#Fitspires of The Week: Interview With IFBB Figure Pro Felicia Romero
What gives someon
e the right to consider themselves a successful fitness model or personality in the industry? Is it the amount of covers one can land because of their physique? Could it be how many sponsors they are able to grab to help support them? Or is it the amount of money one can make between different modeling/ fitness gigs?
Everyone will tell you something different, but if there is one thing that is hard to disagree with, it’s the ability to promote and market yourself to others. Social media has begun to play a huge role in self-marketing as an athlete, competitor, fitness model or personality in the Industry. These days, you don't need a modeling agency to help promote you, or a company to take you on as a sponsored athlete in order for you to be seen in the industry.
Someone who once could have been just an average fit person, now has the ability to transform themselves into a “Social Media Fitness Star!” If you put in the time, the effort, and truly have a passion for fitness, you can change yourself from just a face with a body, to a bona fide personality – someone able to inspire and motivate others on their own fitness journey!
Felicia Romero, age 31, is proof that if you put in the time, effort, hard work in the gym AND the kitchen, and use social media as a tool to self-promote, you can turn your average health/fit lifestyle into a network that reaches out to endless amounts of people who want to take the time out to follow your journey.
Q: Tell me about your competitive history.
A: 2007, 3rd place Cal Pro, 5th place Shawn Ray Pro, 1st place Jan Tana Classic, Olympia NP
2008, 1st place Cal Pro, 1st place Houston Pro, Olympia 18th
2009, 5th place Figure International, 9th place Olympia, 1st place Border States
2010, 4th place Phoenix Pro, 5th place Figure International, 5th place Olympia, 2nd place Border States
2011, 4th place Figure International, 1st place Cal Pro, 4th place Phoenix Pro, 15th Olympia, 10th place Sheru Classic
2012, 7th place Dallas Europa , 6th place Tournament of Champions, 7th place Sheru Classic
Q: When did you get started on your fitness career/journey? What made you want become more than just the average person living a healthy and fit lifestyle?
A: I have always been involved in sports. I played college softball at ASU. When that ended I needed another challenge. I loved the lifestyle and eating healthy so it was natural for me to gravitate toward competing. I turned pro at my first national show and for most of my career have been in the right place at the right time. Honestly, just followed my passion. If you have a passion for something then you will be successful at it, whatever your definition of success is.
Q: Being that you have a loyal social media following, what is some advice that you would offer someone wanting to increase their popularity in the Fitness industry? What tip can you give someone to help them build their following as well?
A: I would say to "BE REAL"… People can see if you aren't authentic. Be true to yourself. Stick to who you are. What has really helped me is to be transparent. I am honest and admit my imperfections. People appreciate that. Social media can be a great inspiration for many, so use it as that. Also, respond to others. I always try to respond to my followers or if someone asks me a question. 
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: I would say it's more than just a job or hobby. Yes, I do make money with my fitness career, but I feel it's so much more than a job. It is my passion. I live and breathe every day. I enjoy doing it and love helping others.
Q: There are many people that motivate and are inspired by you. How does that make you feel knowing that there are people who take the time to see what you are doing day to day?
A: I am definitely humbled and flattered by it. Many times I feel like I have something to say which is why I think social media is so great. Being honest, writing and providing info also helps me. Even though others are inspired by it, I am also inspired. I write and blog a lot and honestly it has helped me heal in many ways… heal from many bad situations I experienced in my life. From childhood to adulthood, so if others can read my story or my posts and they are inspired or feel better by it then that makes me feel better.
Q: How does it feel knowing that somewhere, you are actually helping someone by motivating them to achieve their personal goals, just by posting your personal life and achievements on social media?
A: It makes me feel great! I love what I do and if others can appreciate that passion, I think it is amazing.
Q: Is there anyone who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: Absolutely! My mom first and foremost. She is the epitome of hard work and perseverance. She set an amazing example for me and my life. I also have the greatest mentors, including Johnjay Van Es, a radio DJ and personality who has been instrumental in giving me advice for career and life, and all my good friends and family who have supported me. The best kind of inspiration is having people around you that lift you and bring you up.
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: My family is extremely supportive. They see the sacrifice, but they also see all the benefits and as long as I am happy then they are happy. I am not judgmental at all, so to each is their own.
Q: Of all the social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), what do you think is the most effective to use in order to market yourself in this industry?
A: That's a tough one because they could all be great depending on what you are trying to promote. IG seems to be the hottest outlet right now so I would say that. Twitter comes into a close second.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: I eat fairly clean year round. It's a lifestyle for me. Also, I suffer from hypothyroidism, so I have to be that much more careful. I eat a variety of protein, carbs, fats. I don't eat much dairy if at a
ll and watch my sugars... with the exception of fruit.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: I love, love Mexican food! Chips and salsa for days! LOL... My stomach stops me from going overboard. I definitely can't cheat like I use to, so I usually can eat and be satisfied. I do have my occasional binges but I am human. I love frozen yogurt and usually have to have a small cup on the weekends.
Q: Do you take any supplements? What do you think is one of the most important supplements someone should take who is training constantly?
A: I do take supplements. I think the most important supp that you might not be getting from food is a probiotic and digestive enzymes. I also take supplements now that help my overall health and are geared more toward me and my goals. Youth H2O has been instrumental in helping my thyroid, hair, skin and nails. I also take Femme Factor products like BodyFit. They are geared toward women, which is why I love them so much!
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: https://www.facebook.com/FeliciaRomeroOnline
https://twitter.com/FeliciaRomero
http://instagram.com/feliciaromero
Q: Special thanks to:
A: Everyone that has supported me and stood by me... my family and close friends.
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