Strength in Mentors

What became a great day of reflection, came from a day which I was swamped with work, phone calls, clients, and attempting to get in my own training. Although, I was increasingly exhausted, I finally got down to writing this blog.

I had no idea what to write about but it finally hit me.

I was filled with the ambition to work for my client’s success in their fitness journey. One client whom is 61 years old, had a struggle with a basic sit up, is now increasing his strength tremendously. Another, future figure competitor has just sent me her posing photos. I also got offered a tremendous opportunity to help someone with their 100lb weight loss challenge.

With as much time that I have dedicated to my clients and my training, I knew I had to continuously stay vigilant for all of those who have helped me on my road of success and who have kept my head afloat above water. My mentors have been my strength, and have given me strength.

Most recently, Stacey Naito has taken the time to mentally prep me for competing at the national level show. Not only has she told me what to expect, but pointed me to her blog about how to meal prep for traveling.

Ian Lauer, Stacey Naito, and I at West Coast Classic 2015,

Xavius Gayden, has spent many days on the phone with me talking about the lifting process and what is the best way to maintain gains and get them. I had the pleasure of meeting with him for a training session, in which I would watch him like a hawk on his lifts to see if there was a magic spell. There wasn’t he just eats and lifts…

Michael Orr, who was in my pre-mature lifting days, shared with me his secrets on gaining some pretty hammies and reminding me of what keeps him humble in a selfish sport. His support at a particular show, impressed me on how dedicated he was being a friend and a mentor and expected nothing.

 

Victor Konovolov was the very first professional body builder I was able to have as a mentor. If you do not know Victor, I would like to be the many to say, that man does not have a selfish bone in his body, not even a selfish muscle. He gave his free time with me to work with me on my posing routine, help me focus in on my eating, and always was the first to challenge me in my lifts. “Evina, you can go heavier.” I have never really went heavy, but for some reason, the look he would give me showed me that I could do anything.

James Patrick, a fitness photographer, who I have known for 10 years (and counting). We both started off in more of a fashion/glamor realm of the industry. When I started my career in fitness, he was the main person I would consult with about how I would brand myself. Although I have yet to find what I am good at, he always made sure to let me know that giving up was never an option. The failure was the best part of success.

 

The countless hours my husband would spend with me making sure my nails were done (yes, he did them) for a show along with helping me prep my food. Sometimes, him just showing up was good enough because I was too frantic to worry about anything else, but he made sure whatever I needed got done. My dad, step-mother, and brother would spend all day at a show just to watch me take 5^th place. Although I was discouraged, it was a first place win to them. My mom would make countless calories for me to eat when I would go visit because I needed to keep my gains. She thought I was too thin anyway.

Along the road to what I have become and turning into, I have encountered some pretty amazing mentors. Mentors, which not only are those I look up to, but people I seek active advice from who have very similar morals and ethics. These mentors and I have not only built a connection, but a relationship beyond any business can falter.  Of course, there are MANY mentors where this list is coming from, and to be fair, I would not want to bore.

On a day like today, where I may be exhausted and have a full plate, I have to remember, that I am my clients mentor and friend. I cannot give up on myself, because my mentors never did. What was passed on to me, is passed on to them.

Underwater Modeling

Photo Credit: Joe Stemmer

At times, some jobs I get for modeling can be either very easy to extremely demanding. Depending on the job, it can easy or difficult depending on the models personal skill set.

Joe Stemmer is a photographer based in Palm Desert, CA who had asked me to do an underwater shoot with him. I immediately said yes, and figured it would have been easy for me, since I felt I was in top shape and felt strong enough to not only do a shoot under water, but to do a shoot under water with Andrew MacLaine gowns on. Little did I know the demands were more than expected.

As I put on the flowing red gown, my first thought was, “this is going to have such a nice flow!” But once I went in the water, I felt and looked like a drowning long haired dog. Although, we were able to catch some great shots of the red flowing gown, I didn’t expect to almost die in the process. Anything for art.

Photo Credit: Joe Stemmer

As we started to get through some of the other outfits, my old high school swimming days started to kick in. I started to channel how I felt during practices putting on layers of nylons and 3 different bathing suits in order to make me a faster swimmer. I was always a natural athlete and I always challenged my body to incredible lengths to get the solutions I desired. With that said, once I started to channel that moment during our photo shoot under the water, my natural mermaid intentions kicked in and it got easier as the day went on.

“What if the water is cold?”

Photo Credit: Joe Stemmer

HA! This reminds me of the day Joe, Lauren (HT Sister), and I decided to shoot in Northridge on a chilly day in February. The pool was freezing and Lauren and I could maybe get one outfit out of the shoot, We felt our bodies being tortured in the cold pool and decided we had enough. Joe was a sport about it.

My suggestion to models considering to shoot under water shots would be to learn your environment before the actual shoot day. Practice at home or even practice holding your breath (without the squish face). I would also suggest start prepping for most pool temperatures and bring a towel, you never know when you’re gonna get cold.  

What Seperates You?



Photo from Huff Post 



              At the Wella Hair Studios, I had the chance to step in front of the casting director and let her know I was able and willing to work as their model for an instructional video. Sitting patiently inside the audition waiting room reading up on the historical back ground of Wella, I would glance at the reflection of the glass case looking at my competition. They were all blonde and I was keeping my fingers that it would stay that way. Sure enough a wave of other brunettes came in and crushed my chances of being the one model they chose.

                As we all prepared to line up (as you would line up cows to be slaughtered for their best and worst parts), slight elbows were given as an indication to move out of each other’s way. At one point there was a silent stare down between two models (if looks could kills, there girls would have bled all over the floor).

                Once we lined up, in the matter of seconds the casting director picked one of us for the shoot (not me) and sent the rest of the 50 girls on their way. Some stomped away and the rest silently put their head down in disgrace as if they missed winning the decathlon by one point. I did something different. I walked out without taking it personal. What I am going to do is send a lovely thank you card to the casting director thanking them for their time and considerations.

                I don’t need to act like a diva, nor do I need to feel that rejection is something I deserve. “No” is just part of the industry. If girls keep pouting and whining, what make you think anyone wants to work with you? As models and professionals in anything, who are you to always be chosen? And if you haven’t been chosen, maybe it’s time to change your perspective and do something different. Many times I have taken the time to do follow up emails, and touch base. When I am at an event, I will make time to attempt to remember their name (internet is a wonderful thing) and make sure they remember mine. Go out of your way to be nice, trust me, it’s a lot more memorable.