Photo by Brian Landis
Female lions are some of the most beautiful and majestic creatures on Earth. While it’s the more powerful male lions and their burnt rust colored, erratically cropped manes that have earned the title “King of the Jungle.” It’s the female lions who are Africa’s most feared predators - moving in silence and waiting patiently for the perfect moment to launch their attack.....
After more than two years of moving in silence through the tall grasses of the Bikini division, former NPC Natural Ohio winner Marie Blanchard has grown tired of waiting patiently. And now, less than two weeks from competing in her first National qualifier at the upcoming North American Championships, The Haitian Beauty will be looking to channel her inner lioness and sink her teeth into the competition as she attempts to finally win the IFBB Pro Card that’s she’s been hunting for so long.
Recently I had to chance to sit down and talk with Marie to discuss life, the details of her improbable journey to the stage, along with so much more. And you can read it all right here, in this RxMuscle exclusive interview.
Photo by Brian Landis
Q.) You first burst onto the Bikini scene back in 2014 with your wins at the NPC Natural Ohio and NPC Natural Eastern USA Championships. But before we jump into the whirlwind of success that has been your last two years in the fitness industry, let’s take a step back and talk about the start of your career. Tell us a bit about how you first became interested in competing.
A.) Initially, not knowing a single thing about competing my main focus was to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. My metabolism was slowing down and I was unhappy with my overall physique. Throughout the early stages of my transformation process I quite a bit of time doing research on nutrition, portion control, the do’s and don’ts when it comes to carbohydrates, and why it’s important to reduce or eliminate poor lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption. I also allowed myself to open up to the idea of strength training in order to start sculpting the body I always wanted. Eventually, after a little success, I decided it was time to put it all on the line and enter a competition.
Q.) While a number of competitors attempt to use their competitive careers as a springboard into future success, you came into the fitness industry after already having an established a very successful modeling career. Early on were you apprehensive about stepping out of the familiar territory behind the lens, and venturing out into the uncharted waters Bikini competition?
A.) I absolutely was not ready to venture into competing in the fitness industry. I’ve always been a creature of habit, so in order for me to truly step outside of my comfort zone I have to just step up and take the plunge head first or else I’ll end up talking myself out of it.
I actually retired from modeling for about a year prior to competing, and looking back now I can say that it was absolutely the right move because I needed to take on a whole different mindset when it came to the nutrition, the training, and implementing all of the habits of my new lifestyle.
Q.) Despite having quite a bit of success early in your career, over the last two seasons we’ve seen you work incredibly hard to continue developing your physique and refining your presentation. Could you give us some insight into what’s been the source of the motivation that continues to fuel your competitive fire?
A.) Wow, my source of motivation comes from knowing that this country alone gives you the ability to be successful, career wise, doing something you absolutely love. I never liked working at a dead-end job because I simply never fit in. Even when I worked for two amazing companies in the Oil and Gas Industry, I still hated working for someone else. After everything I have done in my life, this is truly the only career that has shifted the gears in my life for the better. I am healthier inside and out, my mind is clearer, and most importantly I get to help others while I work on myself. There is no better feeling than being told how much of an impact you’ve helped to make on someone’s life. It’s truly special.
Q.) Earlier in the season we saw you earn the biggest victory of your career thus far back at one of the most prestigious amateur shows in the country, the NPC Atlantic States Championships. Heading into that event did you believe you were going to present a look that was good enough to compete for a win? Tell us a bit about what you remember feeling when you heard your name announced onstage as the winner.
A.) Wow, I absolutely did not see it coming simply because the week prior I competed at the Grand Rapids Championships and was the most conditioned I’d ever been. I felt that peaking two weeks in a row was a bit too much on my body.
Once I heard my name announced for the first place title I remember being flooded with all sorts of emotions. This year has been very different, and much more challenging for me because I decided not to compete under the guidance of another coach. However, psychologically the entire process has made me a lot stronger and taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. I was just so grateful to see that all my work, sweat and tears were worth it. Not to mention the fact that I was extremely stressed since my whole wallet was stolen at the nearby Walmart right before going for check-ins, leaving me temporarily stranded.
Q.) Right now you’re in the midst of preparing for your first pro qualifying event, the upcoming NPC North American Championships. However, as may already know, you’re a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In addition to the normal torturous grind of contest prep you’ve also been battling legal issues in regard to establishing your citizenship as well. Could you give is some insight into what that process has been like? Do you think the stress has had any negative impact on your current preparation?
A.) As far as my citizenship status was concerned I thought I was already an American Citizen based on the current laws relating children being brought to the United States by a naturalized parent(s). It was stressful and incredibly challenging knowing that I couldn’t compete at a national level if I wasn’t an American Citizen. It killed me because I just didn’t have the documents to present to the NPC. After being engaged in a seemingly endless battle that lasted almost two years, I’ll never forget the feelings of joy and relief I experienced after finally getting the phone call from my amazing attorney who told me that I’d be getting the proof of my citizenship.
I was told to come down and swear an oath as a new American Citizen. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so blindsided in my entire life. I actually thought it was a prank call. I didn’t tell a soul until after I had actually left the building with my certificate, and that was after I cried hysterically the entire time the official was reciting the oath to me. In life, luck has not been very dear to me, and I have never ever had a break in getting the opportunities I wanted the most in life. When I left that building it was a realization that my luck was beginning to change and all of the work was worth it. Most people think this may be the dumbest thing to be excited about, but there is no greater opportunity than to have the ability to pursue your career and follow your dreams without any barriers. This was my stepping-stone, and I could not have been more grateful to see those old barriers torn down, and the pathways to my new life begin to open right before my eyes.
Q.) Given the amount of adversity you’ve had to deal with moving to a new country at such a young age, struggling early on to find your identity, and now being on the verge of potentially seeing everything come full circle by having the opportunity to fulfill your dreams and win your pro card at the North American’s, tell us in your own words just how much that victory would mean to you.
A.) That question made me tear up! The possibility of this victory by getting my pro card would mean that my time is truly here. It would mean all of the struggling, the nickel and diming, revamping my life, my luck, and my future is actually paying off. I can be better and do the things that only existed in my thoughts. I have worked and have been on my own ever since I can remember, but I have never had the opportunity to be involved in anything that I wanted to do or be what I wanted to be. I just never thought I was ever good enough to be part of something that meant so much to me. I’m just so glad I didn’t give up.
Q.) Should you be fortunate enough to earn your pro card, what would be the next step for Marie Blanchard?
A.) I have been very fortunate to have some of the opportunities I have with the companies who have been the backbone of my competition prep. They range from supplements, meal bags and containers, shaker cups, competition Jewelry, spray tans, shoes, and finally training gear. I am so thankful for the role each of them have played in my career. My plan would be to head straight for the Olympia stage by competing and winning the pro shows, God willing. It was my plan in 2014 and after taking a year off; it’s my plan now and always.
Q.) Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you along your journey?
A.) I owe great thanks to everyone who has made a significant impact in my life over the last three years. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for their guidance and reassurance. They’ve truly been my greatest inspiration.
Q.) If people would like to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?
www.Instagram.com/Haitianbeauty25
www.Twitter.com/MarieBlanchard
www.Facebook.com/MarieBlanchardFitness
Marie’s journey to stage has spanned two countries, one ocean, and an infinite number of obstacles and setbacks that would’ve crushed her dreams one hundred times over had she not possessed the quiet strength of a true huntress. Now that she’s finally got her prey within striking distance, and the opportunity to unleash all of those years of pent up emotion and fury at her fingertips, there’s only one question left remaining...
Is she ready to sink her teeth in for the kill and claim what’s rightfully hers?
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