Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rouche.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Everyone has a story. I have come to embrace every part of my story. I couldn’t always say that. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to encourage people. I’m a CHEERLEADER for other people! I genuinely want to see people win. I’ve had to be a cheerleader for myself. It definitely wasn’t easy finding people to clap for me when I became a pregnant teenager. I didn’t allow a “situation” to negatively dictate my future. I just needed to find a way to WIN–with my baby! In all the “doing” I didn’t realize that I had a level of shame that always lurked in the shadows. I did an amazing job at taming the shame, nobody knew my private struggle. I had no idea that it would follow me until 2022–I finally confronted my shame. When I identified and released decades of shame, I could breathe at a different altitude. I was lighter. I was clearer. I was FREE. I feel it was necessary to share my backstory. You wouldn’t know what I’ve overcome by walking in on this chapter of my life. My story, my experience and my lessons made me who I am today. When I stand on stage to deliver keynote speeches, I stand in confidence. I speak out of my lived experiences. There is a quote I live by; “how you do a thing is how you do everything”. The level of success that I’ve experienced is because I consistently work on ME.
My desire for change and to see women live in their FULL POTENTIAL is the driving force for me to curate events, workshops and provide platforms to highlight the beauty and brilliance of women. It is why I created She Is Magazine. Oprah said, “The only difference between her and other people is that more people know her name.” I want people to know my name. Say my name; Michelle Rouche. I want people to say; “if God did it for Michelle Rouche, surely He can do it for me too.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is EVER a smooth road! Just being a Black woman comes with a level of struggle both internal and external. Being the OBW (only Black woman) in the room can’t be worn as a badge but an opportunity to swing the door open for other women of color. I remember being hired at a company that required me to call on retailers. It took several visits for my clients to finally reason with the fact that I was capable and that every time I showed up, I would be me (sometimes with different hair). Waiting for people to “catch up” to your dopeness is exhausting. Knowing that you won’t be regarded by some people should never stop you from shining. Winners WIN girl!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
There’s no simple answer to this question. I’m a speaker, a mentor, an entrepreneur, the founder of She Is International and She Is Magazine. I specialize in transforming and elevating women while encouraging them to live in their God-given purpose.
What are you known for?
I’m known for being a cheerleader for women. I want you to WIN!
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of overcoming teenage pregnancy, and being a present mom while growing into a young adult.
How do you think about luck?
I give luck (good/bad) zero credit. I believe everything that has happened in my life has been divinely ordained and a result of my choices. I am the sum of my choices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellerouche.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellerouche/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.rouche
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rouche-44b46021a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelle_rouche
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBUETTMiKh51Q6WM1Aq9cA
Image Credits
Sarah King/Creative Pro Malika Jade Photography
