Meet Elke Jeinsen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elke Jeinsen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elke below.

Hi Elke , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

There was a time in my life when I didn’t yet know the power I carried inside me. That all changed when I became Miss Germany. Suddenly, I was placed in the spotlight—with cameras flashing, stages waiting, and thousands of eyes looking at me. I had no choice but to rise.

As I began modeling around the world, I learned more than just how to pose—I learned how to carry myself. I stood tall, I walked with purpose, and I began looking people directly in the eyes. At first, it was intimidating. But the more I did it—whether walking on stage or signing autographs—the more I realized: eye contact connects you. It shows people you are present, and that you believe in who you are.

Becoming a Playboy Playmate in 19 countries brought even more opportunities to grow. Traveling, meeting people from all cultures, and being recognized in so many different places taught me how to adapt, how to speak, and how to stand firm in my own worth.

My confidence was born on the stage, but it grew through connection—through every conversation, every handshake, every flight to a new destination. And from that confidence, my self-esteem followed. Because once you learn to believe in yourself, truly and deeply, it never leaves you.

I found my voice through my career—but I found myself through the journey.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

You know, everything started for me when I was just 18 years old. I became Miss Hannover/Germany, and I won a brand-new car. That was a huge deal back then — and that’s also when the press started to notice me. Suddenly, I was getting attention, and I decided to take a risk: I left my job at IBM to follow a totally different path.

Very soon after, I started modeling internationally. My first photo shoots were in New York, Milan, Greece, Egypt — it all happened so fast, and I loved every moment of it. I was young, excited, and traveling the world for work.

Then came something that really changed everything: I joined the famous European TV show Tutti Frutti. I was part of the ballet, and I played the “Strawberry,” which meant I wore this fun pink strawberry costume. The show was very bold — it was actually the first topless show on European TV — and everybody watched it. That’s when I really became famous all over Europe.

After that, I spent a full year living and working in Milan, doing more television, modeling, and growing my career.

Then in 1993, I made one of the biggest moves of my life — I came to the United States. That same year, I became Playboy Playmate Miss May 1993. And I have to say, even though I had already been a Playmate in Germany, being a Playmate in America was completely different. It made me a star overnight. It opened every door — I was invited to all the major events, all the red carpets, and of course, all the parties at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner himself. It became my life and my job for many years — traveling, doing appearances, meeting incredible people — and it lasted for two decades.

Now I live in Los Angeles and I’ve built a new career for myself. I’m a certified personal fitness trainer — I studied with NASM, the National Academy of Sports Medicine — and I have my own clients. Health and fitness have become my new passion.

At the same time, I’m still very connected to my fans. I sign a lot of fan pictures, and people can find me on platforms like eBay or OnlyFans. I love that after all these years, people still want to reach out and support me. That’s a big part of who I am and what I do today.

So yes — from Miss Hannover to international modeling, to Tutti Frutti, to being Miss May 1993 in the U.S., to building a new life in America — I’ve lived many lives in one, and I’m still going strong.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I would say there are three key things that made the biggest difference: courage, discipline, and the ability to connect with people.

First, courage — I had to take big risks early on. Leaving a secure job at IBM to pursue modeling was scary, and moving to America in 1993 without knowing exactly what the future held took a lot of bravery. My advice: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” You grow by jumping into the unknown. Start before you’re comfortable. That’s where the magic happens.

Second, discipline — a lot of people think modeling and being in the spotlight is just glamour, but it takes real work. Whether it was staying fit, being on time for castings, or learning how to present myself professionally — I was always committed. And now, as a personal trainer, discipline is even more important. To anyone starting out: develop a strong routine. Take care of your body and your mind. Be reliable. People will remember that more than your looks.

And finally, connection — learning how to truly connect with people opened so many doors for me. I built my confidence by looking people in the eye, giving autographs, being present. That’s how you build real relationships — and in this industry, relationships are everything. My tip: focus on communication. Don’t just promote yourself — listen, be kind, and make people feel seen. That will take you further than you think.

So if you’re just starting out: be brave, stay disciplined, and treat every connection with respect. Those three things carried me through every chapter of my life.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Honestly, the person who helped me the most through challenges was myself. I had to learn early on that if I wanted to succeed, I had to rely on my own strength, instincts, and determination. I didn’t have a manager guiding me through everything or someone holding my hand. I had to grow up fast, especially in an industry where you constantly hear “no” before you hear “yes.”

Of course, along the way, I met people who supported and inspired me — photographers who believed in me, producers who gave me chances, friends who kept me grounded. And later in life, working with professionals in fitness and health also helped me grow in new ways. But the truth is, I had to show up for myself every single time.

I believe we all have that strength inside us, but it takes self-trust and resilience to access it. My advice: don’t wait for someone to rescue you or push you forward. Learn to be your own biggest supporter. Stay open to learning, be humble enough to take advice, but always remember that you are the one walking your path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elkejeinsen.com
• Instagram: elkejeinsen
• Facebook: elkejeinsen
• Linkedin: elkejeinsen
• Twitter: elkejeinsen
• Youtube: helloElke and elkejeinsen

Image Credits

Playboy, Baywatch, tutti frutti, elke jeinsen