I first met Enly at a shoot for Viru Keskus ages ago and was instantly fascinated by how at ease she was with the camera and how she indeed did her best to get the strongest shots possible. After a successful international career as a model, Tammela launched her brand, which now includes a candle-making business and the café ENLY in the heart of New York. That's quite a journey from Tartu, if you ask me. Here, Enly shares her story.
"In the beginning, being a model was never easy. It was a journey filled with discouragement, especially coming from a country where modeling wasn’t seen as a real profession. But I never gave up, I trusted my dream. At 19, my first trip to Milan changed everything. I worked nonstop for over a year, eventually leaving university in Tartu to focus fully on modeling. I knew New York was the next step if I wanted to grow.
I first came to New York in 2012, and it was love at first sight. There was an instant feeling like I had finally found where I truly belonged—like I was home for the first time in my life. Many doubted me in the beginning, but I took the leap. A few days after arriving, I landed a major client who booked me for 8 years, and since then, I've had the opportunity to work with countless other brands.
I feel incredibly lucky, but I also know how much hard work and perseverance it took to get here. I never quit, and that’s what made all the difference.
It’s hard to put into words, but New York has a way of making you feel seen like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. The people here, the drive, the endless possibilities—it just works. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to build my life here. And now, years later, I’m so grateful to call this city my home. There really is no place like it."
"I think what helped me succeed in such a competitive environment was a mix of hard work, a bit of luck, and my look. But more than that, it’s about the connections I had built with clients. They could see that I was committed to doing my best every time I showed up. I always wanted to bring the energy and focus on the job, and I think that trust I developed with people is what made the difference.
I also truly enjoyed modelling for a long time, which I think helped me stay motivated and present in a way that went beyond just the work itself. When you love what you do, it shines through—and I’m grateful to have had that drive and passion along the way.
Than at some point and for a while, my heart wasn’t fully in modelling, and that was one of the main reasons I decided to leave the agencies and transition to freelancing. Now, I only take on modelling work when I feel it aligns with the right clients. I still enjoy it, but my main focus is on my business."
"I started my candle-making venture at the beginning of COVID as a way to keep myself busy. I’ve always been a creative person, and I was really intrigued by how candles are made. I wanted to learn how to make them in a way that was safer for the environment and less harmful in all possible ways. So, the candles came first, and I dove into that world with a lot of passion.
Running a coffee shop was something I’d always dreamed of, like most people do, haha! But I found a way to make it happen too. The dedication, passion, and care that I put into candle-making carried over into the coffee shop. Both ventures are about creating a space where people can feel good, whether it's lighting a candle that helps them relax or enjoying a cup of coffee in a warm, welcoming environment. They complement each other because they both reflect my desire to create something meaningful, and I love the balance they bring to my life."
"My day starts early—I wake up at 7 AM, get ready, and head out to my shop. I try to be there by 8:15 to get everything set up before we open at 9 AM. Depending on the day, I’m usually working alongside my team, helping out behind the bar, doing paperwork, and managing other tasks all at once. It’s a lot to juggle, but I genuinely love it. Every day, I’m excited to come to work because the space I’ve created feels like a home away from home. It’s a place I’m really proud of.
I also spend a lot of time making candles in the basement, which I call my candle lab. It’s a creative escape for me, and I enjoy the process. My workday usually ends around 7 or 8 PM, and then either my husband picks me up, or I drive home. We often go out for dinner with friends or just order in and relax at home."
"I’m naturally very creative and often have more ideas and goals than I can keep up with! What fuels me most, though, is the energy I get from the people around me, whether it’s my customers, my friends, or my husband. It means the world to me to see that what I do, even in small ways, makes a difference in others’ lives. That really drives me to keep going and keep pushing forward.
To me, success is about moving forward, constantly learning, and helping others along the way. It's about spreading positive energy and inspiration, especially empowering the women around me. I truly believe that when we support each other and encourage one another to never give up on our dreams, that’s where the real success lies. If I can inspire even one person to keep going, that feels like success to me.
As for failures, they’re an inevitable part of the journey. I’ve certainly had my share. From trusting the wrong people to making some decisions that didn’t work out. But I’ve learned so much from those moments, and every setback has been an opportunity to grow."
"The hardest part of running a business in such a competitive city and scene is staying true to yourself while navigating all the noise and pressure. New York, in particular, is demanding, and there are days when it feels like the weight of the city is overwhelming—there’s a lot of external rubble, and sometimes negativity. It can be hard to stay focused and not let that cloud your vision. What really matters is persevering, even when things are tough.
I’ve definitely learned to be better at taking criticism over time. The older I get, the more I realise how much I don’t know and how much there is still to learn. It’s a humbling process. So, I think I’m good at taking criticism when it makes sense and when it comes from a genuine place."
Are you a practical person or more of a dreamer?
I’m a dreamer who finds a way.
Bagel or black bread?
Bagel in New York, black bread in Estonia. Both are so tied to the places I love!
Cat or dog?
DOG! I’m definitely a dog person
Give Trickster a tricksterish coffee recipie!
Here’s a trickster-ish coffee recipe for you! Blend half a banana with your choice of milk and a touch of simple syrup in a blender. Pour it over ice, then add a shot of espresso on top. Trust me, it’s so worth it—creamy, sweet, and the perfect kick of coffee!
Finding your people when moving abroad, what is your advise?
When moving abroad, finding your "people" can be both rewarding and challenging. I’ve had friends, and I’ve lost friends along the way. I’ve learned that not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever. Some people are there for a specific moment, a phase of growth, and that's perfectly okay.
Who's opinion matters to you?
At the end of the day, my own opinion about how I feel and what I’ve done matters most to me. It’s important that I can look back at my day and feel good about the choices I made. Beyond that, my husband’s opinion means a lot to me. He’s someone I trust completely, and I always value his perspective.
My friends' opinions definitely matter as well. They’re a big part of my life, and they know me well.
Social media role in your life?
To be honest, my own social media feed is mostly memes—nothing too serious! I enjoy sharing them with my friends because it's a way to keep things lighthearted. I don’t spend a lot of time on social media, and I really don’t care how many likes my selfies get, haha. I post when I feel cute, but other than that, I keep it pretty low-key. For me, it’s about balance—using it to grow my business while not letting it consume me or affect my peace of mind.
"I’ve never had a formal mentor, and I’ve always seen myself as a bit of a lone wolf, especially since I left Estonia. But I do deeply admire the people closest to me, the ones who inspire me every day. My friends and my husband, for example, who is an entrepreneur himself and is already helping countless people with what he’s building. I also admire my mom, who is an entrepreneur in Estonia.
When I say I admire people who follow their own path, I’m not just referring to those who build businesses. I believe true fulfilment comes in many forms."