Fitness Model International

Hey everyone,

I admit I didn't write a blog last week before I took off to Redondo Beach, CA for Fitness Model International. Things were crazy and I can be a procrastinator when I want to be and procrastination seemed to get the best of me last week. BUT I'm officially back home and I don't even know where to begin.

When I left for California at 4:30 a.m. last Wednesday I had no idea what to expect with this conference. I knew that there was going to be a lot of well known fitness professionals within the industry who would be speaking, but I didn't know what I was going to walk away with afterwards.

For all of us that attended, I have to say I think we were all blown away with the amount of information and tools that we were given. We were taught not only how to market ourselves as a brand, but also how to work in front of the camera with posing as well as how to speak on camera correctly. I don't want to give away too much, mainly because I think the guys that put the event together Gary Warren and Clark Bartram could not only explain, but teach you the tools better than I could. I have to say, I definitley got my moneys worth with this conference.

After getting back, I already have a potential opportunity that would help put my face out there and I'm looking forward to progressing. If you'd like more information about this event please check out http://www.fitnessmodelinternational.com/

The other thing I didn't expect walking away from this event is the "family" we created. I've been to events in the past where people aren't always that friendly and are very competitive. With FMI, the people were nothing like this. Everyone had simular goals and ambitions and it was amazing to see so many genuine people in one room. We all supported each other and encouraged one another. Now after the conference, we're all checking up on each other and are continuing the love and support. We've truly created an incredible family and I'm so proud and honored to be apart of this wonderful event.

On a quick side note, I'll be promoting and helping others that attended the event with their projects on here as well as my own so please stay tuned. We all have something different and unique to offer and I'm looking forward to sharing their projects with you.

One last thing I wanted to mention was I finally got to meet one of my two favorite role models in the fitness industry, Amber Elizabeth. She is with me in the photo above. She is truly an amazing person and really down to earth. I feel very lucky to have met her. I'm looking forward to continue watching her success and to hopefully follow in her footsteps.

Stay fit, happy, and healthy! :)

"The first wealth is health." ~ Emerson

Becoming Fit, Active and Healthy

I used to not worry about what I ate. I grew up always having a fast metabolism and still do. (Yes mom I know that will end once I have kids or hit 30 :D). However college hit and I didn't pay as close attention because I was used to being able to burn off what I ate without a problem, but with the late night studying, cram sessions, essays and a million exams to take, the gym was the last thing on my mind. My roommate and I tried to start working out at our university gym late at night, but we were both exhausted after studying, we wanted to do nothing but sleep.

It wasn't until the spring of '06 with my freshman year coming to a close that I chose to look back over all of the pictures we had taken over those LONG two semesters. I wasn't happy with how I looked. I didn't realize that I had gained the "freshman 15," as it's called. I started getting into modeling that summer and saw the end results after shoots. I was happy with my body and didn't think too much of it. I had worked out enough to gain back the figure I was used to and was comfortable with.

I competed in a swimwear competition in Mexico in the summer of 2007 and saw girls of all shapes and sizes competing. I admired the girls that had more full figured bodies and had extra meat on their bones. They were proud of their bodies and who they were and I thought it was awesome. Especially when they were competing against other girls that were extremely petite. I was amazed at their confidence levels, it was great to see.

In fall 2007 I started following the career of fitness model sensation Amber Elizabeth. I watched her have an amazing portfolio and receive the tools she needed, and sky rocket within a year. She's managed to snag the cover of Oxygen Magazine twice already! She gave me the inspiration I needed when I first started following her career to realize that I wanted to project that type of positive body image.

When I first started modeling, I started taking the "sexy" images most girls have. Pulling on their bikini's, showing more skin etc. I felt like my portfolio was blending in. So when I saw Amber Elizabeth and how wholesome and true to herself she was, I realized I could do the same.

Now I'm heading to Fitness Model International, the networking event of a lifetime in less than two weeks! I'm receiving the opportunity to network with the VERY same people that helped Amber Elizabeth make her career and I'm hoping to be able to come out of this conference with more knowledge and contacts than I know what to do with.

In the mean time I'm working out, trying to eat right, and staying healthy and happy. I'm looking at each day with as a new chance for success and looking forward to my upcoming opportunity!

"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone." - Reba McEntire

A New Beginning

I just started a new chapter in my life and I'm so excited to share my journey with everyone. From my family, to my friends and the public.

I just moved to Seattle and I'm loving city life. Although I miss home (I am and always will be a Montana girl), I'm glad that I chose to come here.

I've had some amazing opportunities presented to me. I just started working with Blue Shoes Media and LOVE IT! I've always found the entertainment industry to be interesting and have been intrigued by the glitz and glamour as well as the creative process.

I've personally been modeling since I was 19 and have worked to build a portfolio. Most of the photographers I have worked with are based in Seattle so it's great to already know some people. I decided last year that I wanted to focus more on creating a healthy body image and I became more involved in eating healthy and exercising more. I realized that fitness/sports modeling seemed to be a great fit for me. Coming from Montana, I'm used to being outdoors. From hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing (although I don't have much coordination) are just some of the things that I love to do.

SO my first big challenge and big event that I have coming up at the end of this month is attending FMI (Fitness Model International). It's a fitness conference down in Los Angeles and I'm looking forward to networking and meeting new people. I'm so excited for this upcoming opportunity.

For the first time I feel like I'm in the right place at the right time. I'm enjoying watching my dreams unfold and sharing them with the people that are closest to me.

My dreams are to become nationally recognized as a spokesmodel for Cerebral Palsy, since I myself has a mild case of the disability. As well as being a recognizeable fitness/fashion model and actress. I'd like to be a positive role model for kids and adults alike and strive to inspire others to persue their dreams as well. I'd also like to give back to organizations and charities that are close to my heart in a few years.

In the mean time, I'm continuing the on going job search and doing my best to stay positive, happy, and healthy. I've had several ups and downs since I've moved, but I keep saying to myself "what doesn't kill us, makes up stronger."

My goal is to keep everyone updated with a weekly blog, so keep your eyes open and come back for updates! Comments are always welcome. I'm also going to try and always close with a positive, uplifting, and inspiring quote of some kind. So my first quote is....

"If it ain't fun, don't do it." Jack Canfield - Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul books