CELEB Q & A
Inbound SA caught up with Cindy-Nell Roberts on the quiet, intentional choices that shaped her journey, the lessons learned through setbacks, and the resilience that drives her every day.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE YOU NEEDED TO CHANGE, AND HOW DID THAT SHIFT FEEL?
I almost think true change is often sparked by a crisis – and for me, it was exactly that. Nothing felt like it was working. My relationships were complex, my body was under strain, and mentally I felt completely unsettled.
The real shift happened when I truly accepted that the only person I could change was myself and I wanted to change. I wanted to become the elevated, evolved, reinvented version of me.
WHICH VERSION OF YOURSELF ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’ m very proud of the young woman I was during Miss South Africa. Even today, at 44, women still tell me how much they looked up to me and how I inspired them to dream bigger and become the best version of themselves. That means more to me now than it did back then.
I’ m also proud of the teenager I was – growing up with many challenges and constantly changing schools, yet still working hard to build something of myself.
And honestly, I’ m deeply proud of the woman I am today. She is wiser, kinder, more generous, and more sincere.
WHAT DOES RESILIENCE LOOK LIKE IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
Resilience is not romantic at all. It’ s mind over matter. It’ s going to the gym when you don’ t feel like it. It’ s finishing admin late at night after putting the kids to bed. It’ s holding your tongue when reacting would be easier. It’ s being kind even when the situation doesn’ t deserve it.
It’ s breaking old habits. Saying no to socialising. Resilience can be lonely.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS HAVE YOU HAD TO UNLEARN TO LIVE MORE TRUTHFULLY?
The pressure is enormous – and the more capable you are, the more is expected of you.
CINDY’ S BIGGEST LESSONS WERE LEARNING TO SAY:
I need help. I need more time. I want to slow down. I need to step away.
For me, habits keep me grounded. Exercise, routine, and structure are the cornerstone of my mental wellness. I’ ve also learnt that many things can simply be left undone – the laundry, a dinner invite, a TV series, or even certain social catch-ups that don’ t truly add value to your life. The world doesn’ t end.
I’ ve also learnt to dress for how I want to feel – whether that’ s a power suit or sequins. Experiencing yourself authentically matters.
HAVE YOU EVER FELT BOXED IN BY A LABEL?
Absolutely! For many people, it was difficult to reconcile“ beauty queen and TV presenter” with“ serious retail beauty business leader”. But over time, results speak louder than labels.
I’ m also not a stereotypical corporate executive. I’ m active on Instagram and TikTok. I conduct business via WhatsApp and DM. I take FaceTime calls across time zones. I do interviews while walking through shops.
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