MICHELLE FERDINAND-JACQUES; How Natural Pros Qualify for the Olympia, Start Late, Competing through Loss

In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Michelle
Ferdinand-Jacques, a 43-year-old working mom of four, nurse
practitioner, and founder of MLJ Aesthetics. Michelle began
competing in June 2023 and quickly made her mark in the sport.
She earned her Pro card at her second national show, the 2024 Ben
Weider Naturals, and made her Pro debut at the DC Pro/Am, where
she placed second in the Natural division.


 


Michelle shares how she balances motherhood, running a business,
and bodybuilding, all while proudly competing as a natural and
Masters athlete. We talk about her mindset during prep, her
commitment to posing practice, and how she’s stayed mentally
strong through personal loss and life’s many challenges. Her
journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start,
and that with discipline and belief in yourself, anything is
possible.


 


TOPICS COVERED


-Being a natural and Masters athlete


-Trusting your coach and the process


-The importance of posing practice


-Navigating show day stress


-Balancing family, work, and prep


-Overcoming loss and staying mentally strong


 


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CONNECT WITH MICHELLE:


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missy_loves_fitness/


 


TIME STAMPS


1:00 introduction


4:20 competing at her Pro debut


8:02 proud to be a natural athlete


10:15 entering the sport as an older athlete


15:01 mission for the season


22:33 navigating a stressful show day


24:41 working on improvements


28:08 life before bodybuilding


32:20 family and bodybuilding


37:57 overcoming challenges in prep


45:40 a day in the life


48:57 advice for competitors


 


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