As you all may know, last week I had the extreme pleasure of traveling to Columbus, Ohio for the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival. I had attended last year as an Amateur Bikini Competitor and was there this year as a Magnum Athlete representing my sponsor at the Expo and in multiple photoshoots. My experience this year proved to be equally exciting, but extremely DIFFERENT!
I'm excited to share some of the things I was lucky to experience and interpret the weekend for you through my eyes:
As a competitor or an athlete working an expo, especially the largest in the Nation, great makeup and hair that last through the long days is a must. It was a no brainer to book the fantastic Two Chicks And Some Lipstick: Lori Fabrizio and Valeria Nova. I had first worked with them at last years show and have booked them at every opportunity since. They are the ultimate in hair and makeup and I feel truly beautiful after I leave their room every time!
An added bonus to getting glammed by the rockstar duo is the celebrity citing’s you just might come across when you sit in these makeup chairs!
Case in point - Aleisha Hart was getting shoot ready when miss Meghan Amelia Wilson and I were getting glammed for our photoshoot. I was in awe and too nervous to ask for a photo. She then headed off to shoot with the great Paul Buceta for Oxygen.
Oxygen Cover models and Arnold Sports Festival Amateur Bikini competitors; Rita Catalino and Midori Rutlidge were staying in the room. It's great to see these girls and made me wish that I was stepping on stage this past weekend! They looked great and did awesome! Midori graces this months cover of Oxygen Magazine and won the Rockstar Bikini search this past weekend! Rita is the official trainer for The Tosca Reno and placed 5th this past weekend in her bikini division! Way to go girls!
Team Blessed Bodies joined the crew to get beautified for their photoshoots and expo appearances. They were also gracing the Oxygen booth with their beauty this past weekend!
Sound the trumpets....drumroll please....3 of the mornings I had the pleasure to share the hour with none other than, Miss Oxygen, Miss Eat Clean, Miss Flexing at 49…The Tosca Reno! Tosca Reno is the reason I am where I am today. When I was in a state of constantly thinking; I’ll never be tall enough, I’ll never be thin enough, I’ll never be beautiful, she spoke to me in health proving that health is happiness and happiness is beauty.
Tosca and I shared the 6am time slot. She entered the room with a bare face radiating a healthy glow and a beautiful smile introducing herself as Tosca and sharing hugs with Lori and Val. She is rocking an amazing body as well I might add! I got to hear future travel plans and what’s up next…seriously, she is a constant inspiration and motivation. I learnt a few beauty tricks from her too!
I am happy to announce that I kept composure even though I was bursting with little girl handstands inside and wanted to scream at the top of my lungs! I had the courage to ask for a photo this year and believe that I redeemed my image after the incident last year where all I could do was stare and blurt out, “you’re beautiful” like a creepy girl! :D
It's these moments that I get to experience. Nothing expected and everything appreciated. I try to learn and grow from every experience. So blessed to get to take these moments home with me. One year ago, I could not have imagined where I would be in one year and with continuing to work towards my healthiest life I look forward to so many more moments like this....The weekend was filled with exciting moments, surreal experiences and memories of a lifetime so stay tuned for Blog 2 in the Arnold Sports Festival Blog Series – Interpreted by Holly Barker!
Check out my complete album from the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival
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HollsBarks!
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