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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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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