Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.
Finding inspiration through her life travels, Roxana Rafatjah hopes to impact the world through varied non-profit charity organizations. Knowing that the best is yet to come, she prides herself on using what she’s learned from the past to move forward in her career. Here’s a glimpse into Roxana’s life in TEN questions.
1. Tell me something about your home.
My apartment is comfy and feminine, with big, regal, gold decor and full of food. I love peacock feathers and always have a big centerpiece bowl full of fresh fruit that’s so
pretty I almost don’t want to eat it. I hope my style comes across as “Shabby-Chic” (and hopefully not shabby-shabby!).
2. What did you do before you found this career?
I was (and still am) a marketing consultant for brands, mostly in television, digital/social media and large scale VIP events. My website is ROXIontheROX.com. Some brands I’ve worked for include the Food Network, A&E, History, Lifetime Networks, Wall Street Journal, Pandora, etc. I think a lot of the skills that I have acquired as a marketing consultant give me a competitive edge and an innate intuition in real estate, which was always something I aspired to do.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
All the branded or VIP events that I’ve worked on and produced have been highlights. It’s always so satisfying to watch people walk into a perfectly executed branded experience, or have the opportunity to meet their favorite celebrity talent, or just have a fantastic time absorbing the details you’ve put together. But hopefully the biggest highlight is still ahead of me in putting together real estate deals!
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Working out before an early start. I’m usually pretty good, but lately it’s been tough to get in the gym and out the door for an early meeting!
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ruling the world! And traveling it! I’d love to become so successful in real estate that I can make a big impact helping other people on this planet in some big way.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
Any time I travel I find inspiration. Most recently, my trips to India and to Bali were experiences that I’ll never forget. There are a handful of non-profits I’m involved with that I am constantly in awe of the kids that are doing so much to change this world for the better. I definitely find inspiration from these organizations that foster social impact. And Instagram, of course.
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Los Agaves in Santa Barbara, CA. Best Mexican food of my life. I’m kind of salivating right now thinking about it. In NYC, I have so many, but I really love the tapas and drinks at Toro in meatpacking lately. And Bubby’s for brunch.
8. What’s your favorite movie or book?
I recently realized that I’m more into factual or scientific type books as I get older. My favorite book currently is probably The China Study. It reads like a text book, but the study has a ton of super interesting findings on nutrition and vegetarian diets.
9. What do you do in your free time?
Lounge around on my over-sized sofa with my husband and my adorable pup named Bibi, and Google a bunch of useless information.
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
I’ve become super into Astrology lately. And I can do natal charts. Just ask!