Phenomz Magazine September 2014 | Page 7

Amber is the veteran of the group, she's been in the Fitness Competition realm before it was even popular and all you knew of was Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her story inspires us because she has endured a lot to make it to where she is. She is always looking forward and remaining positive while working to achieve her goals. Amber makes sh*t happen

As most seasoned competitors know, you could probably write a book about each season. The ups, downs, mishaps and emotions.. every season seems to bring something new. But if this is my passion, its all I think about, this is my dream so I say bring it on. I am a 30 year-old women's Physique competitor from upstate NY. I started competing in 2004 in Figure class. I played a lot of sports growing up so I was always comfortable in a gym setting and around guys. I was no princess, I was and still am a tom-boy through and through. My childhood was no fairytale, quite the opposite. At 12 years old I was raising my 2 brothers after my parents sham of a marriage crumbled. When your priority is an infant and a 6 year old, everything else fades in the background. I gave up a lot, I grew up a lot but I also learned a lot. Falling in love with competing was the first thing that was truly mine, guess thats why my whole heart is in it. Its not a hobby, its my life. I am very fortunate to be an amateur athlete with sponsors who spoil me. My season is paid for, I have gym clothing and supplements, life is good. The next step is to get my pro card and I'm on a non-stop grind until I get there.