Meet Michelle Rouche | Speaker, Champion for Women, Transformation Coach, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Rouche and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Mark Zuckerberg said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” I’ve never been afraid to take risks. I was the friend who always encouraged others to try what they didn’t believe was possible. Fear will always try to rob us of the rewards of our risks. We can’t lose sight of the positive side of risk taking. There are rewards! I’ve never been shy, soft spoken or timid. That sometimes doesn’t make people comfortable but that character trait is what fuels my risk taking. I’ve learned to always bet on me. My confidence comes from God. I know that I can’t lose when I put my faith and trust in His plan for my life. He’s an excellent project manager. I’ve learned to lean into His wisdom when taking risks.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a proud multi-business owner. I don’t use the word serial entrepreneur because when you hear the of the word serial it’s usually followed by the word “killer” LOL! I used to think that doing a lot was doing too much until I realized that I’m blessed with many gifts but they all work together. I believe how you do one thing is how you do everything. If by nature I’m a builder, encourager, coach and advocate those qualities will be the blueprint for everything I do. I equally love all the businesses I’ve created. I’m a passionate speaker. Being able to effectively deliver a message that causes people to shift and level up is an art. I do that well. It’s my most favorite gift. When I speak I warn people that I’m a speaker, preacher and coach so anyone or all of these personalities may show up. If someone were to ask me what my dream job is, it would be this. I expanded my expression of speaking through my magazine. She Is Magazine was created to share stories, build bridges and stages for women of color while highlighting her brand and brilliance. The magazine is available digitally however I’m happy to announce that the publication will be in PRINT in 2024! I recently began speaker training cohorts for people who want to amplify their message. This has been extremely therapeutic for me and the attendees. Watching them go from a few sentences to an entire message that commands an audience is so rewarding. Lastly, I’m an independent Realtor. Helping buyers achieve home ownership is an expression of my commitment to help people achieve their dreams and align with their purpose. When I’m walking in my God ordained assignment there’s nothing I can’t do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Get in the car girl we are heading to Augie’s Cafe for BRUNCH!! The fish and the grits! We thank the Lord. 10 outta 10! And…the angel biscuits because they taste like they came from heaven– go ahead and get 2. I played myself by just getting one. We can let the food digest as we walk around Atlanta Botanical Garden. I’ll make dinner reservations at C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar. The chargrilled oysters are BOMB! I would suggest ordering 2 because I’m not sharing. The aesthetics give Italian but its very much a seafood restaurant. Last stop is Jeni’s for the best Brown Butter Almond Brittle ice cream in the city. Put mine on a sugar cone with a scoop of darkest chocolate. We’ll be full and satisfied.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many wonderful people in my life who make me better. I will never cease to thank and honor my mother. She made motherhood look easy at 16. I deeply understand the amount of sacrifice it took to be teenager, a wife and a mother. Thank you again for being the mother that I needed. You are the REAL MVP. To my dad, thank you for passing on so many things without even knowing it. Your love for politics, current events, basketball and the gift of oratory are a part of who I am. Thank you for always letting me know that “everything was going to be alright”. I still believe that. I’m grateful for my sisters who continue to allow me just to be me. Being the eldest of three daughters comes with challenges and responsibilities. It’s hard being a big sister and the family General Manager. I’m grateful for the friendship of Theresa A. Roberts and the path that led me to her 13 years ago. Her book, “Why don’t people like me”? caused me to dig deep, uncover and heal places in me that I left unattended. To my daughter Brittany, thank you for being the balance and accountability I need. To my son Chris, you are and always will be my hype man. To my husband, Brian–we have tested the cliche, “until the wheels fall off”. Sometimes we were down like 4 flat tires but…

Website: https://www.michellerouche.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellerouche/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rouche-44b46021a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.rouche

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBUETTMiKh51Q6WM1Aq9cA

Image Credits
Bryan D. Greene Magazine Cover Design–Derin Lindsey