Insider Interviews: Roxie Nafousi: Author, Speaker, Podcaster & Founder of ALIA
As she launches her debut fragrance brand ALIA, we speak to Roxie Nafousi - the bestselling author of Manifest and Confidence - about turning adversity into empowerment, the power of daily rituals, and why scent is the new frontier in self-belief.
by Amy Wilson WylesThe Résumé
Job Title: Author, Speaker, Podcaster & Founder of ALIA
Location: London
Famous For: MANIFEST, MANIFEST Dive Deeper, MANIFEST For Kids, CONFIDENCE
Clients/Fans Include: Bella Hadid, Central Cee, Anne Hathaway, Charlotte Tilbury
Years in the Industry: 4
The Backstory
Working in self-development and wellness wasn’t something I planned at all. It came from my own journey of trying to heal. I hit rock bottom in 2018 after years of struggling with addiction, depression, and low self-worth. When I discovered the power of self-development and manifestation, it completely transformed my life. I started sharing what I was learning on Instagram, just hoping it might help one person feel less alone and from there, everything unfolded very organically. It wasn’t about deciding to work in wellness; it was about wanting to live differently, and then realising that sharing that journey was part of my purpose.
People often see the book deals and bestseller lists, but the actual moment behind the scenes that felt like my “big break” was the first time someone told me my work had a positive impact on their life. That was incredible and messages like that are what keep me committed to my work and to sharing my message of empowerment with as many people as possible.
The biggest misconception people have about manifestation or self-development is that it’s about positive thinking or just visualising what you want and waiting for it to happen. In reality, it’s about doing the work, both internally and externally. It’s about mindset, self-worth, healing, taking action, stepping outside your comfort zone, and so much more. It’s not a ritual; it’s a way of living.
My biggest personal lesson about being confident is that it isn’t about feeling fearless or perfect, it’s about being authentic and willing to show up unapologetically as you are. For me, confidence has come from doing the inner work, learning to value who I am, and letting go of needing to be liked by everyone. When I first started, I was terrified of speaking on stage. Now, I love it, not because I never feel nervous, but because I know I’m speaking from truth. Real confidence is quiet, grounded, and comes from knowing your worth, not proving it.
Creating ALIA felt like a natural extension of everything I’ve been building over the years. I’ve always believed that transformation is something we can embody and fragrance has that same power. A scent can instantly shift how you feel, how you move, how you show up in the world. I wanted to create a brand that celebrates the multi-faceted nature of modern women, the idea that we can be many things at once: powerful, soft, ambitious, sensual, playful. That’s what ALIA is about. It’s an ode to every version of you.
Each ALIA fragrance is like a character, a feeling, an energy. Right now, I’d say Main Character reflects me the most right now. It’s bold, assured, and unapologetic but still warm and grounded. That’s how I feel in this chapter of my life. I’ve worked hard to get here, I’ve grown through so much, and now I’m really owning my space without shrinking myself, but still remaining humble and knowing I still have to much learn and so many ways to grow. It’s the scent I reach for when I want to step into that energy fully.
There’s so much that goes into building a brand the creative direction, formulation, manufacturing, logistics, finances and it can be overwhelming. I found managing the production side the hardest, as there’s so much out of your control. It’s been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done in business.

The Advice
The Five Habits I Swear By
1. Morning mindset work
The first thing I do each morning sets the tone for my entire day. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply taking a few quiet minutes to set an intention and repeat positive affirmations, that small window of time helps me come back to myself before the world gets loud. It’s where I remind myself of who I am and what I’m choosing to focus my energy on.
2. Practising self-awareness
Everything starts with awareness. I’ve learned that confidence, healing, and growth all depend on your ability to observe your thoughts rather than be consumed by them. When I catch myself in a spiral of comparison or self-doubt, I pause, breathe, and ask, “What’s really going on here?” That awareness changes everything.
3. Gratitude
It sounds simple, but gratitude genuinely rewires your perspective. I make it a habit to list at least three things I’m grateful for each day — especially on hard days. It helps me focus on what’s abundant rather than what’s lacking, and it’s often the quickest way to shift my energy back into alignment.
4. Taking aligned action
Manifestation and mindset work are powerful, but they mean nothing without action. I’ve trained myself to move towards what I want, even when it feels uncomfortable. Every time you take action from a place of intention, whether it’s setting a boundary, applying for something that scares you, or speaking up, you build self-trust. And that’s where real confidence grows.
5. Protecting my energy
Who and what you give your time to matters. I’m very intentional about the energy I allow around me, that means curating my environment, social media, and relationships so they reflect the person I’m becoming. Protecting your energy isn’t about being closed off; it’s about being discerning, so you can show up as your best self more consistently.

The Kit
Skincare Routine: La Roche-Posay B5 range — fantastic for my rosacea
Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk — great colour range, glowy but still full coverage
Concealer: Hourglass Airbrush Concealer — full coverage!
Lipstick: VIEVE Ninetease — the best shade of nude
Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse
Secret Weapon: Eyelash curlers
Favourite Product: Laura Mercier Translucent Ultra-Blur Powder
Can’t Leave Home Without: My phone
Biggest Indulgence: PEMF mat by Bon Charge
Best Budget Buy: Sudocrem — the best spot cream IMO
Best Beauty Advice: Ice your face in the mornings!
Signature Scent: ALIA – Main Character
Red-Carpet Transformer: Patrick Ta Body Highlighter

The Experts
Hairdresser: Hadley Yates does the best cuts!
Hair Colourist: I don’t colour my hair (yet) but I need to soon, the greys are coming!
Facialist: Dr. Anastasia at Alta Medispa medical-grade facials, not the relaxing type!
Favourite Workout Spot/Exercise Class: Pilates
Manicurist/Pedicurist: I always do at-home manis with technicians trained in BioSculpture gels it’s the best. My nails never chip or break and it lasts for weeks.
Dentist: ABC Smile
Masseuse: Urban massages so convenient and consistent
Eyelash/Brows: I thread my brows at the barbers!
Favourite Spa Destination: Six Senses Ibiza
Get In Touch
Follow: @roxienafousi
Shop: ALIA
Read: MANIFEST, MANIFEST Dive Deeper, MANIFEST For Kids, CONFIDENCE

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