Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Crawford.
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is one of overcoming life’s challenges, and pushing myself to become a better and stronger version of myself every day. I was in a really dark place after a bad break-up, my world come crashing down around me just 2 weeks before I was due to be married, I was a shadow of my former self, with no confidence, anxiety, and just a feeling of being broken inside. Over time and with the support of friends and family I picked myself up and dusted myself off and decided to embark on a 3-month trip to become stronger not just mentally but physically than I had ever been before. I compete in Bodybuilding, and so gave myself the challenge to tour the UK, Europe, and America for bodybuilding competitions. It would be a huge challenge, and I would do it alone. The discipline you need to prep for 1 competition is tough enough, but to prep for serval, internationally, was a whole other level. It would push me outside of my comfort zone every single day but it would change me as a person for the better. I have just finished my American competitions and won my last show. It has been a tough journey, travelling, training and competing solo but I have proven to myself that if you put your mind to something and put the hardworking in, it pays off. It’s the early mornings at the gym, the late nights training hard, the strict meal plans, and staying in control of every element, all the while keeping that goal in mind. Every time I step on stage I learn something new, I put myself under the spotlight to be judged and I come away with a new sense of achievement every single time. This whole experience has made me a stronger, more independent, woman who’s not afraid to chase those dreams. I took a negative situation and turned it into a positive, used that pain I once felt to drive me to show just what I’m capable of. I now return to the UK to push even further in the world of Bodybuilding, and won’t stop till I reach the top!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve had to overcome so many challenges along the way and navigate myself around obstacles that could have stopped me but I wouldn’t allow it. I made sure I used every day to get closer to achieving my goals, and I held myself accountable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take part in competitive bodybuilding, and for me, it’s about proving that women are strong! I preach that you don’t have to be weak in order to be feminine. I like to dress up, I like to look nice but I also like to kick ass in the gym! I have biceps, I have muscular legs and I’m proud of it. Women don’t belong in the kitchen, we belong in the weight room! Showing my strength, especially as a feminine woman, is very important to me. I don’t have to sit in a pretty dress and speak quietly, but I can if I want to. BUT I can also bench press and squat with the best of them. I work with clients online to help them reach their goals, find their inner strength and be their best and strongest selves!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Family holidays are amongst my favourite childhood memories. We always used to holiday in the states, and I have so many amazing memories made with my family here in the USA. We’re very close and even as my brother and I are now older, it’s so important to me that we are still very close as a family and actually enjoy hanging out together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: melcrawfordtv
Image Credits
Analee Grace Photography
