Nicki Minaj has encouraged women to treat themselves like a ''boss'' and not let other people walk over them.

The 'Starships' hitmaker believes all females should stand up for themselves and be confident in what they want from their lives and not let anyone walk over them.

Speaking in the new US edition of Elle magazine, Nicki said: ''My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. ''Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want - and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, 'OK, I can't play games with her. I have to do right by this woman.' That's what it's all about.''

The flamboyant singer follows her own advice in life and is working hard to build an ''empire'' for her family and future children to benefit from, using her ''legacy'' to give them the best education and opportunities.

Nicki, 30, explained: ''My goal in the beginning was to buy my mother a house. Now I realise, OK, if I really focus and become a key player in business, then I can build an empire. ''I'm thinking of a legacy that I can be proud of and wealth that my grandchildren can use to go to college. So world domination - in terms of providing for my family - is absolutely my goal.''

While she has big dreams, Nicki previously admitted she is a ''pessimist'' and always sees the negative side of things rather than focusing on the positive moments in life. She recently said: ''I happen to be a pessimist. I don't stop to smell the roses, which is not a good thing. I don't stop and enjoy those moments. I'm just on to the next. Always on to the next and never in the moment.''