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12Q: You are 8x IFBB figure champion. What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved and compete in the sport of women%u2019s figure? Yes, I have been around for a very long time now, and that is honestly my best advice too. The figure division requires a good amount of muscle and muscle maturity, which takes time, effort and patience. I started out in this industry as a serious athlete (coming from a track and gymnastics background), so I did have a good foundation of muscle and work ethic! If someone were to start fresh without a foundation, it would take a while to build; which is okay and very fun if you learn about it and find a good support system at your local gym! If someone were to start out with a good foundation like I did, I would still say not to rush results and compromise, ruining your physique over the long haul. Slow and steady wins the race! And here I am %u2013 15 years of competing, and still going strong!Q: What%u2019s the biggest life lesson that you learned from your competition along the way?I have learned the art of both winning and losing. We see the wins, but the losses are what teach us the lessons. Every loss and humbling along my journey has shaped the person I have created today %u2013 I am a woman who believes in herself, and knows that nothing worth having should ever come easily!Q: Your husband is also CoFounders and Co-Owner of your online business; Cyberbodyshop. What is it like to work with your spouse? I have always loved working with my husband. His name is Matt Allen, and he has also been my coach since day one! Matt is the one who introduced me to Bodybuilding in 2008 when I was going through depression from pulling out of my track season due to a stress fracture in my foot. We learned early on that we work supremely together. We complement each other on every level!12 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 44