We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel DesRochers. Check out our conversation below.
Rachel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When was the last time you felt true joy?
This week I felt I went to my own event as a guest. I showed up late, I snuck out, I heard women connecting. I got to be there in it, in a room full of women. I’m so happy and proud of the community we are building and of my team who makes the load that much lighter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Rachel DesRochers, and I’m a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, and author driven by the foundations of gratitude and community. My diverse projects are unified under my umbrella, The Gratitude Collective, which houses initiatives like The Incubator Kitchen Collective – a shared-use commercial kitchen, the regional food show Good n’ Local, and my largest endeavor, Power to Pursue, a growing women’s empowerment movement. What makes my work special is this heart-centered approach to building businesses and communities; I share two decades of experience as a thought leader on healthy entrepreneurship and the power of gratitude, inspiring audiences worldwide with an authentic style. When I’m not focused on these ventures or consulting, I’m simply a grateful mom to three wonderful children.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was younger I was being bullied for being too big, too loud, too bold, too much. My father took me aside and told me that the reason why I was being bullied was because those children did not see the good in themselves. He taught me to love the magic inside of me and be grateful for my uniqueness. It really helped shape how I saw different obstacles that came up in my life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I was incredily close with my mother who I feel is love personified. She developed Alzheimer’s and watching her slowly deteriorate was devasting. The experience really taught me how grief can tear you down, but how graitude builds you back up.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I always say that I’m really good at hugs – everything else is a bonus. So you will see me hugging everyone ay every event. I don’t know how to be anyone but me and you see that in my keynotes, my style, my social media posts, my book, my events. Professional and personal is too melded together in my world for it not to be.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel very called to do what I am doing. I feel the work in every fiber of my being. I see it expanded, I have the team to make it happen. Empowering women, building community, normalizing normal things, and building from gratitude are things that are intrinsic to who I am as a person. So yes, I feel like I am doing what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegratitudecollective.org/
- Instagram: thegratitudecollective
- Linkedin: Rachel DesRochers
Image Credits
Teah Longland Photography
