I have always been an athlete. Since the age of five I have been playing some sort of organized activity Soccer, Gymnastics, Swimming, Karate and Basketball. It wasn't until I started college at UCLA that I really became a regular at the gym. Because I didn't have organized sports to fall back on I needed the gym to keep my body moving. Over the next four years I spent more time at the gym, I started doing more research about training programs, and started to look also at my nutrition. After college I spent some time traveling and then moved home for a short amount of time before moving to Portland, OR.

Throughout my life I have always struggled with body issues, going up and down in weight but never really being satisfied with my body. When I moved to Portland, I wanted to really try and make a change. After a couple of months of working on my own and only seeing small changes, I decided to try and get some outside help. From some friends back home I knew of a fitness and nutrition coach in the area. I decided to give a 12 week nutrition program a try. It just seemed like I was a little lost when it came to what and when to eat and someone who was an expert in this could really help.

I began a 12 week nutrition program with IFBB Pro Kristi Tauti in September 2012. Over the next 12 weeks I shed about 16lbs and 4% body fat. I was amazed at how the small changes made such a huge difference. Not only is Kristi a nutrition coach she also coaches Team IPhysique in bodybuilding competitions. Being around all the ladies during my check-ins really inspired me and I thought, hey, maybe I'll try that.

I competed in my first show, The Emerald Cup, in May 2013 and am now addicted to the world of competing. I now live in Nashville Tennessee and am a part of Team Insane Physiques and love every minute of training and competing.

There are so many reasons to love bodybuilding. As a woman I love the feeling of empowerment that it brings. I love lifting the heaviest weights possible and making heads turn. I may only be 5'2" but I am strong and I don't give up. Seeing the changes that you can make, without the help of others brings out a type of confidence that is only found within. Not only does bodybuilding provide confidence it provides incredible challenges that take great courage and persistence to overcome.