Confidence Begins With One Step Meet Alicia Roelofs

Mind & Body: Reformed Owner and Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network Inc. Vice President Alicia Roelofs is passionate about empowering others through movement and community. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Although she's only recently joined the Cassowary Coast community, Alicia Roelofs has already made a lasting impression. As the owner of Mind & Body: Reformed and Vice President of the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network Inc.(CCBWN), Ms Roelofs has developed a strong passionate for helping people build confidence, whether that's through movement, business or encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones.

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“You don’t have to be ready – you just have to be willing to take the first step,” she said.

“Confidence rarely comes before you begin; it grows because you begin.”

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As Vice President of CCBWN Ms Roelofs hopes to help create more opportunities for networking, education and collaboration while encouraging more women to step into leadership roles, start businesses and believe in what they're capable of. She believes that when local businesses thrive, the entire community benefits.

"I've always believed that strong communities are built by people supporting one another," Ms Roelofs said.

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"The Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network provides an opportunity for women to connect, learn from each other and build meaningful professional relationships, and I wanted to be part of helping that continue to grow."

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Ms Roelofs and her husband relocated to the region in search of a better balance between work, family and wellbeing, and while starting a business in a new community came with its challenges, she said the experience has been incredibly rewarding.

"I've met so many supportive people, and it's inspiring to see how local businesses genuinely want to see each other succeed. That sense of collaboration has made building Mind & Body: Reformed feel like much more than opening a studio—it's become a place where people connect, support each other and improve their health together,” she said.

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"I wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their age, fitness level or physical limitations, and the most rewarding part of what I do is watching people achieve things they never thought possible – those moments remind me why I started the business."

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Intertwined throughout every aspect of her life, that philosophy extends well beyond her business. At 39, with no background in gymnastics or dance, Ms Roelofs stepped outside her comfort zone and tried aerial skills and Lyra after watching her children take classes. What began as a personal challenge soon became a passion, and she now competes in aerial competitions while hoping to one day bring aerial silks, Lyra and hammock classes to the Cassowary Coast.

“[Beginning aerial skills and Lyra] reminded me that growth happens when we’re willing to be beginners and that decision completely changed my perspective,” she said.

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“It wasn’t always easy, but every small achievement built confidence and proved that age shouldn’t stop us from learning something new.”

Whether she's helping clients discover confidence through movement or supporting women in business as Vice President of CCBWN, Ms Roelofs hopes to empower others to take that first step, believing confidence is built by embracing new opportunities rather than waiting to feel ready.

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"Whether it's walking into your first exercise class, starting a business, or introducing yourself at a networking event, everyone starts somewhere," she said.

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"The people who seem the most confident today were once beginners too. Don't let fear of failure stop you from discovering what you're capable of. You might surprise yourself, and that first small step could end up changing your life."

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