VIP Spotlight: Joanna

Each month we ask one of our incredible clients to share about their lives. How Okon has transformed their mindset, bodies, and view on life. This is April's VIP Spotlight.

Who is Joanna?

Who was I? disturbed. broken. lost soul. numb. dead.

Who Am I now? QUEEN. Fierce. Wild spirit. Soft heart of gold. Sweet soul. Focused. Affectionate. Bold. Passionate. Selfless. Determined. Mended. HEALED. Alive. I am who I was intended to be because I did not stop.

What made you want to start your fitness journey?

I got to a point in my life where I was considering a choice between life and death constantly. It was a very disturbing period in my life. When death started to outweigh the choice of life, I decided to give one last chance to see if I could figure out a way to cope and so I decided to turn to fitness.

What have been the biggest obstacles getting started?

The biggest obstacles I have endured during this process is accepting the positive change happening to me and my mindset and having them exposed during this journey, instead of being engulfed by negativity. Allowing it to manifest its beauty, and coming to terms that the person I was before this journey began, was NOT who I truly am. Who I was before, was very toxic to my soul.

Why did you choose to work with Angie Marie as your prep coach?

I had hit rock bottom and almost to a point of no return. I found Angie and read her story and related to her so much, I was instantly drawn to her.  She woke up a spirit inside me that had been asleep for a long time and I entrusted her with every last thing I had left in me, which at that point wasn't much. She looked at me like I mattered, she cared, she got to know who I was and how I was wired. She helped me crawl out of the dark pit and see light. I knew if anyone could help/save me, it would be her. She was my last shot..she succeeded in all ways. I am still here today. God sent me Angie.

Being weeks post show, what did you learn about doing competition prep?

Shit is hard haha. You think of the physical more than the mental when you think of doing a body building show. Man, mental is literally 90% of the game.

I also learned, every single woman on that stage literally has a story, and that they walk out on that stage exposing it to everyone that will listen and see. We all want to be heard, we all want someone to listen. Being out there on that stage and exposing your blood, sweat, tears, anxiety, nerves, basically exposing everything you are and have to offer and being 100% confident is a blessing amongst itself. Its like saying hey! this is me. this is who I am, what I have become, and I am more than ok with this. Look at me now! Everyone out in the crowd is interested in knowing who you are and listening. The experience is phenomenal.

What were some of the struggles you have dealt with?

Believing what I cannot see. I still have this issue but I have full faith that if Angie says it, then its factual haha she is very direct and honest.

Have those around you been supportive?

No one was really supportive in the beginning. Everyone thought I was crazy and was all concerned. I literally did not even tell anyone I was going out of town to my show until I was about to board the plane. I didn't want to hear the negative energy. They all think it's great now.

Do you have any mottos or sayings that you live by everyday?

You must change what you are sowing, to change what you are reaping

I don't care who I lose anymore, as long as I don't lose myself again. Im good!

What is some advice you have for someone who is just getting started?

Don't stop. We all have battles that we have to deal with, but if you stop, how will you ever overcome it. Life is a bumpy ride and has lots of U turns, curves, obstacles, along with emotions that come with it. Just don't stop. Progression is progression no matter how small.

What are your plans moving forward?

My plans moving forward is to only get stronger and continue to build the foundation in all aspects that team Okon and I have began. Great things to come. I can only go up from here. Excited to see where I end up.

What was your favorite part of the process?

Watching my body and mind break down and rebuild into something so much more powerful and loving.

Will you compete again?

I am definitely going to compete again. I absolutely loved it.The adrenaline rush, the hard work, the battle, the relief, and the goal setting and accomplishing. I have found another piece to my puzzle that was missing.

Things you missed most during prep (food, workout etc.)

Honestly, I didn't miss anything. I didn't miss who I was as a person. I didn't miss eating horrible and having bad stomach aches two to three times a week. I didn't miss looking in the mirror and feeling poorly about myself. Prep was fun to experience for me. I love challenges and I took on the challenge!

Favorite post show cheat meal

Brownies and cheesecake!