Have you ever thought about all the great opportunities that exist for fitness, figure and bikini competitors? Think about it: how many industries combine fitness, nutrition, beauty, dance (for fitness competitors that is) and modeling into one?
There are so many ways of entering the competition arena and even more ways of using it as a springboard for future opportunities. I think my blog to this point has (hopefully) done a good job not excluding those who haven’t yet made the decision to compete…but I would like to do more to show you just how beneficial it can be beyond the obvious health, appearance and “motivation to train” aspects.
Elise's combination of cosmetic artistry and bikini competition experience makes her the top choice for competitors!
With us in the studio today is Elise Firestone (okay, so she didn’t fly out from NY for the written interview). Elise is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished once you’ve made the big jump to female physique competition, and how it’s much more than just getting into great shape and smiling at the judges.
If you’ve competed for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of Elise. Elise has successfully made the transition from competitive dancer to personal trainer/instructor to esthetician to competitor, and turned it all into a hugely successful cosmetic artistry business for female physique competitors. She is now one of the most sought after cosmetic artists in the industry! Lets talk with her about these types of opportunities as well as the importance of cosmetics in competition:
Joe: Tell us a little about your transition from Figure to Bikini Competition?
Elise: I realized after competing in my first figure competition that I didn’t quite have enough muscle. Being on the thinner and much curvier side I decided it was best to compete in the bikini division due to my body type. When bikini came out I just knew this division was perfect for me. Growing up as a competitive dancer I’ve always had that athletic yet girlie side to me, and this was a way to really show off my stage presence.
Joe: What kind of doors has figure and bikini competition opened up for you from a business standpoint?
Elise: Competing has led me to meet many people in the fitness industry. Before I started competing, I was traveling around as a makeup artist helping my good friend IFBB pro Colette Nelson backstage. I transformed what I learned into a business, by combining both my passion of fitness & beauty into one.
Add modeling to Elise's extensive resume!
Joe: Would you recommend competing to fitness and bikini models as a vehicle for exposure and future opportunities?
Elise: I believe competing has opened some doors up for me with regard to exposure, but I also believe that you have to be willing to put yourself out there, network amongst other fitness professionals and get your name known by showing your face…even if you’re not on stage.
Joe: Tell us about your business and how important your services are for competitors. How much of a factor is hair, makeup, skin and tan to the judges?
Elise: Obviously the main focus of a competitor should be training and dieting, but the finishing touches are extremely important too. I consider myself and my business to be the finishing touches, to complete the overall package. The judges are not only critiquing your body, but also your stage presence and the way you look overall. Something as simple as your tan being off could place you significantly lower.
A great example of Elise's work.
Joe: Do you travel to competitions to offer your services?
Elise: I travel all over the US offering my services to competitors in all federations. I also work out of a place in NY where I tan competitors, give makeup lessons, and facials.
Joe: What kind of alternatives do you offer for girls unable to come to you?
Elise: I just launched my new makeup line specifically designed for the fitness/figure/bikini competitor. My color collections are the perfect colors that work best with the coloring of a competition tan. They can also be used for photo-shoot and everyday. They can be designed and purchased right through my website and it’s online store at www.elisefirestone.com
Elise offers a line of makeup designed specifically for competitors!
