I am a make-up artist, hair stylist and new mum. I love fitness and I love being involved in the bodybuilding community. I started my competition journey in October of 2010; I was just a girl who trained in the gym and lived a pretty normal life.
I remember going to watch my first show in May 2010 and being blown away by the awesome women I saw on stage. I realised how much dedication and determination went into what they were doing. It was love at first sight and I was hooked. I decided that day that I was going to compete that October.
My first time on stage was electric — it was an amazing experience and I placed third, which was a massive bonus. I was just happy getting up there but placing in my first comp was unbelievable.
I decided to compete again the next year in March at the FitX in Melbourne. I was blessed enough to be on stage next to one of my dearest friends, Nina Silic, and was able to meet my idol Erin Stern. It was one of the highlights of my life!
I then travelled back to Perth and competed at the O’Mara World Qualifier and I placed second again — yay! I was so happy and to top it off I qualified to represent the IFBB on the European stage in Serbia. Four weeks later, I got a little surprise and found out I was pregnant; shocked is an understatement. I was elated and confused at the same time, as I was preparing for Europe and then I was preparing for a baby.
Nine months later came my beautiful daughter Ruby Alice. From the moment I set eyes on her I knew that everything was meant to be and that God had sent Ruby to me for a reason. My little girl has taught me the true meaning of life and she has been the biggest challenge in my life so far. After her birth, competing and pursuing my dreams of dominating the stage took a back seat for 12 months.
I piled on 23 kg over my pregnancy, enjoying all the foods I could fit in. Training became a distant memory, as I couldn’t physically go to the gym; I either felt too sick or just lacked the energy. Not long after giving birth, I was diagnosed with post-natal depression. It’s terrible to go from being a bubbly and happy person to feeling horrible every moment of the day, but with the support of my husband and my wonderful family and friends I got through it.
It took me a few months to really start feeling like me again. I started to clean up my nutrition and training again, mostly walking with Ruby or using the crèche at the gym when I could.
It was hard at first but once I found the balance between being a mum and staying on top of my health and fitness, everything just flowed from there. Don’t get me wrong — it’s hard and I find new challenges arise daily, but the satisfaction I gain from overcoming many obstacles is better than any first place trophy.
In March 2013, after seeing Nina, one of my closest friends, win her pro card, I decided I was going to compete again. I wasn’t going to forget about my dreams and I would continue on my path again, but this time I would battle all the odds and compete again as a busy mother and business owner.
I got myself a coach and I stuck to my plan 100 per cent. I followed all the instructions and I couldn’t have been happier with my results. Getting back on stage was amazing; I felt incredible and was so happy with the package I delivered. I then placed third at the IFBB Australian Nationals in the Open Bikini division; this was a very proud moment in my competing journey. Just being on stage with so many other inspiring women was incredible and such an honour.
I have such an amazing network of friends and family who support me in everything I do. I can’t thank them enough for the inspiration they all give me to keep going and pursue my dreams. I will forever be grateful to them. I only wish to be someone who can inspire others to fulfil their destinies and take their dreams and turn them into reality.
If you have the drive and determination, then your opportunities are endless. We are all capable of doing great things and nothing should ever be unachievable for anyone.
Competition history
IFBB Figure Novice Perth October 2010 — 3rd Place
IFBB Australasians Figure Novice October 2010 — competed
Miss Ocean One Perth Calender search 2010 — 2nd Place
IFBB Bikini FitX Melbourne March 2011 — 2nd Place
IFBB Bikini O’Mara World Qualifier Perth March 2011 — 2nd place
IFBB Bikini O’Mara State Titles Perth October 2013 — 4th Place
IFBB Australasians Bikini Open Tall Sydney October 2013 — 3rd place