GILLIAN HUGHES; 19 Year Road To Pro, Winning Self-Worth, Blending Families, Bikini After Babies

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Allegra Brown, a sister, daughter, wife and a dog mama. She started competing in bikini in 2019 and has placed from the sea of 16 to 1st place at Nationals. She earned her Pro card at 2024 USAs. I love spending time with my family and my fur baby, hanging out on the lake and enjoying good vibes!   TOPICS COVERED -importance of feedback -being comfortable in the uncomfortable -reversing into shows -training with intensity and slowing things down -working on recovery -setting boundaries -finding the right coach and keeping open communication -mental health matters -finding the right coach   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 ALLEGRA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allegra_leigh_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:25 making her Pro debut right after turning Pro 9:25 goals after turning Pro 13:00 changing training intensity  19:05 approaching balance in improvement season 23:23 setting expectations 31:35 making the most out of show weekend 38:30 lessons learned on the road to Pro 47:00 finding the right coach 54:53 dealing with moments of doubt 65:00 finding your why 67:55 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Gillian Hughes, owner of Momshell Method Fitness who has been competing since 2005 and was one of the first athletes to compete nationally in the NPC when they introduced the bikini division in 2009. After a few short breaks to have her children and go thorough some life changes, she earned her Pro card at 2024 Master’s Nationals at the age of 43. She also has a podcast with her best friend and fellow Momshell coach Mandy called "Bikinis After Babies”.   TOPICS COVERED -feeling "worthy" of earning pro status -going through a divorce  -competing while pregnant  -mindset for Pro -Bikinis after Babies podcast -being a Masters athlete -finding balance in fitness   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 GILLIAN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianhughes_momshell/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:25 bodybuilding now versus 19 years ago 9:50 taking time off to have children 15:11 going through a divorce 21:22 lessons as a single mom 27:13 finding her self-worth 30:00 two weeks between shows 38:35 competing as a mom & masters athlete 43:35 common concerns from her clients 49:22 impact of bodybuilding on her kids 55:35 joining two families 60:32 what’s next 66:50 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Joanna Bolt, a lifelong athlete and full time registered nurse at UT Southwestern in Dallas working with a surgeon in the head & neck cancer clinic. Joanna began competing in 1992 but took many years off before she started competing in Figure in 2005. She won her Pro card in a natural federation in 2010 before taking another hiatus until 2023. She won her IFBB Pro card at 2024 Universe in the over 60 age group. She lives with her best friend, who also happens to be her sister, and has a supportive boyfriend, Scott, as well as a chihuahua mix who is a handful.   TOPICS COVERED -her history in fitness -changes in the past 30 years  -competing at 60 -working as a personal trainer -disordered eating -having a strong faith -community in bodybuilding -being a Masters competitor   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 JOANNA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannabolt_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 9:29 getting into body building in the 90’s 12:30 coming back after surgery 26:30 overcoming disordered eating 30:39 normalizing bodybuilding 33:36 changing views on fitness 41:05 taking long hiatuses from bodybuilding 45:29 a week in the life 48:15 relationship with her boyfriend 56:30 views on age and competing in Masters 64:10 focuses for the future 67:45 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Sharla Peterson who went from bikini division to women’s bodybuilding division by accident. A lifetime fitness guru from teaching aerobics at age 16 to Reebok National Aerobics championship at age 19. She has 5 kids from ages 27 to 12. At age 51, she decided to start competing in bikini and finally do what she always wanted to do but never had the courage or discipline. She placed first at Arnold Amateur and first at Wheelchair Nationals where I earned her pro card.   TOPICS COVERED -more women in the wheelchair division -finding her calm -explaining her accident -focusing on what you CAN do -asking for help -faith through recovery -gym safety -making progress over time -guest posing at the Olympia   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 SHARLA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_fit_chick_onwheelz/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 7:47 going through a spinal cord injury 19:30 after the accident 24:15 adjusting her environment  31:20 doing the best you can mentality 34:35 the roll of her faith 42:00 more women in wheelchair bodybuilding 43:20 paying attention to perimenopause & hormones 45:00 prioritizing gym safety 50:29 her relationship with her husband 53:25 dealing with low points 55:52 discovering wheelchair bodybuilding 66:38 feedback after Pro card 72:33 goals for the future 76:33 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Kayla Krauss, a dedicated health & fitness coach, and nutritionist with a passion for empowering individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals. She began competing in 2017 and won her Pro card at 2024 Universe. Her journey has been all about balancing mental, emotional, and physical health while pushing towards her goals.   TOPICS COVERED -having stage 3 endometriosis and adenomyosis -managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and CPTSD -therapy and coping skills -sharing her journey -proving you can do it -healthy relationships -understanding your health -perspective on feedback -coaching with Dumbbells N Donuts   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 KAYLA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justkayla_ifbbpro/ Website: https://www.dumbbellsndoughnuts.com TikTok: JustKayla_AL   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:30 healing herself on her road to Pro 20:15 changes in her experience as an athlete 25:58 sharing her journey on TikTok 27:58 her Why for continuing to compete 40:57 living with endometriosis and adenomyosis 49:30 support from her husband 60:00 understanding your health 67:50 representing herself as a Pro 75:18 her perspective as a coach  79:40 new project at Dumbbells N Donuts coaching 85:55 advice fro 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Navreet Josan, becoming India’s first IFBB Bikini Pro in 2018 at Sheru Classic IFBB pro qualifier series. She began competing in 2014 at a time when there were no bikini competitions in India. She became the first NPC Bikini athlete from India. Alongside her passion for fitness, she has 17 years of experience as a professional makeup artist, working with clients, Bollywood celebrities, athletes, and teaching makeup.    TOPICS COVERED -posing and makeup -overcoming nerves -expectations going Pro -journey versus outcome -building discipline -honesty with your coach -confidence in preparation -sharing your journey -makeup tips -breaking stereotypes   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 NAVREET: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilrocket/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:13 discovering bodybuilding 8:20 traveling overseas to compete 17:10 investing in your journey 20:00 expectations going Pro 27:01 developing confidence through bodybuilding 30:01 working with an Indian coach 37:07 delivering on feedback 40:57 setting goals in peace 42:50 becoming a posing coach 53:06 being a makeup artist 65:05 focus for the future 70:55 consider before competing 72:13 what her family thinks about competing 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro and Greek Pro Surfer, Alexandra Kolla. Her dream is to qualify for the 2028 surfing Olympics! She is also a professor in computer science and math at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She got her PhD at UC Berkeley in theoretical computer science. She was born and raised in Greece, but moved to California almost 20 years ago. She also enjoys riding powder in the mountains when she isn’t surfing, bodybuilding, or doing math.   TOPICS COVERED -balancing Pro surfing and bodybuilding -different coaching approaches -staying grounded -believing in yourself -how to be a good wife and friend during prep -lessons from failure -from college professor to surf bum -lack of family support -trying to fit in   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 ALEXANDRA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surf_snow_repeat/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:22 some of the negatives of bodybuilding 6:30 building resiliency  12:20 navigating two sports 18:45 setting priorities 26:30 from college professor to surf bum 32:09 getting on the Greek national surf team 38:50 future for bodybuilding 42:08 road to IFBB Pro 48:41 life with her husband 59:17 considering others’ perspectives 65:43 being yourself 66:50 what’s next 69:37 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Verushqa Andrade, a former competitive dancer who was born in India and lived there for 10 years before moving to the US. She won her Pro card at NPC Universe in 2023. She is also a medical student, a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force, a prep/ lifestyle as well as an NPC posing coach, and a personal trainer at Dean Caputo Powerhouse Gym in Ohio. She is also a cat mom :) Having just finished her first Pro season, Verushqa switched to Team Atlas and is working hard in her improvement season.    TOPICS COVERED -overcoming obstacles to Pro card win -unhealthy relationships  -going through a major car accident  -competing in her home country -overcoming imposter syndrome -everything can be a blessing -dealing with burnout -med school and prep -joining the Air Force -enduring loss   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 VERUSHQA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verushqa_ifbbpro/ Coaching ig: @jadoocoaching   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:58 gritty road to pro 14:00 imposter syndrome 16:54 recovery from a car accident 22:37 the drive to continue 26:14 leaving a bad relationship 36:37 realizing your own self-worth 43:28 focusing on mental health 52:00 going to medical school 57:50 being in the Air Force 63:00 managing a busy schedule 70:00 dealing with loss 80:25 go big or go home 96:35 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Jennifer Lau, a mother, navy veteran, business owner, stylist, and accountability coach. She started competing in 2022 and won her Pro card in 2023. She recently placed third at her masters pro debut at the Charlotte pro and top 10 masters at Wasatch Warriors. Jennifer talks about finding bodybuilding later in life and what it means to her to compete as a mom.    TOPICS COVERED -life before competing  -eating habits -finding a coach that believes in you  -community can change your life -necessary discipline -growing up in a conservative household -having support -increasing your accountability -being a business owner -show day hair   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 JENNIFER: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlau.pro/ Website: jenniferlaupro.com   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:34 overcoming stage fright 10:00 life before competing 15:52 competing after motherhood 20:32 navigating her transformation 25:20 getting a meal prep sponsorship 28:40 day in the life 31:44 working as an accountability coach 34:44 lessons from the Navy 41:46 winning her Pro card quickly 50:15 show day hair 59:35 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

Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Beckyn Mickelson who started competing in 2020. After her first show she knew she wanted to earn her Pro card but did NOT understand just how much work it would take. She won her Pro card at 2024 Junior Nationals. Competing brought out the drive she needed to not only achieve the Pro Card goal, but absolutely transformed her life. Through this journey, she found herself. It showed her how strong she was which helped her leave a miserable marriage, start her own coaching business, and now she help’s other women reclaim THEIR confidence. She live in Minnesota with her cat Richard; she loves to laugh and drink champagne.   TOPICS COVERED -how competing affected health and fitness -how I healed my relationship with food -starting her business and how it's grown -the importance of an offseason -embracing the hard  -getting in the driver's seat of your own life -keeping promise to yourself -going through a divorce  -passion through coaching -prep versus improvement season   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 BECKYN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyn_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 8:00 feedback at national shows 12:01 taking a serious improvement season 18:13 healing her food relationship 22:45 supporting women in growth 25:30 pushing yourself in training 31:02 going through a divorce 45:11 gaining confidence 51:55 lessons through competing 56:44 developing passion as a coach 68:50 plans for improvement season 80:19 selling yourself short 85:40 improving posing 90:23 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