After dazzling judges and spectators with an absolutely stunning package at the 2013 NPC USA Championships, Jessica Graham walked away from the stage for the very first time as an IFBB Pro with one thing on her mind – improvement.
After an arduous offseason that saw her and coach Hany Rambod put together a strategic plan of action, Jessica came into the 2014 contest season not just merely looking to get her feet wet, but to carve out her own space alongside the sport’s elite athletes.
Now, after recently winning her pro debut at the 2014 IFBB Governor’s Cup Pro Figure, I think it’s safe to say that this emerging future star has garnered the attention of the entire Figure world. I recently had a chance to catch up with this red hot superstar-in-the-making, and you can catch all of the details right here, in this RxGirl exclusive interview.
Q.) Did you have an athletic background prior to beginning figure competition?
A.) Before competing I had a background in cheer and dance.
Q.) When 
did you discover the world of physique competition?
A.) I first started weight training when I was 18 years old. I wanted to build a muscular and shaped physique. I was introduced to the sport by a good friend, Troy Rose, who helped train me for my first competition.
Q.) What made you decide you wanted to step onstage for the first time?
A.) After being introduced to the sport, I knew right away I wanted to be on stage and get to my best potential.
Q.) What aspect of preparing for your first competition did you find most difficult?
A.) The most difficult part for me was following such a strict diet. This is still the hardest part of prep for me. It can really affect your mood as well!
Q.) Was becoming an IFBB pro always the goal once you focused your efforts on competing? Or did earning your pro card gradually become your focus?
A.) I knew after my first competition I wanted to become pro. I wanted to take this sport to the next level and see how far I could go. I hired Hany Rambod (the Pro Creator) and we have worked together ever since. Hany has had a huge part in my career and without him I wouldn't have made it this far.
Q.) In your opinion, what's the most important element to being successful onstage?
A.) The most important thing is to follow your program. If you have a coach, don't take other people’s advice. Listen to your coach and follow your program!
Q.) What was your first thought when you heard your name called and realized that you'd just won your pro card?
A.) I was speechless. Winning my pro card was a huge deal to me. This was something I had worked for, for several years. I turned pro at my first national show and couldn't have been happier!
Q.) You recently won your pro debut at the 2014 Governor's Cup. Did capturing a win at a highly competitive show in your pro debut help solidify your confidence that you have what it takes to stand next to some of the best figure competitors in the world?
A.) You never really know how it will go. Every girl on the stage works hard and wants to come in first just as badly as the next. For me it’s about focusing on my goals and what I need to do to come in better than I ever have each show. I work to improve my physique from competition to competition. For me there is no off season. I’m constantly trying to create a better physique. If you aren't constantly working, you will be left behind.
Q.) Looking ahead, what do you feel you have to do to take you
r physique to the next level and possibly be a legitimate threat to challenge for an Olympia crown?
A.) At this point it’s nit picking. I have a few areas I would like to bring up in certain places. It’s more changing the shape of my muscle rather than putting on mass.
Q.) If you could give one piece of advice to competitors that look to you for inspiration, what would it be?
A.) My advice to competitors is to work hard, push past the limits you think you have, stay hungry for improvement, but most importantly, stay humble.
“When inspiration touches talent, she gives birth to beauty.”
– Steven Pressfield
When an eighteen-year-old Jessica first started on her path I’m sure not even she could’ve foreseen how brightly her star would burn in such a short time. Now, as she continues to navigate her way through this adventure that we call the bodybuilding world with her eyes set on one day standing onstage in Las Vegas wearing the Olympia crown, she’s become the inspiration for athletes that will one day surpass their own wildest dreams as they take the stage and hope to follow in her footsteps.
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