A woman with a passion for powerlifting, Maria Rodriguez began selling custom t-shirts as a way to raise money to compete at the national level. The more she supplied, the more demand for her clothing grew, and Maria realized the profound mental and emotional impact wearing her designs was having on her clients. Focused on igniting and reinforcing intersectional feminism in the strength space, Maria is addressing the assumptions made around women in the strength realm and empowering people with her gender and body inclusive clothing one garment at a time. About Maria Rodriguez Maria is here to provide insight into her journey and how her business came to be, the struggles that go along with creating a business, as well as why she feels so passionately about amping up diversity representation in the fitness space. She is opening up about how powerlifting can change the way you show up in the world, why you should be celebrating your strength and your presence and is encouraging us to change the conversation around what is beautiful, strong and worthy. If you are tired of seeing the same people in the fitness space be represented and celebrated, are ready to challenge the status quo and get stronger both physically and mentally, this is the episode for you. Maria is here to give you the space to find solutions to make your dreams a reality and shake up the mold society has set in place for you. How does the clothing you wear when moving our body inspire you to be the best version of yourself? Let us know in the comments on the episode page.   On Today's Episode Viewing feminity and masculinity as energies rather than a bathroom stall label Strategies to show up strong regardless of your race, age, gender or ability The major role your mental health can play in your ability to power lift How to highlight women of color to help put them into positions of power Ways to create a more inclusive and diverse fitness world going forward   Quotes “Don’t let people or things tell you that you shouldn’t do something. If you like to do it, do it.” (11:09) “For some people, powerlifting is just working out, and for me, it is so much deeper.” (11:43) “I’m doing really unconventional work, period, because of who I am. And that is so important because it represents opportunity and change.” (16:50) “The clothing that we are going to sell is so much more than just a t-shirt. I want these people to wear this shirt with pride and I want them to feel capable.” (23:05) “Let’s move the framework to say this is an inclusive movement, that we celebrate all and we see each other for who we are truly.” (34:46) “I know that I can trust myself enough to figure it out.” (52:38)   Resources Mentioned In This Show  Womxn Strength Summit 2019 Website Fear Her Fight Athletics Website Follow Fear Her Fight on Facebook | Instagram Contact Maria at hello@fearherfight.com   Check out the full show notes here! Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!