MOTHER’S DAY COVER W/ DMV NATIVE SHERRELL DUNCAN

Founder of The Good Thick and co-host of the popular Friends Who Smash Podcast – why she can recall one particular conversation from her childhood with pinpoint accuracy. The Washington, D.C.-born, Riverdale, MD-raised entrepreneur was 9-years-old at the time, having a conversation with a family member.

In many ways Sherrell’s family member, a functioning heroin addict, had become an example of what not do in life. In this particular conversation, however, her relative’s advice was spot on, and it would change the direction of her life.

“She was like, ‘I’m going to tell you like this. When you grow up, don’t be scared of nothing or nobody, and you tell your story the way you want to tell your story. That way no one can take it from you,’” Sherrell recalled. “I was 9-years-old. I’ll never, ever forget her telling me that.”

To this day, that conversation has stuck with her.

And whether Sherrell has created a successful fitness brand, relationships podcast or poplar speaking series, that platform has always been built on transparency and authenticity.

THE GOOD THICK

Around 2013, life hit rock bottom for Sherrell. She had post-partum depression and was in an unhealthy relationship. She turned to food and alcohol – and lots of both – to cope with the pain and depression.