Ever scrolled through TikTok and seen a woman with a piercing gaze telling you to stop settling for "dusty" behavior? That’s probably Lize Dzjabrailova, though the internet knows her better as The Wizard Liz. She’s built a digital empire on "tough love" and manifestation, but for a long time, she was a bit of a ghost regarding her personal history. People assume she’s American. Or British. Or maybe from a family of billionaires.
Actually, the truth is way more complex.
Where is The Wizard Liz from exactly?
The short answer: Antwerp, Belgium.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. While she was raised in the diamond capital of Europe, her roots stretch back to Chechnya. This distinction matters because it explains so much of her worldview. If you’ve ever wondered why she has that distinct, hard-to-place accent, it’s because she’s a polyglot who speaks French, Dutch, and English. She’s a product of the Chechen diaspora, part of a family that migrated to Belgium to escape the brutal wars and instability in their homeland.
She wasn't born into the luxury you see in her videos now. Far from it.
The migration story
Liz has been candid about her early years being marked by trauma rather than tiaras. Moving from Chechnya to Belgium wasn't a casual relocation; it was a survival move. Growing up in Antwerp, she dealt with a "violent atmosphere" at home. She’s spoken openly on podcasts about witnessing her mother being abused and experiencing physical abuse herself at the hands of her father.
It’s heavy stuff.
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When her father finally left, Liz didn't just feel sad. She felt a weird sense of relief. But the trauma didn't just vanish; it morphed. She struggled with severe eating disorders—specifically bulimia and anorexia—which she’s since described as a form of self-abuse. She felt responsible for her family’s financial and emotional survival. Basically, she grew up way too fast.
That "Wizard" Nickname
You might think the name is some deep occult reference. Nope. It’s actually kind of a random story. Before the millions of followers and the Dubai lifestyle, Liz worked as a server in a restaurant.
One day, a customer complimented her "aura" or her energy. Liz, being her typical witty self, joked that she was a wizard. The name stuck. It eventually became the handle for one of the most influential self-help brands for Gen Z women.
- Real Name: Lize Dzjabrailova
- Birthday: January 1, 1999
- Current Base: Dubai, UAE (though she travels constantly)
- Heritage: Chechen
The 2025-2026 Controversy: Real Life vs. Affirmations
Lately, the conversation around "where is The Wizard Liz from" has shifted from her geography to her credibility. In mid-2025, her personal life exploded across social media. Liz was engaged to Landon Nickerson and was four months pregnant when news broke that he had allegedly been cheating on her.
The internet went into a frenzy.
Critics were harsh. They asked: "How can she give dating advice if this happened to her?" It was a brutal moment of reality hitting a brand built on being "untouchable." Liz didn't hide, though. She called off the engagement publicly, reinforcing her message that choosing yourself is better than staying in a lie, even when the stakes—like a pregnancy—are incredibly high.
Why she’s still relevant
People are obsessed with her because she doesn't do the "gentle parenting" version of motivation. She tells you you’re being lazy. She tells you your friends are toxic. She tells you to get your money right.
She's often called the "female Andrew Tate," which is a comparison she probably hates, but it captures the sheer intensity of her delivery. She’s shifted from being a Belgian girl struggling with an eating disorder to a global mogul living in Dubai, and that "glow up" is exactly what her audience is buying.
Honestly, her background in Antwerp is the "why" behind the "what." You don't become that obsessed with self-protection and financial independence unless you’ve seen what happens when you have neither.
What you can actually do with this
If you're following Liz for the "vibes" but feeling stuck, here’s how to actually apply the "Wizard" mindset without the fluff:
- Audit your circle. Liz talks constantly about outgrowing people. If your friends make you feel small or keep you in old habits, it’s time to distance yourself.
- Fix your "Inner Monologue." She emphasizes that the way you speak to yourself determines your reality. If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it to yourself.
- Financial Literacy. She’s big on women having their own money. Don't just watch the videos; look into high-yield savings or side hustles.
- Take Responsibility. The biggest takeaway from her Belgian upbringing is that she stopped blaming her past for her present. You can't control what happened in your childhood, but you’re in charge of your 20s.
Liz’s story from a Chechen refugee in Belgium to a Dubai-based influencer is proof that where you’re from doesn't have to dictate where you're going. It's about the "wizardry" of changing your own mind.