Mindset

Roxie Nafousi, inspirational speaker and self-development coach talks to us about the value of trusting your gut and how manifesting can transform your life.
What does your morning routine look like?
My morning routine is all about setting myself up in the best possible way — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I wake up early (but naturally, I haven’t used an alarm in years!), and the first thing I do is repeat positive affirmations. This is when my subconscious is most susceptible, so I take advantage of that moment to instil empowering thoughts. Then, I make myself a cup of coffee and enjoy it in peace. I also find 5-10 minutes to meditate, which helps me centre myself and set my intentions for the day. This routine isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space where I feel aligned and ready for whatever comes.

Did you always know you would be entrepreneurial, and what was the catalyst for this?
Honestly, I don’t think I always knew it would look like this. But I did always know I wanted to do something where I could positively impact people. I definitely think my entrepreneurial spirit comes from my dad – watching him navigate come from nothing was so inspiring to me, and he was teaching me about business from when I was just kid. The catalyst was really when I began to understand the power of my own mindset – realising that my thoughts were shaping my reality. I saw how stepping into my authentic self-allowed me to create a life I wanted, rather than the one I thought I ‘should’ live. That realisation led me down a path of taking risks, trusting my intuition, and embracing my entrepreneurial spirit.
Have you always trusted your gut?
No, trusting my gut wasn’t always my natural state. In my early years, I second-guessed myself a lot. I remember times when fear or shame spoke louder than my intuition. But every time I ignored my gut, I felt the misalignment deeply. Over time, I realised that my intuition was my most honest guide. Trusting it has taken practice, especially when it’s led me down paths that others didn’t always understand. Now, it’s a non-negotiable – my gut is my compass.
It was a bold move to write a book — did you already have connections in the publishing world, or was it a leap of faith?
It was absolutely a leap of faith. When I decided to write MANIFEST, I didn’t have any connections in the publishing world, but I knew I had a message that needed to be shared. I believed in the value of what I wanted to say, and I trusted that if I put my heart and soul into it, it would help whoever was meant to read it. It was about staying open and not letting my own doubts get in the way.

You’re now speaking to hundreds at your events – were you nervous before your first event of this size, and how did the public speaking start?
I was definitely nervous before my first big event. I’d done smaller talks and workshops but stepping onto a stage with hundreds of people watching was something else entirely. The nerves were there, but they were mixed with excitement. I hosted my first workshop in November 2019, and it’s been incredible to watch them grow – for me it’s my favourite part of my job. Even if I’m having a tough day, getting on stage brings me alive because I love feeling the energy of everyone in the room.
What is the most important thing you’ve manifested?
The most important thing I’ve manifested is my confidence. I’ve created a life that aligns with who I truly am and has allowed me to be proud of the person I am, and that’s been the greatest gift of all. Everything else – the career, the relationships, the opportunities – they all came from first finding and manifesting my own self-acceptance and authenticity. It’s a continuous journey but manifesting that core sense of self is the foundation for everything else.
What supports our ability to manifest?
Belief and alignment are key. You need to truly believe that what you desire is possible, and you need to act in a way that aligns with that belief. It’s about being clear on what you want, taking inspired action, and letting go of any attachment to the outcome. Self-worth plays a huge role as well – you need to believe that you’re deserving of what you’re manifesting.
What hinders our ability to manifest?
Doubt and fear are the biggest barriers. Self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, and an unwillingness to step out of your comfort zone can all hinder manifestation. When we hold on to beliefs that say we’re not good enough or that it’s not possible for us, we block the flow. It’s crucial to identify those limiting beliefs and replace them with ones that serve us. Manifesting requires courage – the courage to think big, act big, and trust the process.
You highlight turning jealousy into inspiration. Where does jealousy come from, and have you ever experienced this from your circle as you became more successful?
Jealousy often comes from a feeling of lacking – like there’s not enough to go around, or like someone else’s success highlights something we feel we’re missing. I’ve definitely felt jealousy in the past, and I’ve also felt it from others. It’s human, but what matters is how we choose to respond to it. Instead of letting it fester, I use it as a signpost. It’s a reminder of what I value and what I desire for myself. When we see jealousy as a form of inspiration, it becomes a motivator instead of a barrier.
You’ve also transformed your body – did you change your approach to wellness with your mindset?
Absolutely. My physical transformation wasn’t just about changing how I looked – it was about aligning my body with how I wanted to feel. I realised that wellness isn’t about punishment or fitting into a specific mould; it’s about self-love, movement that brings joy, and nourishing myself from a place of care. Shifting my mindset from restriction to love made all the difference.
How do you balance being commercial while staying true to yourself?
For me, it’s all about authenticity. I make sure that whatever I do is in alignment with my values and who I am. When an opportunity comes up, I ask myself: Does this feel right? Is this in line with my message and the life I want to create? I’ve learned that the truer I am to myself, the more successful I’ve been. People resonate with authenticity, and when you’re genuine, everything flows naturally – even the commercial aspects.

Social media is part of the mainstream. How do you manage to do this in such an effortless way?
It hasn’t always felt effortless! I think what helps is being real – not just sharing the highlight reel but also the struggles, the lessons, and the growth. I make a point to connect, not just broadcast. My audience feels like a community to me, and that’s what makes it special. I try to remember that social media is a tool – it’s about using it with intention, sharing from a place of value, and not letting it define my worth.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to bring their best self to the surface?
Start by getting honest with yourself. Who are you when no one is watching? What do you truly value? Bringing your best self forward is about removing the layers of what you think you should be and stepping into who you are, unapologetically. Embrace your uniqueness, be willing to get uncomfortable, and trust that you are enough just as you are. And remember – your best self isn’t a final destination, it’s a lifelong journey.
What does being bold mean to you, and who for you is bold and brave?
Being bold is about being true to yourself, even when it’s not easy. It’s about taking risks, choosing authenticity over comfort, and going after what you want, despite the fear. To me, boldness is in the everyday actions – the decisions that align us with our truest selves. My sister, Rana, is one of the boldest people I know. She shows up for her community, she’s fiercely herself, and she’s not afraid to be vulnerable. That, to me, is the ultimate form of bravery.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More