Hello and thank you for taking the time to view my port!
My main interest is fitness-related shoots however I am open to other projects as well.
2009 has been a wild and crazy journey for me, and now I'm getting ready for my last shows of the season...the UFE National Championships on November 14th and Fitness Star on November 28th!
Currently, I am not accepting any more shoots for the time being, as my scheduling is just too tight due to training and all the craziness that comes along with doing a competition. However, please feel free to send me a message with your thoughts and ideas and once my shows are over we can discuss arrangements for a shoot!
Looking forward to working with you!
K.
****** My Story ******
Growing up I was not athletic - in fact I struggled with my weight. Being overweight never really bothered me except when I was picked on by other kids at school for my appearance. Despite being teased, it was not until my doctor told me I had high cholesterol (at the age of 13) that made me realize I had to do something about my weight and health.
The first major step I took was I changed my eating habits. By the time I was 15, I successfully lost close to 40lbs and lowered my cholesterol to a normal level. However, maintaining my weight became a challenge, and by the time I completed university I had put the pounds back on plus I once again had high cholesterol.
So the next thing I did was join a gym. I enjoyed working out on cardio machines, but I didn’t want to go near weights because I was scared to get bigger than I already was. When I realized I was not getting the results I wanted on my own, I decided to hire a trainer to learn about weight training and to help me get my health back on track.
Everything was going great until I was 26, when I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes the ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens. Some of the major symptoms include infrequent menstrual periods, high cholesterol, and weight gain/obesity (all of which I was experiencing). Although PCOS is not curable, it is treatable with medications and can be controlled through diet and exercise.
Initially, I had a difficult time accepting that I had PCOS. I went through the “why me” phase and I felt sorry for myself. Discovering that something is wrong with your body and knowing that you have to live with it for the rest of life is not a fun experience to go through. However, if anything good came out of this ordeal, the diagnosis finally provided me with answers as to why I was having all these problems with my weight and cholesterol.
Today, I have accepted and come to terms with having PCOS. It has shaped the person I have become, and gives me the determination to take this negative element in my life and transform it into something positive. Competing has become that positive. I have been “gifted” with something that makes me special and unique - rather than see the glass as half-empty, I will view it as half-full.
****** 2009 Competition Results ******
- 2nd Place, Figure, 2009 UFE Spring Bash
- 3rd Place, Fitness Model, 2009 UFE Spring Bash
****** 2008 Competition Results ******
- 2nd Place, Fittest Duo, June 2008 FAME World Championships
- 2nd Place, Fitness Model Short, May 2008 FAME Regionals
- 2nd Place, Muscle Model, May 2008 FAME Regionals
****** Sponsors ******
- Thermo-Lean (
www.thermo-lean.com)
- Perfect Nutrition (
www.perfectnutrition.ca)
- Dedicated Clothing (
www.dedicatedclothing.com)
- Joyzone (joyzone.com)
****** Credits ******
- Oxygen Magazine, ThermoLean Ad (June/July/August/September 2009)
- Inside Fitness Magazine, UFE Spring Bash Summary (July 2009)
- Inside Fitness Magazine, ThermoLean Ad (November 2009)
- Short clip for the tv show Plastic Makes Perfect (upcoming Season 3 episode)
****** Special Events ******
- 2009 Toronto Pride Parade, participated in the Trojan Float
- 2009 UFE Halloween Mayhem, Awards Presenter and ThermoLean booth model
****** Collaborations ******
Magda M, Photographer and Hair/Makeup, MM#65704
Joel Roberts, Photographer, MM#376411
DWProductions Inc, Photographer, MM#409305
Urban Stylz Photography, Photographer, MM#370375
Kevin Komlenovich, Photographer, MM#630266
Billy Archos, Photographer, MM#357618
Glen E. Grant, Photographer
Liana Saadi, Photographer
2 Nyce Photography, Photographer, MM#766763
images OUTLOUD, Photographer, MM#1181932
Stacey Fox, Photographer, MM#376175
D4Fish Photography, Photographer, MM#732193
ScottApplebyPhotog, Photographer, MM#44293
M Wendy Rorong, MUA, MM##1080376
Chris V Linton, Photographer, MM#323221
****** Special thanks to the following ******
- Thank you to my doctor for changing my life (for the better)
- Thank you to my family and friends for your love and support along my journey
- Thank you to my sponsor, and to those who have believed in me and given me opportunities to succeed
- Thank you to my trainer Tammy Strome (Cr8ion Fitness and Wellness Inc.) for helping me achieve my dreams
- Thank you JC for putting the idea in my head that I can compete and for teaching me that its ok not to be toothpick-skinny. You have helped me become a stronger person on both the inside and out
- Thank you DM for getting me through my darkest days and for always believing in me. Without you there to pick me up, I know I would not be where I am today
- Most of all, I would like to thank all those people who have put me down and made me struggle – your negativity is what drives me to succeed. Take the negative and turn it into something positive…
