1) When did you start competing?
I entered my first competition in 2003, winning 7th place in the Bikini category at Ms Fitness SA.

2) What made you get into the fitness industry?
My story is probably not much different from that of a thousand other women. After turning 25 I noticed with dismay flab spreading around my midrift, thighs and hips.

Having until then been able to fit quite comfortable in my clothes and not feel heavy within my body. I felt uncomfortable, heavy and quite helpless to prevent what was happening to me. I tried a number of diets and I recall that I did loads of aerobics and I hardly touched weights.

Still, I couldn't lose the weight, no matter how hard I tried. After struggling for two years, I crossed paths with Bernadette Beyer.

I went to go meet Bern so that she could create a nutritional plan and training programme for me; to assist me reach my weight loss goal.

I was immediately impressed by her lean toned physique and I also admired her mental and physical stamina. I also saw all the photographs for her show which she had in her office . All I could say was WOW! It was there and then during that first consultation I had with her that I decided I would start training seriously and also empower myself with knowledge on training and nutrition. I was determined to have a healthy, toned, well defined physique. The rest, as they say, is history!

3) What is the best aspect of being in the fitness industry and fitness model?
I feel so proud of being part of the fitness industry and it makes me feel privileged to be a fitness ambassador. I am also proud to say that I'm passionate about physical fitness and helping people realize their dream of reaching their ideal weight through training and healthy nutrition. It is a great honour for me to be an inspiration for other people.

Two years ago I was a personal trainer mainly focusing on training for woman. I cannot explain to you the joy and satisfaction I felt when I saw my clients improve on their physical well being, a boost in their confidence and moving a step closer towards their goal.

4) What advice can you give to someone that is starting out?
I won't pretend that it is a walk in the park. You have to reassess your entire eating plan and instill a new level of discipline into your daily routine by including an exercise plan that fits into your schedule. You have to persevere, be disciplined and consistent. Along the way you will be swayed off your training or eating plan. There'll be good days and bad days. Just remember that you're only human and don't be too hard on yourself and feel like a failure. Just "pick" yourself up the next day, with your head up and carry on where you left off.

What's important is that you truly need to know what you want to achieve and be mentally strong. Always set little goals for yourself to achieve. Once you set your mind on your goal(s), you will adapt to your new lifestyle.

Approach exercise like you would a new business venture - it's a process rather than an event, which you build brick by brick until finally you've built a magnificent piece of architecture - or in this case - anatomy. Treat your training time like an important business meeting or task that you simply cannot miss!

I have learned the value of planning ahead and being prepared. Plan your meals and your fitness routine along with your work schedule and leisure time.

Do not forget the value of fun and allow yourself one day in the week to "cheat". This is very important as it gives your body and mind a rest. I highly recommend this. However be sensible with your decision and do not go too overboard.

See training and healthy eating habits as an investment in your future health!

5) What are your fitness goals?
• My immediate goal is to take the first prize place in the figure category at the Mr and Ms Fitness SA show.

• Get exposure in the fitness magazines and eventually grace their covers.

• I want to continue spreading the knowledge I have about fitness and a healthy lifestyle. I wish to become a fitness ambassador in SA whereby I can bring more publicity to the sport. I think this sport has tons of potential and it would be great to fulfil some of that potential by increasing the mainstream exposure.

6) Any closing words?
A wise man once said: ' a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'.

My life's philosophy is that you're never too old to set yourself another goal, to dream a new dream. And there's no time like now to start. I believe we live to serve. If my experience and the knowledge I've gained can serve someone well, I consider it worth sharing.

Photographs by: Riaan Vosloo