Meet Roxana Midi

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roxana Midi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Roxana, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When I was a child, my mom used to say to me, “Rox, if someone threw you out the door, you’d find your way back in through the window.” At the time, I couldn’t understand what that meant. I was very tenacious as a child growing up in a small city in Romania; I always loved the idea of independence; I’d explore on my bike, try different sports, Iearn and try new things. I was searching for a good fit for myself. It was a hunger to grow and challenge myself. I had the freedom to do that.

I knew from a very early age, you need to stand up with something spicy, something different and to be good and kind as well. Showing up is not enough, it’s important to make a mark or impression. It was really through dance that I found my greatest challenges and developed more discipline. I had a dance instructor that challenged me to become a competitive dancer and it created a burning desire to prove to him, those around me and then myself that I can accomplish more. This was the pivotal moment in my journey. I am very grateful to my mentor for opening my eyes and polished me. He didn’t believe in me at first because I was wrapped in an image that didn’t match what existed inside of me. In time, he began to see what I always knew I could be.

Throughout my journey, I felt anxious and uncertain on the inside many times; but I persisted, focusing on the positive, even when things felt out of my control. Here’s the recipe; you need a healthy mix of courage, some battle wounds, common-sense, adversity, daring and, of course, love.

I’ll leave you a final thought. When you mix paints, you may discover new colors. Sometimes, it’s good to make a mess. Don’t be afraid to try something different.

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?

Hello, I’m Rox. Presently, I work as an aerialist performer for a circus that travels throughout the United States and beyond. I have always worked in performance and dance, beginning in competitive ballroom dance. It’s about the energy that the stage brings; exciting the crowd and expressing myself through movement. Of course, I’ve had some traditional jobs, but I always found them limiting to my spirit. I was so proud of myself when I became a full-time performer. I provide for myself and my beautiful 8 year old son; who has his own knack for theatrics.

Even as a performer, I still love to dance. I discovered salsa and bachata because I wanted to explore different dance styles, and love the connection you have with your dance partner. There’s an intimacy in its expression that is unique to its latinx roots; the dialogue shared between one another. In my case, the circus act can feel more like a monologue.

In the future, I see myself on a Broadway show like Buena Vista Social Club or Water for the Elephants. It would be the perfect blend of choreography, theatre, acrobatics, and singing; all things I’ve done separately and would love to do in tandem. Fun fact, I had another mentor I had in China whose wish was to see me on Broadway. But who knows, I might just skip a few steps and jump right to producing a show of my own. I have so many experiences to pull from and know I’m ready for another adventure in my Bold Journey.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I am still so surprised and grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I’ve had. It’s possible to say that I met the right people at the right time but my perspective is that I was open to the right opportunities at the right time. I encountered people who believed in me and connected with them. So when I think of three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey I believe these:

Being open to new opportunities and experiences: Expand your knowledge. It’s so important to me to continue learning. I grew up in a small city but I had a firm belief that I could see and do more. As opportunities arose I took them. At first I wasn’t so aware of which ones were going to be beneficial and even now, I still find myself exploring new things, but I always learn and grow with every new adventure.
Have more faith in yourself than what you believe to be possible: When I was young, I wanted to see the world. I found it interesting that there were people and places so different to the world I knew in Romania. It was one thing to see these places on Discovery Channel, Nat Geo and Atlas mag, but it was a dream to see them in person. I didn’t know how I would do it, but it was a belief I held in every step I took.
Ground yourself: While it’s important to dream big, it’s also important to put in the work and be true to yourself. Don’t forget who you are along the process. Even though we grow and evolve, there are core parts of ourselves that make us special. Hold on these pieces of yourself and bring her wherever you go.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is navigating the disappointment of realizing that not everyone around me has pure intentions. I’ve always been a trusting person; I see the good in people, and I try to lead with kindness and authenticity. But recently, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that not everyone operates from the same place. Some people carry hidden agendas, and there’s a lot of jealousy and comparison in the world, often amplified by materialism and the pressure to “keep up.”
Don’t get me wrong, I still believe people are beautiful. But sometimes, in the process of being human, we lose sight of ourselves. And that loss can show up as envy, gossip, or betrayal.
I also have to look within, it’s tough to reach a point in life where you thought you’d feel complete, only to realize… there’s still something more inside you, still more to give, more to become. That realization is powerful, but it can also be isolating when those around you resist your growth or question your intentions.
I’m learning to be more careful with trust. That doesn’t mean I’ve become cold, just more intentional. I’ve also realized that being real doesn’t always protect you from being misunderstood or misjudged. But I’ve accepted that I can’t control others. I can only control how I respond, and I choose peace over conflict.
When things feel overwhelming, I turn inward. I pray. I slow down. I remember moments from my past that taught me the value of simplicity; that happiness doesn’t always come from having more. My brother, for example, lives simply and joyfully with very little. That reminds me that gratitude matters more than appearance.
I’m learning to direct my energy into purpose rather than stress. I’ve learned not to regret my past, because every experience has shaped me into someone more resilient, more aware, more kind. And I’ve come to see that healing; whether through prayer, therapy, or the love of friends; it isn’t a weakness. It’s a form of strength.
I won’t lie, I’ve had moments where I felt completely lost. But I’ve also learned that seeking help isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s part of the journey.
So what then? I just focus on moving forward, doing my best, keeping a positive mindset, and not letting fear or anxiety trap me. I still struggle sometimes, but I believe in growth. I believe in people. And above all, I believe in the hope that there’s always another open door, even after one closes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rock_xa_midi/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rock_xa

Image Credits

Professional Photos taken by Fresco Arts Team
Candid moments from personal collection