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Q: Growing up in a small town like Hollis, Oklahoma, what values or lessons did you carry with you into your career in health and wellness?A: Being from a small town means you grow up knowing pretty much everyone. You have a built-in family within the community that always looks out for you, even if you don%u2019t necessarily want it. You learn to really appreciate that sense of community. Sports are huge, and everyone knows and supports each other. I definitely learned a lot about teamwork, discipline, hard work, and dedication, all of which have carried over into my love for fitness and wellness.Q: How has being surrounded by family in Edmond shaped your journey as both a mom and a wellness professional?A: Having my family close to me has been incredibly impactful in my life. Without their help %u201cco-parenting,%u201d I honestly don%u2019t know how I would get it all done. My sister and I are both in the health and wellness field, and we work together a lot. My family is one of the most important parts of my life.Q: You mention that your father%u2019s stroke was a pivotal moment in your wellness journey. How did that experience influence your approach to health and fitness?A: My dad%u2019s stroke was such a shock and surprise. I learned early in life how quickly things can change and completely turn your life upside down. I became more interested in being healthy and fit to maintain a certain quality of life. I wanted to learn more about being truly healthy, not just %u201cin shape.%u201d I%u2019ve kept the mindset that I%u2019m lucky to be able to work out and use my strong, capable body. My dad lost that ability and would have given anything to get it back.Q: With over 34 years in the health and fitness industry, what do you think has been the key to your longevity and success?A: I believe the key is making health and fitness a lifestyle that you commit to every single day. Some days are more of a struggle, but just getting in a workout or walk helps clear the mind and relieve stress while keeping your body strong. It%u2019s truly a journey, not a destination.Q: You%u2019ve been featured on billboards from Times Square to Los Angeles. What has that experience meant for you, and how has it shaped your career?A: Seeing myself on a billboard is an overwhelming feeling. I%u2019m very honored and grateful for each one%u2014it%u2019s truly a dream come true every time. Sarah always brings out the best in me during our shoots! It%u2019s helped boost my confidence and grow my business.Q: As a single mom, what is the most rewarding part of raising Sophie, and how does she inspire you in your career?A: Sophie is my world! Her %u201cdad%u201d has chosen not to be involved in her life at all for the past five years. That means I%u2019m both mom and dad. It%u2019s a struggle at times, but it%u2019s worth every single hardship. She%u2019s grown into such an incredible young lady, and her teachers and coaches always praise her attitude and work ethic. She inspires me every day with her strength, beauty, responsibility, and respectfulness. She%u2019s the captain of her cheer team, and it%u2019s amazing to watch her come into her own as a leader. I%u2019m a very proud mama bear. I stay fit and healthy to keep up with her these days.Q: You%u2019re incredibly passionate about educating people on health and wellness. What advice do you have for someone just starting their fitness journey?A: If you%u2019re just getting started in your fitness journey, remember never to compare yourself to anyone else. It%u2019s your body, mind, heart, and soul, and no one else can take that from you. Hiring a professional to guide you with a fitness and nutrition plan is always helpful to get started on the right path.Q: Tell us about your first fitness competition. What inspired you to compete, and what did you gain from that experience?A: My first competition was when I was 22, right out of college. I cheered in college, which kept me in shape. I wanted a new challenge to stay healthy and fit, and I saw an article in Oxygen magazine about fitness competitions, so I decided to go for it. I gained a lot of discipline and realized I had much more to learn about nutrition! It was definitely a challenge, but I fell in love with it!Q: How did you transition from competitor to coach, and what inspired you to create Team Bling Sweat Heels?A: Becoming a coach happened completely by %u201caccident.%u201d After earning my pro card, many women reached out for guidance. They needed advice on stage presence, nutrition, and transforming their bodies. It just happened very organically and grew over time.Q: In your new role with Picturegroove Photography, what do you hope to achieve, and how does it feel to mentor new talent?A: I love finding new clients to shoot with PictureGroove. Everyone should experience the feeling of watching yourself transform into %u201csomeone else%u201d during a photo shoot. Sarah and her team always bring out the best in people. It%u2019s you, but on another level. You get to see yourself through others%u2019 eyes and feel so beautiful and special. Everyone should get to experience it!78 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 61