We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raouf Marzouki a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Raouf , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in navigating a profoundly challenging and unsupportive environment, where I often felt unsafe during my formative years. Raised alongside eight siblings in Belgium by immigrant parents from Tunisia, I absorbed their ambitious nature, which I inherited. Despite their achievements, our paths diverged as I struggled to conform to their expectations, unlike most of my siblings. Consequently, at a young age, due to my desire for autonomy, they withdrew financial support and expelled me from our home upon discovering my sexual orientation around the age of 20.
Driven by a longing to excel professionally and to assert my identity, I found myself in constant conflict within my large family, where acceptance of my true self was met with resistance. This environment cultivated in me an unyielding determination to survive and thrive. I believe these challenges molded me into a resilient individual, shaping my unwavering resolve to pursue my aspirations despite adversities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I embody the essence of both an artist and an entrepreneur. My creativity manifests in numerous forms, often overwhelming me and challenging my ability to focus. Yet, deep within, I harbor the conviction that my purpose in this world is to effect change and create beauty through my artistry. I am fortunate to collaborate with individuals who inspire me, despite the disillusionment caused by human actions.
My mission extends beyond personal fulfillment; I aspire to contribute to the healing of our world and myself from the ravages of destruction. Through my endeavors, I seek to raise awareness and cultivate a sense of healing, both within myself and among others. Whether through my photography or other mediums, I find solace in witnessing the transformative power of self-love and beauty in others.
My journey is one of continuous growth and learning, a perpetual evolution fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the pivotal factors in my journey has been my unwavering “I can do” attitude. Despite grappling with my insecurities (after all, I am only human!), I have consistently maintained a belief in my abilities. The wellspring of this self-assurance remains somewhat elusive to me, yet it propels me forward undeterred by fear. Boldness characterizes much of my actions, and I actively seek out opportunities for growth and challenge.
For me, confidence is not merely innate but forged through adversity, stumbling, and rising again, fortified by the trust I cultivate in myself. Learning from those proficient in their craft has been instrumental in my development; having a mentor to guide and inspire has proven invaluable. In essence, confidence is a journey—one marked by resilience, openness to learning, and the wisdom gleaned from those who have mastered their domains.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is indeed paramount for achieving success. It is in those moments of discomfort and uncertainty that true growth occurs. By pushing beyond familiar boundaries, individuals expand their horizons, discover untapped potentials, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.
Embracing discomfort fosters adaptability and innovation, qualities essential in navigating today’s dynamic and evolving landscape. Whether in personal or professional realms, venturing beyond the confines of familiarity opens doors to new opportunities, experiences, and perspectives.
While the journey beyond the comfort zone may be daunting, it is often where the most profound transformations and achievements lie. As such, embracing discomfort becomes not only a pathway to success but also a catalyst for personal and professional fulfillment.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most profound impact my father had on me came later in my life, during my late twenties. I found myself in need of help and support to secure a visa to pursue my dreams in the United States. Despite the distance and the complexities involved, my father stepped up in ways that I could never have anticipated.
He not only encouraged my brother to assist me in drafting the necessary financial support letter for my visa application but also imparted invaluable words of encouragement. He urged me to chase my aspirations in America, assuring me of his unwavering support every step of the way. Tragically, just a year later, while I was in Los Angeles, he passed away.
His belief in me became my driving force, infusing me with a relentless determination to make him proud and succeed. I felt an indebtedness to him, and a profound desire to honor his memory through my achievements. Even now, as I approach my 54th birthday, the loss of my father remains a poignant reminder of his enduring influence on my journey. The memories evoke deep emotions, underscoring the profound impact he had on shaping who I am today. His absence is felt keenly, yet his legacy continues to inspire and guide me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Raoufphotographystudio.com
- Instagram: @raoufphotos
Image Credits
Raouf Marzouki
