When I was 15 years old, I immigrated to the United States with my mother and twin sister. We moved to Houston, Texas and expected it to be like in the movies with lots of horses, tumbleweeds, and cowboy hats. Surprisingly, Houston was a bustling city with a huge focus on the Oil and Gas Industry.

This took some getting used to because it was so different from Taganrog, Russia. But, we soon felt right at home, because of the warm southern hospitality of my fellow Texans. The people we met were kind, and generous, and went out of their way to help my sister and I. One thing that helped us a lot was being able to continue our martial arts training. We found a great Tae Kwon Do Academy and our martial arts never skipped a beat. I enjoyed sparing and was able to continue competing at a national level.

One day I came home from school, and to my mother observed that I was getting pretty skinny. She encouraged me to join a gym (to put it nicely). After my first workout, I fell in love. I really enjoyed this new type of training and my body responded quickly.

After a few months, a personal trainer approached me and asked if I competed. He explained that he was referring to bodybuilding and I became very curious. I went home, did some research, and attended the next bodybuilding competition in my area. It was great. I envisioned myself on the stage just like the other athletes. And, soon I was there.

Fitness became my passion, I studied nutrition in college, became an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and began my career in bodybuilding ultimately becoming an IFBB professional.

And, now I get to share my passion and pass along my knowledge and experience. I really enjoy helping others discover the benefits of living a healthy and fit lifestyle.