Johanna Sabucchini has won Ms. Bikini New York, Model Universe™ and even Miss New York Universe Pageant™. The 5'7", 130 lbs., 27 year old Brooklyn native is a fashion and runway model and commercial actress. "I compete because its fun and really gets me motivated to stay in shape," Johanna says.

Ms. Bikini Paris Leslie Pantigny says she started fitness training after moving to French Polynesia a few years ago. The 5’3″, 118 lbs., 31 year old fragrance ambassador explains, “My passion for fitness and competitions started with some guidance from my coach in Tahiti. I was working and living in paradise and the change of life made a difference in my whole mindset. For me fitness changes your appearance but also the whole thought process. I think clear and live the fitness lifestyle! I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Leslie is training now for Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale in June.

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Chanel Collette defines success as the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors. She says, “Even the definition of success implies the “attempt.” Success is found even if it’s only in an attempt. We learn from attempting, taking risks and maybe making mistakes. Everything in your life worth having will be found outside your comfort zone. So here’s to 2015 — making attempts and trying!”

Ms. Bikini and Model America competitor Candi Alterego says as long as you wake up in the morning, you are still in the game. She says, “Once we hit that wall, we don’t quit and we don’t give up. Yes, we are tired, hungry and our minds are telling us to quit. However, we will not quit because we haven’t reached our goals!”

Ms. Bikini Latina Paulina Bonilla is probably one of the most deceiving looking lawyers you’ll ever meet. The 24 year old Mexico City resident and Ms. Bikini Universe Pro says, “Although I did not place at Fitness America in November, I am determined to come back next November to win. It has been tough to keep my day job as a lawyer and get into and stay in stage shape but it is my passion. As I said, I will not rest until be the number one!”

Congratulations to Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jamie Lynn Hughes for her partnership/sponsorship with Fit City Foods. She says, “They’ve got some serious stuff planned for the year ahead. The 2015 Fitness America is in eleven months and by adding Fit City Foods in with my already stellar prep resources, this should be my best shot yet to finally break that 2nd place cap.”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Sharon Pascual-Diaz says life is similar to a camera. She says, “Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things do not work out, take another shot! A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big and laugh a lot.”

People ask Ms. Bikini America competitor Nicole Matthews how she stays in shape, what is her secret diet and what is the best way to train. She says, “I wish I had one answer, a simple one, one that would give everyone the magic formula. Truth be told, it is so many things. I’m driven by my past, inspired by my present and excited about the future. I have experienced what it feels to fail over and over again. I have learned what works and doesn’t work by trial and error. My diet is always changing and though. I have my favorite products. It is the goals I set for myself that makes each one efficient. My greatest piece of advice is to allow your story to guide you, find your tribe and support system and go after your goals and dreams. The answers will come, magic will happen but you have got to start and be all you can be. No one is just one thing.” 

Ms Bikini Lone Star Competitor Abi Christine is a personal trainer, mother, and a TSN athlete. She says, “What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Fitness is a constant state of progress for me. Sometimes I feel as if I am doing great! I get all my workouts in, I feel strong, I feel on track, etc. Other times I feel like life totally gets in the way! I eat bad food, drink wine, miss a workout, etc.”

’14 Ms. Bikini America Competitor Erika Strimer has never let setbacks excuse her from trying again. This blonde beauty says, “It often takes many attempts to be a success. Move forward with your shoulders back, your head high and a smile. With an enthusiastic spirit, perseverance, and integrity of character it’s time to put your intelligence, talents and passion into action.”

Ms. Bikini and Model America competitor Candi Alterego believes we are who we choose to be. She says, “Nobody is going to come and save you. You’ve got to save yourself. Nobody is going to give you everything you want; you have to go out and fight for it. Nobody knows what you want except you and nobody will feel sorry for you if you don’t get it. So don’t give up on your dreams! – www.fitnessuniverse. – Photo by: Digital Icon Photography – Make-up by: Veronica Fensel Makeup Artistry

Isabelle Atkinson dreamed about competing at her first Fitness America Weekend show since the day she started training in September. She had already claimed 2nd place at the ’14 Fitness New England show. Isabelle says, “It was such an honor to place 2nd in the Ms. Bikini Open Medium amongst beautiful women from all over the world. I truly love competing in FAP. It gives me the opportunity to meet men and women from all different walks of life where we all have one thing in common – our passion for fitness. I’m excited to start working on my fitness career this upcoming year and my second season as a Ms. Bikini competitor!” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

’14 Ms. Bikini America Open Short competitor Erika Strimer presenting her sportswear on stage at the show in Las Vegas. This 5’2 brilliant business owner started her own outdoor fitness boot camp 3 years ago. Since then, she has gathered over 200 members. She says, “I want to leave a legacy. In my town where a small boot camp truly changed my life, my free standing fitness space will allow me to leave my mark where my journey began. My goal is to hire a team that shares in my belief that all people should have a place where they can show up and believe.” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

Ms. Bikini America Nicole Matthews placed top 5 in the Ms. Bikini Classic division at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend Show. This brilliant beauty opened her own fitness and makeup studio. She loves teaching and hopes to create a brand of herself in the fitness industry. Nicole says, “I was so inspired by all the women that competed that day. Some went through transformations that would blow your mind. Others had overcome cancer and or another medical setback. I walked the stage with seasoned competitors, moms, business owners, doctors and so many more! Thirty seconds is our time on stage, but a lifetime of memories, friendships and lessons learned. To all the beautiful competitors of ’14 Fitness America Weekend, you are amazing! Let’s make 2015 a rock n’ year!” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

’14 Ms. Bikini All Forces Champion Karye Mclendon competed in her fourth competition this year at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. This beautiful business owner placed third place in a division filled with 34 other dazzling ladies. Karye says, “I am still in awe of the experience and my third place finish. But beyond all that I got to spend time with my amazing fitness family, meet new fitness friends, laughs with my always supportive hubby, bonding with my coach, great food and even better memories. Thank you for all the congratulatory posts, calls and texts. Now it’s time to enjoy the holidays and set new goals for 2015!”

Congratulations to the mesmerizing Shannah Baker for winning the ’14 Ms. Bikini America Overall! She won the Open Medium Class, went on to win the overall and earned her Pro card. Shannah is part of Team Natural bodz that took First place in the Team Championships. She says, “A big thank you to all my friends and family for giving me support. I also want to support others by inspiring them to reach their goals. Eventually, I want to study nutrition and pursue a career in the health & fitness industry.”

Model America Champion Alina Adams was the top commercial model at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. The 5’7″, 123 lbs., corporate personnel recruiter has been competing for only two years, won both the Model Texas and Ms. Bikini Texas and is already generating numerous agency and photographer interest. No doubt, Alina will soon become a popular commercial & fashion model. 

Samantha Symes placed top 5 in both the Ms. Bikini America and Model America divisions! However, she received more than trophies that evening. Live on stage at the ‘14 Fitness America Weekend show in Las Vegas, Mick Hayes proposed to Samantha Symes. Congratulations to this wonderful couple may their life be full of wonderful moments. Thanks for bringing energy, fun and success to our 2014 Vegas Journey

International spokes model Jessica Vasquez recently traveled to India and Mexico City to spread the knowledge of health & fitness. Recognized for her incredibly aesthetic hour glass body, this 5x world Champion currently resides in Houston, Texas. Jessica has a passion for working with children and is a full time 2nd grade Bilingual teacher. She is not only a teacher in the classroom, but a teacher amongst her fitness peers too. Jessica finds teaching the most rewarding gift in the world. Inspiring and changing lives is what she loves and wants to be remembered for.

She is a strong Latin role model to young teens, aspiring athletes and anyone chasing a dream. All you have to do is believe big! See Jessica at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show in November at Las Vegas!

Future ‘14 Ms. Bikini America Competitor Andrea Baker, a marriage and family therapist, is preparing herself for her first show. She primarily works with women and adolescent girls who struggle with health and body image issues. Andrea says, “Sometimes I wonder if I have the body I need in order to actually do this. The answer is yes! I am not the leanest, strongest, or most ripped. It is because I am healthy! I was a girl with some unhealthy habits, but I learned from them to change and improve. So when I get on stage in a sparkly bikini, I will walk with a purpose. My tush may jiggle a bit, but it’s going to be a healthy one!”