CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE March Issue | Page 48

I work as a full time stylist (hair) for over 20 years and am the owner of Clean Eats Sweet Treats. A company that focuses on protein treats that are low sugar, low carb, moderate protein. Best job ever is “mom” (to my now grown up son). Also, I am always a student. I believe in education and bettering myself is important and currently participating in a business mentorship program. How did I get interested in competing? I have always been active in sports and physical activity. I was a competitive figure skater from 4-18 yrs old, martial arts (Taekwondo, and currently back to achieve my black belt) and running etc. I originally joined my current gym first attending boot camps to help improve my strength to prepare for a half marathon approximately 4 years ago. After completing that and then completing a Tough Mudder with my son that fall I was happy and surprised with my upper body strength and was looking for a new goal. It was brought to my attention that I should consider competing. I researched it and asked my coach if he believed it was attainable in the 7 months I had to the date I would compete. We starting preparations in fall to help me achieve my goal for spring of 2016. Someone believing in me helped reinforce my confidence and gave me the courage to try. I have competed in 8 shows total (9 if you include the absolute Touch Toronto pro show model search on my 40th birthday), 4 in 2016, 2 in 2017 (+model search) and 3 in 2018. I plan on doing 2 pro qualifiers in 2019. One of the things I love about competing is that it encompasses so many things that I have been passionate about throughout my life. between the hard work, the grit of putting the work in and the goal setting. It can be a sport that’s very individual but have the support of a team. The stage (as much as I’m a tomboy at heart), I do love the glam the day of show day. Where my modeling experience and my major in performing arts (theater) and a minor in dance comes in handy. I love feeling strong and capable and sculpting my body that formally had zero curves. Also, I find within all the sports I’ve participated this one has the most sense of camaraderie. I was awarded the spotlight award at the Sudbury Northern Rock Naturals in the fall of 2018. This show is near and dear to my heart as I was the overall winner in both open age and masters in 2016. That was their first natural event in Sudbury. I also won the overall in 2018. I am very grateful. How I would hope to inspire others in the fitness industry is to simply believe you can, work towards it and achieve your goals wether fitness or anything else personal, business relationships etc. We can always make excuses such as age, time, “that’s them, not me,” as to why we don’t fulfill our version of a great life. Goals,