads to repeat bookings and new opportunities. For those just starting, I’d say prioritize networking. Take the time to build meaningful relationships, whether at events or online, because people remember the personal touch. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain—it’s about fostering relationships where you bring value to others as well.

Finally, a strong work ethic is what has kept me consistent and successful. The promotional modeling industry can be demanding, with long hours on your feet, but showing up prepared, reliable, and fully invested in every opportunity has helped me build a reputation that clients trust. For newcomers, I recommend focusing on professionalism—whether it’s showing up early, staying organized, or being dependable, your work ethic speaks volumes. It’s often the small things that set you apart and lead to bigger opportunities.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay adaptable, build strong relationships, and always bring your best work ethic to the table. These three qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey, and they’ll serve you well as you grow in this industry.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was to instill a strong sense of work ethic and resilience from a young age. They always showed me, through their actions, that hard work, consistency, and perseverance are the foundation of success. Watching them navigate their own challenges with determination taught me the importance of staying committed to my goals, even when things get tough.

They also emphasized the value of believing in yourself and your potential. My parents have always been supportive of my ambitions, whether in school, my career, or personal projects. That unwavering support gave me the confidence to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and not be afraid of failure. Knowing they had my back allowed me to keep pushing forward, even when I faced setbacks.

Their focus on both hard work and self-belief has shaped who I am today. It’s given me the foundation to build a career I’m proud of and the strength to keep evolving, no matter what challenges come my way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lena_teva/