Nathalie Botros, the Bon-Vivant girl is known as the Happiness Activator around the world. Drawing from her multicultural background, Nathalie bridges the gap between your current reality and the life you’ve always dreamed of, offering a powerful perspective that happiness is simple, attainable, and within everyone’s reach. She wears many hats as a Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker, and Mindset and Happiness Coach, with a special focus on empowering individuals to reclaim their happiness.
She is the international best-selling author of The Happiness Cocktail: The Right Ingredients for a Life of Happiness and Hope as well as the author of If You Are What You Eat, Should I Eat A Skinny Girl?, and the creator of Happiness Cards. Nathalie helps people break free from limiting beliefs and thrive both personally and professionally while creating lasting happiness and living a life aligned with their passion.
Her dedication to spreading positivity hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024 only, she was listed in Marquis Who’s Who for her impact and commitment in the field and has been recognized as one of the Five Exceptional Leaders to Follow by Magnate View Magazine. She also was named Top Happiness Coach by IAOTP, one of the World’s Visionary Women Leaders Making a Difference by World Leaders Magazine, Top Lifestyle Coach of the Year by Best Holistic Life Magazine, and Top Coach in New York by Soeleish Magazine. Her work has been featured on NBC TV, in Authority Magazine, and Thrive Global, and she has graced the covers of Magnate View, Passion Vista, Soeleish, Best Holistic Life, and Healthy Life Magazines.
Today, Nathalie’s work resonates with millions globally, and she shares her strategies through keynote speeches, social media, podcasts, and articles.
Her mission is to spread happiness, one smile at a time.
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Before we begin, please sha
Nathalie Botros: I was born in Lebanon, raised in Turkey, and later studied and lived in Switzerland, where I earned a master’s degree in psychotherapy. I had the perfect life on paper and checked all the so-called happiness boxes. But something was missing, and I couldn’t define it.
I chased it in external things; changed jobs, careers, and partners. Each brought me a fleeting sense of joy, but when the novelty faded, the same feeling of dissatisfaction returned. When I moved to New York, I thought a fresh start in an exciting city would finally bring me happiness. But instead of finding it, I gained weight, lost my confidence, and fell even deeper into unhappiness.
Trying to fix my weight with endless diets to regain not only my figure but also my self-love and confidence, I realized that what truly needed to change was my perspective. I went back to my roots in psychotherapy and started focusing on the love for myself. Instead of searching for happiness in the next achievement, I worked on creating it from within. That was my turning point and the birth of the Bon-Vivant girl, someone who takes pleasure in everything in life and finds the happy, the positive, and the silver lining in any circumstance.
When I discovered that happiness was not as complicated as I once believed, I made it my mission to help individuals wake up every day with a smile.
Can you explain the concept
Nathalie Botros: Research shows that happiness comes from three main components, and the results may surprise you. Fifty percent is determined by your “Set Point,” which is based on genetics and natural disposition. Only ten percent comes from external circumstances such as your job, home, relationships, or appearance, yet many people depend entirely on them for happiness. The remaining forty percent comes from “Intentional Activity,” which includes the daily choices, habits, and actions you take.
From my own journey and work with clients, I have seen that happiness does not require a secret formula, a drastic lifestyle change, or the perfect relationship. The key is in small, intentional actions. That is why I created The Happiness Cocktail, a blend of five essential ingredients: Love, Smile, Invest, Move & Manifest, and Enjoy. These are practical steps you can integrate into your daily routine to create lasting joy.
Love is the foundation of happiness, starting with self-love. It is not about striving for perfection but about accepting yourself as you are. It means valuing your strengths, being kind to yourself when you make mistakes, and setting boundaries that protect your energy and well-being. Love is the foundation of joy, connection, and fulfillment.
Smile is more than just an expression. It is a choice to approach life with optimism. Smiling does not mean ignoring challenges. It means shifting your mindset to find the positive, even in difficult times. A smile, even a forced one, has the power to lift your mood, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall well-being. It may not change the world, but it changes how you experience it.
Invest in yourself. Prioritize personal growth, meaningful relationships, and opportunities that bring fulfillment. Whether it is stepping out of your comfort zone, following your passions, or saying yes to unexpected opportunities – personal or professional – every investment you make in yourself enhances your life.
Move & Manifest emphasizes forward motion in all aspects of life. Whether it is physical movement like exercise or emotional movement like letting go of past burdens, taking action is the key to transformation. When you pair action with intention, you unlock the power of manifestation, helping you bring your goals to life.
Enjoy the present instead of constantly chasing the next milestone. Too often, people believe they will be happy once they achieve something, only to move the goalpost again. Happiness is not about waiting for the perfect moment. It is about fully living and appreciating the one you are in. Enjoy is also a key ingredient to becoming a Bon-Vivant girl or boy.
You say happiness isn’t luc
Nathalie Botros: One of the simplest ways to cultivate more joy is by changing the way you talk to yourself. Your words shape your emotions, and a small shift in how you frame your thoughts can make a big difference.
For example, if you wake up feeling tired and immediately think, “I am exhausted,” your day will likely feel draining. But if you reframe that thought and say, “I am tired, but it was worth it because I finished an important project,” or “I am tired, but I had a great time with friends,” your energy shifts. Instead of focusing on exhaustion, you remind yourself of something positive.
This practice is backed by research. Studies show that people who use positive self-talk and reframe their thoughts experience lower stress and greater well-being. Happiness is not about ignoring challenges but about choosing how you respond to them. The more you train your mind to focus on what is good instead of what is missing, the easier it becomes to find joy in everyday moments.
What’s one common misconcep
Nathalie Botros: One of the biggest misconceptions is that happiness is something you achieve rather than something you create. People think, “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion, find the right partner, lose the weight…” But happiness does not come from a specific milestone. It comes from how you approach life right now. If you keep tying your joy to external achievements, you will always move the goal further and never feel truly satisfied. Happiness is not a reward you unlock at the end of a journey. It is found in the small choices you make every day and in appreciating what you have while working toward what you want.
Another common misconception is that happy people never feel sad. That is not true. Happiness is not about avoiding negative emotions. It is about knowing how to navigate them without letting them take over. Everyone experiences challenges, setbacks, and difficult moments. The difference is that people who prioritize happiness develop the tools to process their emotions, reframe their thoughts, and keep moving forward. Instead of waiting for happiness to arrive, they create it by managing their mindset and focusing on what brings them joy.
How has your multicultural
Nathalie Botros: Growing up in different cultures gave me a unique perspective on happiness and self-acceptance. In the United States, success is the main focus. More is always better, and perfection is the goal. People chase achievements, believing that once they have more money, a better job, or the perfect body, they will finally be happy. There is little time to slow down and enjoy the present. Even at work, people eat lunch at their desks instead of taking a real break. But this constant chase does not lead to happiness. It often creates stress, dissatisfaction, and the feeling that no matter how much you achieve, it is never enough.
In Europe, the mindset is different. Life is meant to be enjoyed. People take breaks, savor their meals, and celebrate their bodies instead of trying to fit a certain mold. A lunch break is actually a break. Time off is not seen as laziness but as a necessity. There is no rigid equation that says success equals happiness or being skinny equals confidence. Happiness comes from balance, pleasure, and appreciating life in the moment.
In the Middle East, happiness is deeply rooted in community and connection. Sharing a meal with loved ones is one of the greatest joys. Family and friendships are at the center of life, and there is a strong sense of belonging. It is not about what you have but who you have around you. Gathering around a table, telling stories, and laughing together brings a level of happiness that no achievement or material possession can replace.
These cultural differences shaped my philosophy and led to the Bon-Vivant way of living. A Bon-Vivant is someone who takes pleasure in life, enjoys the moment, and finds happiness in both the big and small things. It is about shifting away from the endless chase for more and learning to savor what you already have. True happiness comes from living, not just achieving.
What habits or routines do you personally follow to maintain your own happiness while leading your company?
Nathalie Botros: Every morning when I wake up, I find something that excites me about the day. It does not have to be something big. It could be a conversation I am looking forward to, a project I enjoy working on, or even a good meal I plan to have. This small habit shifts my focus and starts my day with a positive mindset.
Another part of my morning routine is something I share with my partner. When he leaves for the office, I always tell him, “Today is going to be a good day.” It sets a positive tone, not just for me but for both of us. The funny thing is, if I ever forget to say it, he reminds me. It has become our way of starting the day on the right note.
Moving my body is essential for my happiness. Whether I walk on the beach, through a park, or along the busy streets of New York, or whether I choose a workout, I make sure to get my body moving and release my endorphins. Physical activity is not just about fitness. It clears my mind and boosts my energy.
On days when I am busy and do not have time for a full workout, I set an alarm every hour to get up and walk around for at least a minute. That small break helps refresh my mind and keeps me from feeling drained. It is my way of making movement and intentional breaks a priority, even on the busiest days.
If you had to give one piec
Nathalie Botros: Stop waiting for the perfect moment. The longer you wait, the more stuck you will feel. Happiness does not magically appear when life is perfect. It shows up when you start making small changes, even when things are not ideal.
Ask yourself, “What is one thing I can do today to bring myself joy?” It does not have to be something big. It could be calling a friend, taking a walk, listening to your favorite song, or simply stepping outside for fresh air. The important part is to take action. That small step can break the cycle of feeling stuck and remind you that happiness is something you create, not something you wait for.
Happiness is not about doing more or achieving more. It is about being present in what you are already doing. The simple moments, when fully embraced, can bring more joy than any big milestone ever could. Start where you are, take one small step, and happiness will follow.
You’ve been recognized with
Nathalie Botros: I am expanding The Happiness Cocktail beyond the book. My goal is to reach more people through speaking engagements, workshops, and digital resources so that happiness becomes accessible to everyone.
I am also launching a new VIP coaching program, a three-month program designed to help individuals break free from stress and self-doubt, reclaim their confidence, and create a life where success and happiness coexist. This program is for anyone who feels stuck, unfulfilled, or overwhelmed and is ready to take real steps toward lasting happiness and create their own Happiness Cocktail.
Another exciting project is my involvement in Pillars of Power, a documentary produced by The Los Angeles Tribune, set to be released at the end of 2025. The documentary explores five key pillars: Money, Relationships, Mental Wellness, Health, and Spirituality. Each pillar is essential to creating a fulfilled life. I am honored to be featured as a guest expert, focusing on the pillar of Relationships, where I share insights on self-love and how meaningful connections impact happiness, self-worth, and overall well-being.
There is always more to come. Happiness is a journey, and I am here to help people navigate it.
Brooke Young, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Cindy Witteman for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
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