CICILY PHILLIPS; Finding Balance, Post-Show Struggles, On-Stage Let Downs, Pro Experiences

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Cicily Phillips, who was born and raised in South Carolina and now lives just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Cicily works full-time as a Project Manager. She started competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card in 2023 at North Americans. In 2025, she made her Pro debut at the Charlotte Pro and continues to compete in both the open and masters divisions. She’s 42 years old, recently got engaged, and is a proud dog mom to her sweet dachshund.   We dive into her journey into fitness, how she balances career, competition, and life, and her experience going Pro later in life. Cicily shares her strategies for managing a reverse diet, how she navigates the unique challenges of competing in both masters and open divisions, and the mindset that has helped her stay consistent over the years.   TOPICS COVERED -How she got into fitness and bodybuilding -Running a personal training business -Establishing balance between life and sport -Reverse dieting strategies -Masters versus open divisions -Going Pro and getting engaged   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ci_p/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:08 guided by faith 5:47 evolving her approach 11:08 new pressures going Pro 14:15 finding fitness and bodybuilding 19:55 dealing with post-show cravings 21:29 what winning her Pro card meant 25:17 masters versus open 32:51 making her Pro debut 38:28 working towards future goals 44:07 time management tips 46:27 working as a personal trainer 50:20 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Heather Brewer, a United States Naval Academy graduate, former Division 1 swimmer, and Major in the United States Marine Corps. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the oldest of eight siblings, Heather is also a wife to a Marine officer and a mother of two. She began competing seriously in 2019 and earned her Pro card at the 2024 Masters USA, where she took the Overall title.   Heather opens up about balancing life as a wife, mom, athlete, and active-duty Marine. We dive into her long journey with bulimia, the physical and emotional toll of eating disorders, and how bodybuilding helped her rebuild a healthier relationship with food. She shares her experiences transitioning from prep to improvement season, blending her many roles, and co-owning a coaching business with her husband.   TOPICS COVERED -Her journey as a wife, mother, Marine, and athlete -Battling and healing from bulimia -The impact of eating disorders on the body and mind -Learning about macronutrients and nutrition -Navigating post-show blues -Running a coaching business with her husband -Preparing for her Pro debut   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ripped_mermaid/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:38 blending different identities into life 8:33 approach to parenting 11:25 avoiding eating disorders 18:15 being honest about your actions 24:23 admiring that you’re vulnerable  25:19 from prep to improvement season 34:40 planning out shows 41:25 planning her Pro debut 50:22 evolving your stage presentation  53:00 hitting military fitness standards 54:56 becoming a coach 59:15 prioritizing her marriage 63:47 advice for competitors    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Zoey St. John, a rising star and natural athlete who made her mark in the NPC before earning her Pro card. Zoey took the overall titles at the 2024 Natural Ohio and 2024 Northcoast Championships, and went on to win the Overall at the 2025 Pittsburgh to earn her spot in the IFBB. Zoey is a lifelong athlete with a background in volleyball, track, dance, cheer, and softball. Introduced to bodybuilding by her father, who competed in the 90s, she shares how the sport has shaped her physically, mentally, and emotionally. We dive into her experience with disordered eating, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and how working with a therapist helped her redefine her relationship with food, fitness, and self-worth. Zoey brings refreshing honesty about competing naturally, finding your identity beyond the stage, and giving yourself grace through every phase. TOPICS COVERED -Disordered eating habits and mental health -The importance of eating enough food -Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset -Prioritizing recovery and rest -Identity outside of bodybuilding -Competing naturally in the NPC and IFBB -Tools for self-awareness and grace   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH ZOEY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeystjohn_ifbbpro/ TikTok: @zoeystjohn   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:10 making gains early on 7:30 balancing the sport with friendships 9:58 working with a therapist 14:27 relationship with her parents 19:40 loving the sport 26:05 having supper going into Pittsburg 28:20 her road to Pro 34:11 tools to support mental health 37:55 being a natural competitor 43:10 plans for the future 46:20 adjusting post-show  54:50 advice for competitors    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Gemma Nanista, athlete manager for Raw Nutrition and posing coach. Gemma began competing in 2021 at just 19 years old. She won the overall at her first show, then took a three-year offseason before returning to win another overall at a national qualifier. She earned her Pro card at her first national show, USAs, in 2024.   We discuss the value of taking intentional health phases, handling pressure with a sports psychology mindset, and what it means to truly evolve in the sport. Gemma shares how she’s made meaningful connections backstage, what it’s like having her fiancé as her coach, and why she believes in always outworking your past self.   TOPICS COVERED -Taking health phases and long offseasons -Handling internal pressure through sports psychology -Making genuine connections backstage -Pushing your personal limits -Evolving mentally and physically as an athlete   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH GEMMA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmananista/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:40 from volleyball to bodybuilding 14:54 avoiding burnout 22:00 being a Type A athlete 23:25 interests outside of bodybuilding 26:33 embracing femininity 34:01 approaching training 40:13 changes to support muscle growth 44:40 body image and changing physique 50:23 reversing after shows 57:04 having her fiancé as her coach 67:51 what the future holds 75:24 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Mahsa Rogers, personal trainer and posing coach at Rep Republic. Mahsa began competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card and the Overall Bikini title at the 2024 NPC Nationals. With eight shows under her belt, she is currently preparing for her Pro debut. In our conversation, Mahsa shares the importance of being honest with yourself, how she’s grown through the sport, and what motivates her to keep showing up.   She also opens up about the loss of her husband and how that shaped her journey, mindset, and mission both on and off the stage.   TOPICS COVERED -Growing through the sport -Being honest about feedback, placings, and physique -Finding her “why” in bodybuilding -Competing and learning from past shows -Post-show mindset and reversing -Navigating grief and life transitions   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH MAHSA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahsa_rogersfit/ Gym: https://www.instagram.com/reprepublic_gym/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:30 bringing your own energy to stage 8:24 building someones confidence 16:12 having what it takes 18:48 growing in bodybuilding  26:55 taking action to improve 29:02 how training & nutrition have evolved 31:20 taking the sport seriously 39:40 transition from prep to post-season 43:40 committing to the off season 57:02 losing her husband 70:59 thriving through routine 75:08 having a support system  76:26 goals for the future 83:23 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Marissa Willmott, a proud mother, wife, and business owner of Empowered Athletics. Marissa began competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card at the 2019 Amateur Olympia. She made her Pro debut in 2020 at the Tahoe Pro, then took a break in 2021 to prioritize her mental health before returning to the stage in 2022. After another extended break, she came back in 2024 with a new coach and is now preparing for the 2025 season. Marissa is the head posing coach for Glam Girl and leads Empowered Athletics, where she helps women conquer their fear of food through macro-based coaching. Her mission is to empower women through fitness, mindset, and consistency.   TOPICS COVERED -Starting her fitness journey as a new single mom -Satisfying her competitive spirit -Knowing when to take a break -Having a growth mindset -Finding your identity -Consistency over motivation -Being a coach and posing mentor   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH MARISSA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissarenay_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:30 competing when you aren’t mentally in it 12:50 avoiding burnout 18:40 grief and the loss of a parent 25:25 finding fitness as healing 34:00 being a lifelong athlete 36:45 life after bodybuilding  44:53 consistency over motivation 47:33 having a blended family 52:30 being a young mom 60:22 empowering others 62:10 posing advice 69:16 staying mentally focused backstage 74:00 meeting the criteria 77:35 competing during covid 85:14 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Jasmine Vania, an entrepreneur, luxury travel expert, and single mom of two. Raised in a military family and married to a Marine for 10 years, Jasmine is a proud supporter of the armed forces. As she juggles motherhood, business, and competing, Jasmine shares how she stays grounded through discipline, determination, and a commitment to excellence.   We talk about the importance of mental health, having a strong support system, and prioritizing self-care alongside the hustle. Jasmine opens up about the challenges of traveling on prep, advocating for therapy, and the value of choosing the right coach. She also shares how tools like ChatGPT help her streamline meal planning and why she believes pushing your limits can unlock growth.   Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of real-life wisdom and motivation to pursue your goals with purpose.   TOPICS COVERED -Mental health is just as important as physical health,  -Pushing limits -Having a support system -Self-care is just as vital as the hustle -traveling while on prep -choosing the right coach -advocating for therapy   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbetty_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:33 what it means to be excellent 5:34 managing life and competing 12:29 a love for travel 15:34 incorporating a love for food with competing 18:43 using ChatGPT for meal planning 24:32 growing up as a military brat 26:10 finding bodybuilding 29:25 the road to Pro 34:28 confidence on stage 43:08 competing as a Pro 45:22 supporting her mental health 51:45 working on feedback 55:57 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Mariska Pretorius, who began competing in 2017 and earned her Pro card in 2019. Since then, she has competed all over the world in the Pro League. Based in South Africa, Mariska offers online training, nutrition, and posing services to clients around the globe.   We talk about the highs and lows of her journey, including managing illness, overcoming relationship challenges, and learning to grow through image struggles. Mariska shares her mindset as a competitor, the importance of a solid support system, and how finding the right coach has made all the difference. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-worth, and the drive to keep pushing forward.   TOPICS COVERED -Dealing with illness -Relationship challenges with bodybuilding -Image issues and personal growth -Choosing the right coach -Bodybuilding mindset -Having a support system   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH MARISKA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariskapretorius_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:30 finding bodybuilding 9:36 learning from improvement season 15:36 focusing on nutrition for growth 22:55 removing foods to change cravings 30:00 cooking during prep 32:05 the importance of routine 37:37 life outside of bodybuilding 43:47 leaving an unhealthy relationship  56:35 giving your all 62:22 competing internationally  65:55 choosing the right division 77:17 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Sarah Bornemiss, a 42-year-old mom of two, business owner, and former marathon runner who started bodybuilding at age 47 as a bucket list goal. She earned her Pro card at the 2023 Masters Nationals and now inspires others with her faith, resilience, and purpose. Sarah owns a business providing ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum and is passionate about helping others live healthier, more intentional lives.   We discuss her journey through hormone challenges, living with Hashimoto’s, navigating identity after going Pro, and balancing motherhood, career, and prep. Sarah shares how her faith has guided her through hard seasons and how she’s learned to lead by example for her kids and clients.   TOPICS COVERED -Hormone health and Hashimoto’s disease -Shifting from marathon running to bodybuilding -Faith through life’s challenges -Supporting children with learning disabilities -Identity and emotional growth after going Pro -Balancing prep, life, and motherhood -Creating sustainable lifestyle habits -Setting a positive example for your children   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH SARAH: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbornemiss_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:36 faith in God’s plan 10:36 identity after Pro card 14:44 habits for life success 19:58 showing up for yourself 25:38 “life mode” versus prep 32:05 developing a healthier lifestyle 34:19 from running to bodybuilding 40:32 taking time away from stage 45:19 learning from your children 54:30 being more open with emotions 57:46 supporting children with autism  72:34 Pro debut 76:40 advice for competitors    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE