The only difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a manʼs determination”-Tommy Lasorda

This is my favorite quote. Nothing in my life has been or can be obtained without the sheer determination to do so. This comes from a drive deep within my soul. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I remember from early on in childhood feeling very different from everyone else and wanting so badly to be a significant part of something, without knowing just what that looked like at the time.

I had always been drawn towards fashion, art, and anyone in the public eye that I felt worked to an extreme degree to get where they were going. From the time I was barely tall enough to ride Roller coasters, I was in love with the fashion world and wanted to be a part of it. However, I lost sight of that dream somewhere in adolescence, in the midst of trying hard to fit in.

Then something remarkable starting happening that literally saved my life. I re-created myself when I discovered the world of fitness. In 2008 I decided, at 170 pounds, unhappy and lost, to get serious and pursue modeling in the fitness industry. After hiring a personal trainer and starting a normal workout regimen, my view was completely transformed. This year I started on a beautiful journey in the practice of yoga, and it has opened my eyes even more.

The doors keep opening as long as I keep running towards my goals, and I am grateful beyond words. This year also marked another accomplishment, being named as one of Status Fitness Magazineʼs Top 100 Fitness Models of 2011.

Transformation comes from the inside before it can be obtained outward. Many of us take care of ourselves on the outside. However, true change comes from within, and thanks to the people I have met and many other gifts such as Yoga and clarity, I am finally learning that basic truth for myself. I want the truth to come out. Work on the soul growth, the mental growth, and finally physical growth and your life will be forever changed. Knowing I can change for the better by first changing my perspective on life makes serenity attainable to me.

My goals for the future are to pursue fitness and commercial modeling as well as acting, create a fitness blog, and launch a fitness clothing line. Recently being accepted into FIDM in LA, I wish to graduate and start the process of developing my fitness apparel line in 2014, with a portion of the proceeds going to fund scholarships for individuals in recovery.

Special thanks to my mom who has taught me unconditional love, my dad, who has taught me determination means never quitting despite how hard it can get, my siblings who have taught me acceptance, friends who have taught me happiness, the professionals in the industry who I have been fortunate enough to work with, and all those who have taught me that these dreams of mine will come true. A good friend told me that the keys to happiness in life are love, helping others and having something to look forward to. Now I do. Thank you <3

I wish to inspire others by promoting health and positivity in the same light I have been shown

“What would you do if you knew you could not fail? I would do everything...”-Melissa Gearheart