An interview with Author Rasha Alajouz

Rasha Alajouz

“Wherever you stand, stand tall,

you don’t need heels, you just need a goal.”

– RASHA ALAJOUZ

A serial entrepreneur with a vision of positive global impact, Rasha Alajouz has started a number of business ventures with the intention of creating a philanthropic organization based around supporting the dreams of women and children worldwide.

For over 20 years, Rasha has pursued her goal through the creation of purpose-driven projects such as LadyLingua and R School, published books including English Train and Standing Tall Without Heels, and provided mentorship advice, career coaching, and motivational support. Each project she undertakes is in pursuit of her vision to create an inspiring environment for women and youth to find their “why” and impact their communities with mindful inclusion, diversity, and non- judgmental values

Describe yourself in five words:

Empathetic, Relator, Developer, Strategic, Responsible

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

By self-talk and telling myself that I have a God, and He will ease everything. I remind myself of that.

What scares you the most?

The death of my closed ones.

What makes you happiest?

When I help others.

#standingtallwithoutheels

Why do you write?

To inspire people, and create a change I look forward to.

So, Why Am I writing #standingtallwithoutheels?

To demonstrate a big “no” for stereotyping and labeling.

To display a bigger “no” for living as a victim or with a victim’s mentality.

To show that women of different cultures and nationalities have their own problems and challenges to overcome. We should never compare or judge. We can clearly overcome challenges that have been set before us and do it with wonderful results.

To encourage readers to follow their passions and to show themselves that even after several failures, you can achieve success.

A winner is just a loser who tried one more time.

To emphasize that family comes first, and no sacrifices are needed in following your passion.

To encourage others to recognize there are a lot of variables in the world.

To share the knowledge and experience across different cultures.

To remind readers that faith and family shouldn’t be compromised to follow your passion. A person giving out on his roots can’t possibly create fruitful and fulfilling results. It’ll be groundless, and they won’t achieve happiness regardless of their successes.

Live your values, hold your ground, for, with enough faith, passion, and drive, you can achieve absolutely anything.

Live your passion, but don’t let it overcome you. It’s not about the ‘who’, it’s all about the ‘how’.

Pave the way for younger generations and show them where to go if they need mentoring.

We’re all connected, though we’re not in the same country or on the same continent.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Yes, I started writing when I was a child.

What motivates you to write?

Whatever touches my emotions.

This book is dedicated to Arab women all over the world, Regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

But why stop there? This book is for all women all over the world.

What writing are you most proud of?

All my writings, though finishing the first book that made me a published author was a particularly proud moment.

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

Helping people through coaching and volunteering my time.

“If I can touch the life of one person, two people, ten people, then my work is definitely worth it.”

– RASHA ALAJOUZ

What books did you love growing up?

Mystery books.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

Here rests a woman with a big heart.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

I grew up in the MENA region, I saw many things I would like to change so I started my work and writing to create such change, which begins with shaping an environment where women and youth can achieve their dreams and pursue their “why”.

How did you develop your writing?

Reading and personal experiences.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

Getting published.

What marketing works for you?

Word of mouth, I do everything for people and love it when people get inspired.

Do you find it hard to share your work?

Not really- I love being able to share information that will benefit others!

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?

Yes, my friends and family are supportive.

What else do you do, other than write?

I have my own businesses you can visit my website here http://www.rashaalajouz.com

What other jobs have you had in your life?

Data entry, data Specialist supervisor, and translator. I’m currently the managing partner of LadyLingua Ltd (www.ladylingua.org), an editorial and creative services company, and also, the Founder and director of R-School, an online educational platform for children and youth (www.r-school.co.uk).

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

Psychology.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

European countryside.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

I write at my desk using my PC on a word file.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

8 hours, which rarely happens!

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

My mum and my husband.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

Seeing the impact of what I write on many people.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

Yes, it is. My current marketing campaign includes paid ads, a word of mouth campaign, and an active social media presence. For every woman out there, that is following her passion …etc (mentioned in the trailer too).

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

I wrote it to shatter all kind of stereotypes…you can read more about my intentions for this book in the acknowledgments and dedication.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

My grandfather.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

Kicking back and looking at the sky.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

Inspiration, passion, and the will to do positive things.

www.standingtallwithoutheels.com

Where to buy:

#StandingTallWithoutHeels is available in these countries from Amazon🤩

Both #Paperback and #Kindle 👇👇