March is Women's History Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate all the contributions women are making in our culture, history, and society. This year’s theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." And sis, we all have a story.

Our stories create our personal history. That history has the power to impact others around us, whether it’s a few or the masses. Someone needs the story that you have. So it’s important to speak about our experiences.

The obstacles and the blessings. 

The love and the heartbreak.

The times of celebration and the seasons of grief. 

The regret and the relief.

That’s why we’re doing a short series this month, titled “Everyday HERstory," the personal stories of a few women who have courageously sat down with me for vulnerable conversations about their journey. Women who have overcome so much and are transparent; discussing their healing processes while encouraging others along the way. They have turned their pain into purpose, letting their HERstory fuel their service to those around them.

The first guest is cosmetologist and fitness professional Rashouna Harris, owner of Champion Made Fitness. The sista is bad! She’s been beautifying women for over two decades and has been a bodybuilding figure competitor for fifteen years. But fitness is more than being a certain size or obtaining a particular look. For Rashouna, it’s a matter of wellness — mind, body and soul.

Rashouna reveals how fitness has contributed to her mental health and helps her as she navigates grief. Rashouna lost her late boyfriend/son's father in a senseless act of violence. She’s kept his own legacy of fitness at the helm but is candid about the struggle of losing someone you love. I appreciate her openness and ability to share from her place of heartbreak, while displaying perseverance. Rashouna also dives into overcoming a previous abusive marriage, dealing with her mother’s breast cancer and much more.

Sis, I’m gonna keep it real. I low-key needed some Kleenex.

This is a conversation that will tug at your heart strings but will inspire you to step out in faith to achieve your dreams. And of course, Rashouna gives helpful insight for those who want to make fitness a priority, debunking myths about women lifting weights, the problem with comparison and her latest endeavor to bring women together with KC Cuties.

As you lean in to hear Rashouna’s HERstory, remember to embrace and value your own.