Eliane Al Hajj, founder of Medium MENA, shares how her unique approach to media consultancy and healing is transforming the careers and well-being of artists.
The media industry is often seen as a relentless machine, where public figures must navigate a constant cycle of performance, media scrutiny, and public opinion. However, for one pioneering media consultant, it’s more than just about image-building; it’s about healing, empowerment, and helping artists thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Through her company, Medium MENA, Eliane Al Hajj has redefined the way artists approach their public personas, fusing media consultancy with emotional well-being practices like Reiki and art therapy. Her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of personal evolution, and it all started with a challenging yet life-changing moment.
A Defining Moment
For Eliane Al Hajj, a career in media was practically inevitable. Surrounded by creativity and artistic influence from a young age, her grandfather was a renowned actor, poet, and publisher in the Arab world. She grew up immersed in a world of art and storytelling. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in her career that she realized the full scope of her purpose.
“I spent 11 years working as a radio host and producer, but due to family and political issues beyond my control, I had to leave that career,” she recalls. “At the time, it felt like everything was falling apart. But looking back, I see how that hardship set me on a path I couldn’t have imagined at the time. Sometimes, life’s toughest moments lead us exactly where we need to go.”
That was a turning point, one that pushed her to pursue a path that blended her media expertise with a passion for emotional well-being. The result was the creation of Medium MENA, a company that would not only help artists craft their public image but also support their emotional and personal growth.
The Birth of Medium MENA: Redefining Media Consultancy
When Eliane Al Hajj established Medium MENA 13 years ago, the idea of media consultancy in the MENA area was largely centered around political figures. However, she was determined to break that mold. She envisioned a consultancy that could work with all kinds of public figures, including news anchors, poets, and composers, anyone who could benefit from guidance on how to project their authentic selves in the public eye.
“At first, it was difficult to explain this concept,” she admits. “People were used to media consultants working with stage artists only, and the idea of applying these services to non-performers was unfamiliar. But I was committed to this new approach. I wanted to help artists evolve, not just in terms of their image but also in their emotional capacities and energy. Over the years, that approach has proven to be invaluable.”
Her company’s unique approach quickly gained traction. Medium MENA has worked with over 25 public figures, crafting tailored strategies that help them build emotional resilience while enhancing their public image. Today, with more than 20,000 hours of radio content under her belt, Eliane Al Hajj is proud of the impact she’s had on the careers and well-being of countless artists.
Navigating Early Struggles: Building Resilience
Eliane Al Hajj’s path to success wasn’t without its challenges. At just 17, she began working as a radio host while studying at the Lebanese University. Early on, she faced harsh criticism, verbal abuse, and intimidation, experiences that led her to quit several jobs during her youth.
“It was tough,” she recalls. “I wasn’t equipped to deal with the kind of abuse I was receiving, and leaving felt like the only way to cope. But I realize now that those challenges pushed me to grow. They taught me to seek environments that aligned with my values and to remain true to myself. It wasn’t easy, but it built resilience.”
These early struggles helped shape her belief in the importance of authenticity, something she continues to prioritize in her work. Through Medium MENA, she strives to support artists in staying grounded and aligned with their values, especially in an industry that can be emotionally draining and, at times, exploitative.
A Holistic Approach: Media Consultancy and Emotional Healing
Eliane Al Hajj’s work is not only about boosting public image but also ensuring that artists are emotionally resilient and able to cope with the pressures of the industry. That’s why, alongside media consultancy, Medium MENA integrates healing practices like Reiki and art therapy into its services.
“Artists often go through emotional highs and lows,” she explains. “There’s the excitement before a project and then the anxiety afterward, when they worry about how their work will be received. And with social media, the pressure is even greater. It’s my job to help them manage these emotions, stay focused, and remain grounded.”
Her commitment to emotional well-being extends beyond artists, reflecting a broader mission to support those affected by crisis and trauma. Continuing her dedication to humanitarian efforts, Eliane Al Hajj has also spearheaded initiatives that directly support vulnerable communities in Lebanon. After the devastating Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020, Eliane Al Hajj joined forces with her clients Rima Fakih and Wassim “Sal” Slaiby to launch #GlobalAidForLebanon, raising over US$1 million for emergency relief, food, shelter, and medical aid.
Lessons from Influential Figures
Throughout her career, Eliane Al Hajj has had the opportunity to meet and work with several prominent figures, many of whom have left lasting impressions on her. While she never idolized celebrities, as they were part of her everyday life growing up, certain encounters have been particularly influential in shaping her views on legacy and success.
Today, her journey has evolved into building connections between global talent and the Middle East. Eliane Al Hajj represents SALXCO UAM and SALXCO UAM, the artist management and record labels founded by Wassim “Sal” Slaiby in the US. Both labels are home to some of today’s most influential global artists, including The Weeknd, Bebe Rexha, Swedish House Mafia, Shenseea, Saint Levant, Issam Alnajjar, and Elyanna. Through this representation, Eliane bridges the worlds of global music and Middle Eastern culture, strengthening the regional presence of artists managed under these leading U.S.-based labels.
The Key to Success: Letting Go and Embracing Change
Over the years, Eliane Al Hajj’s definition of success has evolved. She’s no longer focused on simply achieving goals; instead, she believes success is a continuous journey, one that requires constant adaptation and growth.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is to embrace change,” she says. “Every change forces us to let go of our comfort zones and take risks. Success doesn’t come in a straight line, it’s a series of steps, some of which are difficult but necessary.”
Her ability to adapt to change is something she instills in her clients. For an artist, the pressures of public life can create emotional instability. Helping them find balance, she believes, is just as crucial as crafting a perfect public image.
Legacy and Future Goals: Continuing the Journey
Looking to the future, Eliane Al Hajj is focused on expanding Medium MENA’s influence. She is currently developing a course in collaboration with the Lebanese American University (LAU) to teach media consultancy and management to aspiring media consultants, giving them the tools they need to succeed, tools that integrate both technical expertise and emotional intelligence.
“I want to pass on everything I’ve learned to the next generation,” she says. “It’s not just about knowing the media landscape; it’s about understanding the human side of the work. That’s how we help artists truly thrive.”
Her ultimate goal is to continue blending her passion for media with her dedication to emotional healing. As a Reiki master and someone who has studied various healing techniques, she envisions a future where these methods become integral to the media industry.
“I want to create a space where artists can heal, grow, and shine, not just as performers but as human beings,” she concludes. “That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Whether you’re an artist or a public figure, Medium MENA can help you craft a media strategy that not only enhances your image but supports your personal and emotional growth.
Follow Eliane Al Hajj on her social media platforms for more insights, updates, and inspiration: Instagram and visit her website at https://mediummena.com/.
