Confessions of a Bikini Pro

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

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Olesya Sun, a former Ultra Music Festival dancer turned personal trainer, posing coach, and psychological and spiritual wellbeing coach. Olesya began competing in 2014, took her first shot at nationals in 2017, and after becoming a mom in 2020, she made a powerful return to the stage by earning her Pro card at NPC Universe in 2024 as a Masters athlete. We dive into her journey of competing postpartum, how her background in dance helped shape her stage presence, and why she believes in finishing what you start. Olesya shares the lessons she's learned in motherhood, competing, and coaching while highlighting the importance of mindset, energy management, and embracing the present moment. Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering conversation full of depth, honesty, and resilience.   TOPICS COVERED -Returning to the stage as a mom -Building confidence through posing -Overcoming postpartum struggles -Lessons from dancing & stage presence -Balancing energy, life, and competition -Mindset and personal growth through bodybuilding   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 OLESYA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_olesya_sun/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:58 bringing confidence to the stage 10:30 comparison back stage 15:58 competing as a mom 18:21 struggles postpartum and learning to adapt 26:50 taking time away from the stage 31:27 growing muscle over time 33:00 lessons from motherhood 37:11 managing her energy 42:55 doing extra on stage 49:45 staying present in the moment 56:01 goals as a Pro 58:06 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 Keria Orsatti, who earned her Pro card at 2024 NPC Universe after just three national shows. Keria began competing in 2021 and brings an athletic background in tennis, softball, and dance.   Keria shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder in high school and managing anxiety during prep, all while working full-time in public relations and marketing and coaching both prep and lifestyle clients. Her story is one of mental strength, faith, and learning how to optimize your time while living the bodybuilding lifestyle. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation about what it really takes to go Pro while staying grounded in your values.     TOPICS COVERED -Healing from an eating disorder -Managing anxiety through prep -Mental health and bodybuilding -Handling external pressures -Competing while working full-time -Using faith as a foundation -Living the lifestyle year-round   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 KERIA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keria_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:46 being a lifelong athlete 8:34 steps to her Pro card 14:51 overcoming doubt 19:00 what it took to go Pro 27:52 struggling with mental health 34:30 the roll of her faith in her life  42:27 feedback from Pro debut & future plans 50:14 navigating a corporate job with competing 53:14 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 Alyssa Frietchen, who earned her Pro card at 2024 Nationals after just over a year of competing. Currently in her offseason and planning for her Pro debut this fall, Alyssa shares how she quickly fell in love with bodybuilding and now hopes to inspire others to find their passion for the sport as well.   We dive into her mindset throughout her journey, from reverse dieting and post-show habits to embracing the learning process between shows. Alyssa opens up about building confidence on stage, developing a healthy relationship with food, and starting her own coaching business. This episode is full of heart, passion, and practical insight for anyone working toward their goals, on and off the stage.   TOPICS COVERED -Reverse dieting & post-show eating -Supporting other competitors -Learning and growing between shows -Enjoying the process & counting small wins -Building a healthy relationship with food -Creating impact through community -Balancing bodybuilding with education & business   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 ALYSSA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssafrietchen/ TikTok: @alyssafrietchen   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:34 delivering on feedback between shows 15:40 show day feels 23:00 developing a love for the sport 33:10 competing in your 20’s 40:33 post-show experiences 54:44 improving your relationship with food 61:58 creating community 69:30 degree in neuroscience 73:03 planning her Pro debut 83:40 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

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Kylee Solomon, a Tampa-based competitor originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Kylee started competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at 2023 USA’s—at just her third show ever!   We talk about her evolution in the sport, navigating life’s challenges, and what it’s taken for her to stay grounded and intentional on her journey. Kylee shares her experience with competing alongside her husband and brother, stepping into a new role as a posing coach, and learning to listen to her body and trust herself through the process.    Tune in now for a raw and honest conversation about mindset, growth, and trusting the process!   TOPICS COVERED -Embracing the evolution of your journey -Knowing when to take a step back -Accountability & self-coaching in the off-season -Mental recovery & body awareness post-show -Competing with family -Confidence after going Pro Growing muscle & honoring feedback -Setting goals as a new Pro   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 KYLEE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylee_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:15 deciding to compete 7:05 changing views on food 10:05 falling in love with the sport 14:45 competing is a privilege  16:06 confidence after going pro 19:42 life factors affecting competing 23:50 self-coaching in the off season 27:36 working on feedback 29:31 factors contributing to muscle growth 36:19 goals as a Pro 41:04 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 Brittany Schrempp, a mom, stepmom, wife, business owner, and former 3x All-American middle-distance runner from small-town Nebraska. She began competing in 2020 and earned her Pro card at the 2024 Nationals.   She and her husband, Cameron, run TUF, an online coaching business specializing in everything from functional health and weight loss to youth athletic performance. Outside of coaching, their family stays busy raising Black Angus cattle and miniature dachshunds—yes, really!   We dive into how Brittany balances her busy life as a mom, coach, and athlete, managing an autoimmune condition, finding identity outside of motherhood, and knowing when to pull back to prioritize health.   TOPICS COVERED -Mom & farm life in full swing -Running a business and coaching with her husband -Managing an autoimmune disorder as an athlete -Functional health practices in real life -Expediting for the Midwest NPC -Navigating mom guilt & explaining competing to kids -Finding your identity beyond the role of “mom”   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 BRITTANY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bschrempp_ifbbpro/ Website: www.tuftraining.com   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 5:52 strategies to balance a busy life 14:06 explaining competing to kids 16:29 dealing with mom guilt 26:30 balancing all of the things 35:48 simple fitness tips 39:20 dealing with an autoimmune disease  46:20 thoughts about Fit Model division 52:25 getting pushback in a small town 58:04 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’s episode is a replay of my interview with our current Ms. Bikini International, IFBB Pro Vania Auguste. This episode first aired on December 31, 2021. Listen in today to hear Vania’s journey from when she first started competing in 2015 to where she is today.    TOPICS COVERED -nailing your stage presence -being a posting coach -routine strategies for prep -the Olympia experience -qualifying for the Olympia -working as a teacher -choosing the right division   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 VANIA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_fitvanou1/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:52 stage presence and posing tips 12:16 mistakes competitors make on show day 14:49 working as a posing coach and teacher 22:22 working through low energy days  25:20 becoming an auntie 26:34 the bodybuilding journey 30:58 journey to the Olympia 41:00 working on feedback 49:47 switching up prep methods 56:00 getting bodywork 59:17 managing health during a long season 62:10 having a supportive coach 70:20 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 sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Kirsty Bentley, a coach and former WBFF Pro who began her competitive journey in 2016. After transitioning to the NPC and IFBB, she earned her Pro card by placing first at the 2024 British Championships. Kirsty is also a proud mom to her daughter, Evelyn, and her angel baby, Esme, who tragically passed away at just one day old. Her incredible resilience on and off the stage fuels her mission to help other women feel confident and strong. We dive into her experience competing as a mom, the challenges of prepping with a newborn, and how she uses fitness to cultivate both physical and mental strength. Kirsty shares her powerful story of overcoming trauma, embracing gratitude, and inspiring others through her journey.   TOPICS COVERED -Having twins -Prepping with a newborn & balancing motherhood -Working as a coach & empowering women -Navigating a traumatic birth & finding resilience -The power of a strong mind and strong body -Practicing gratitude through life’s challenges   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 KIRSTY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsty_teamfitgirl/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:19 can you pump up too much? 10:40 losing one of her twins at one day old 17:19 prioritizing health postpartum 23:59 having a newborn and being in prep 36:30 overcoming self-doubt 40:00 winning her Pro card 51:29 being a WBFF Pro versus IFBB Pro 55:27 goals for the future 59:44 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 sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Maria Giesey, a Coach with Pro Physique and Account Coordinator for a healthcare recruiting company. Maria started competing in 2019 and after 15 shows, she earned her Pro card at the 2023 NPC Universe. She recently married her partner of 10 years, and together they share their home with their fluffy cat, Kibby. We dive into the challenges of missing her Pro card multiple times, overcoming self-doubt, and the mindset shifts that kept her going. Maria shares how she uses yoga and meditation to combat anxiety, prioritizes gut health, and stays passionate about the sport while helping others through coaching.   TOPICS COVERED -Pushing through Pro card setbacks & staying resilient -Using yoga & meditation to manage anxiety -Struggles with self-confidence & building self-worth -Improving gut health & prioritizing overall wellness -Enjoying the process & falling in love with the journey -Balancing perfectionism with self-belief -Pursuing your passion in and out of bodybuilding   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 MARIA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:03 experiencing nerves for the stage 5:49 lessons from Pro card misses 14:23 changes to support her mindset 19:08 working towards feedback and health 27:17 building the habit of meditation 33:07 how her journey informs her coaching 38:11 being a perfectionist 42:57 gaining self-belief 49:14 meeting her husband 57:35 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

In today’s episode, I welcome back IFBB Bikini Pro Shayla Hubbard, a Certified Nutritionist, mom of two (soon to be three in March 2025), and former competitor who first appeared on the podcast in 2020. Since stepping away from bodybuilding, Shayla has shifted her focus to promoting fitness and nutrition for kids through her family’s YouTube channel, making health fun and accessible for the next generation!   We dive into life after bodybuilding, the impact of competing on parenting, struggles with postpartum depression, and how she’s navigating motherhood while still applying the lessons she learned from competing.   TOPICS COVERED -Retiring from competing & embracing a new chapter -Making fitness fun for kids & getting parents involved -How bodybuilding shaped her parenting approach -Overcoming postpartum depression & mental health struggles -Prioritizing motherhood while staying passionate about health   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 SHAYLA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayhubfit Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kidhubfit KidHubFit IG: https://www.instagram.com/kidhubfit KidHubFit TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@kidhubfit   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 6:10 how her perspective has changed on competing 14:01 holding to your values and morals 20:57 being mindful about your choices 24:09 pregnancy & struggling with postpartum depression 27:34 choosing extremes 34:23 applying lessons from competing 44:30 prioritizing motherhood 46:40 dealing with depression 58:23 promoting health for children 65:32 fitness for every child 68:01 getting parents on board 77:19 natural birth experiences 86:44 final thoughts       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