My name is Laura Mae (she/her). I am a Strength and Nutrition Coach. I have been in recovery from addiction for 7 years. I have found strength and empowerment through powerlifting. I have competed on both the national and world level. Now, I’m dabbling with strongman and leaning how to pole dance.

I'm passionate about teaching others how to feel strong in their bodies and create a healthy relationship with food and nutrition.

Brandi (she/her) is an artist, certified personal trainer and advocate of the queer experience. She has her BFA in Sculpture from VCU and runs Body Arc and Crescent Collective. Body Arc is an art-driven, queer fitness space dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for physical and mental wellness for all bodies. Crescent Collective is a vibrant, queer event space intended to benefit and bring joy to the local queer, bipoc & underserved communities.

Outside of training and business affairs, you can catch Brandi sewing costumes, crafting props for Richmond Strong, covering walls with fur and neon lights, and often seen with paint staining her hands.

Maddie is fairly new to powerlifting but has jumped in feet first. She is a Marketing Director by day at a local craft brewery, and is in charge of all things Marketing for Richmond Strong. Finding a place where all different bodies and levels of talent and strength are celebrated has been transformative for her.

When not working or lifting, you can find her hanging out with her husband and dog, hiking, reading, or watching the same seasons of tv over and over again.