Category you compete in: Figure
Date of birth: July 18, 1986
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
Career: Trainer, Small Business Owner
Co
mpetition history:
2013 Team Universe, 1st Place Figure C, Pro card win
2013 Junior Nats, 3rd place Figure C
2013 Jr. USA, 1st place Figure C
2012 USA Championships, 6th place Figure C
2012 Team Universe, 6th place Figure C
2012 Junior Nationals, 4th place Figure C
2011 NPC Nationals, 5th place Figure C
2011 Dexter Jackson Classic, 1st place Figure C and Overall
2011 Jax Physique 1st place Figure C and Overall
Next competition: July 5, 2014 Wings Of Strength Chicago Pro
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
I use to teach 8th grade. I started the school year by having each student write down 3 goals and how they plan to reach them. What they wrote wasn't important. I then had each one to crumble up their paper as I held the trash can in front of them. "Can ya make it?" Most said "Ha! No! I can't shoot a basket to save my life!" Very few gave me the "uh duh" look and just shot the basket. Whether or not they made it wasn't important, but the confidence they had to just go for it was! Motivation is cool, but self-motivation is kick ass. Confidence is dope and is a true sign that a person knows what they want and is willing to take the steps to make it happen. I say 'motivation' and 'confidence' are just cool nouns until you believe in the power of 'self' and then you have self-motivation and self-confidence. Now we're talkin'.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Natural ability, in my opinion, can fall by the wayside without a little elbow grease. What the heck is 'natural ability' anyways? You're either able or you're not. If you're able you'll probably put hard work in to be better and if 
you weren't born with such 'awesomeness,' you'll have to put hard work in to get there. Either way you slice it, the combo work well together. I think we're all able...It's just a matter of how much hard work YOU want to put in to be badass and make it where you want to be!
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I talk to myself a lot. True story. I'm that person. "Come on biatch, one more rep...let's go, make it happen!" All in my outloud voice. The looks are great! I actually had a guy ask me last week, "Did you just call yourself a biatch?" "Yes sir I did!" I use my previous experiences as motivation. I'm pleased with each time I step on stage because of the accomplishments it takes to get there, but I always want a better version of myself. Self-motivation...it's what gets me through every cardio and workout sesh. Plus, a nifty stash of motivation speeches on YouTube ;) FAMILY...no explanation needed.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
It was tough to change careers from teaching to fitness, especially since I went to college for 5 years to get a Master's degree in something I enjoyed. I couldn't get past it in my head that I was ditching what I worked so hard for. I taught for years and loved the kids, but I knew it wasn't where I belonged. I took the leap and I believe my confidence is what made things blossom. I also think my confidence has helped me with stage presence. I've never gotten to see any vids of me up there, but I've been told by a few judges that my confidence shines through! Hope I'm not putting my foot in my mouth here. I aim to keep bringing that same level of self-confidence as I gear up for the stage...and even better, while I'm there struttin' my stuff! Eeeeek!
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
I'm kind of an odd one. I freaking love prep. It's not the diet. It's not the training. It's not the cardio (well sometimes, but I don't do much of that!) I'd be lying if I said it's a piece of cake (damn, cake!) Definitely have rough days...that's human nature. My biggest challenge for me personally is juggling some of my ailments. Without much detail...some days it's a mental mind f#%* for me because my body swells on occasion. One day I look bangin' and things are on point, but the next I look like I swallowed a bee and in some cases maybe a bowling ball or a small child (if you catch my drift). It's been a good few years of trying to get to the bottom of things and I think we're headed in the right direction. I'm working with skilled peeps to get things in order. Fingers crossed! It's a challenge, but I've always pushed through it and made it to the stage each time. I don't really look at it as something that holds me back, rather a little speed bump that is a stubborn SOB!
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
Patience
Knowledge
Perseverance
Kee
p an Open Mind
Remain Humble
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
Is this a trick question? I feel like I'm suppose to say Species! It's a tough one. I go back and forth between a couple--Protizyme PB cookie rocks in taste and I dig the True Nutrition stuff because I can create my own goodies on their site. That's dope!
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
I believe in the power of the mind so my two faves are:
"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."
And I can't forget...
"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
Shout out def goes to RX for this opportunity. Much love! A big thank you to my family and friends who keep me going on the regular!! Big big ups to Shelby Starnes, my coach, friend, and mentor. Check him out--and his Blue Collar Radio show here on RX! Saving the best for last, my better half Gary McClain...he helped me start my journey and has been by my side since! I can't ask for much more than that!
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