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Exclusive InterviewQ: What prompted you to begin body-building in the first place? Were you always big on fitness?Growing up in bad neighborhoods and boarding schools, I had to create an intimidating look, I didn%u2019t want to get bullied or anything worse. So I got into martial arts when I was 6yo and as soon as young as 11yo I started using weights and never stopped. They say. After a while, it became part of your identity.I competed in martial arts and won the U.S. open in Taekwondo. I also won many bodybuilding shows like Mr Nevada, Mr Las Vegas, Mr Musclemania Universe.Q: How has becoming a bodybuilder affected your self-image and relationships?Developing my body is something that always motivates me. It%u2019s so satisfying to see myself improve as I gain more knowledge of how to adjust my body to have the best results.My knowledge of helping people to lose weight, be healthy or compete on stage was a big part of me. That%u2019s the one thing that pushes me to always stay in shape and be the example of a good mentor. I always say when you are a personal trainer or a model, you are the walking billboard of your product and always want to look the part.Relationships weren%u2019t easy, because there are always eyes on you. Lol, so you need to have someone special that has enough confidence to not let jealousy get in the way, and someone with thick skin to deal with the constant diets and mood changes when you diet for shows. But to be honest, I%u2019m easy to love. I%u2019m like a big teddy bear lol. I love to love and don%u2019t ask too much.32 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 44