Who am I? My Story, Your Skin: The Inspiration Behind Luxe Body Worx

A Journey of Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance

I thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself and share the journey that led to the creation of Luxe Body Worx. It’s a story rooted in resilience, curiosity, and a deep desire to help others thrive—inside and out.I was born and raised in a small town in Utah by humble, hardworking parents who instilled in my sisters and me the belief that we could be and do anything we set our minds to. A bold sentiment for girls growing up in the sixties and seventies, where societal expectations often told a different story. In our home, prejudice and disrespect were never tolerated—kindness, generosity, and integrity ruled the day. My parents’ love for the outdoors meant that hundreds of family adventures were spent immersed in nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around me.

Athletics, Academia, and the Pursuit of Excellence
From an early age, I was drawn to athletics. I competed in gymnastics and track & field in junior high and high school and later added swimming to my repertoire. After high school, I made a halfhearted effort at college, following friends into business. It just wasn’t my calling. So, I took nearly a decade to explore life and chase another passion—bodybuilding. My desire to improve performance and train more effectively for national competitions led me back to the classroom, where I pursued a deep understanding of muscle physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition. I’ve always had a thirst for knowledge and I was hooked. Also, my deep passion for motivating, teaching, and coaching, so helping others reach their potential became just as fulfilling as chasing my own goals.

My academic pursuits soon revealed another unexpected passion—chemistry. As I progressed through my Exercise & Sports Science studies, it became clear that physiology and nutrition are deeply intertwined with the hard sciences—chemistry, biology, and physics. Organic chemistry, in particular, captivated me. So, after earning my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, even taking pharmaceutical biochemistry as an elective. I couldn’t get enough! I dove headfirst into advanced nutrition courses, fascinated by how food impacts the human system at a cellular level and under the stress of exercise. And yes, it was just more chemistry!

From World Champion to Military Service
While I was deep in academia, I was also competing on the national and world stage as a bodybuilder. My dedication paid off as I won a series of national and international competitions, including the Natural Ms. Olympia, Ms.Universe, and World Championships. Almost all these competitions were either drug tested or required polygraphs to ensure clean competition, something I took great pride in. While I was still competing, I began judging bodybuilding and fitness competitions, and soon became the Head Judge for Utah, a role I held for over 30 years.

Side note: My college peers weren’t always thrilled with my habit of eating tuna during class. 😊

Toward the end of my bodybuilding career, I felt called to serve in another way. I joined the Army as a Medical Service Corps officer and dedicated 21 years to military service. Around the same time, I expanded my coaching reach by teaching Group Fitness classes, adding to my existing personal training practice, something I’d been doing for over 20 years. I’m still actively teaching and absolutely love it! Helping others get stronger, healthier, and more confident through better movement, nutrition, and healthy skincare has always been my driving force.

The Birth of Luxe Body Worx
I didn’t start taking my skincare seriously until my mid-thirties. At first, I wasn’t overly concerned about ingredients, but as my skin became more sensitive over the years, I began to pay closer attention. It was a simple bar of natural, cold-processed soap that forever changed my approach to skincare. After experiencing the luxurious feel and noticeable difference in my skin, I couldn’t go back to store-bought brands.

That single bar of soap sparked an intense curiosity, leading me down a rabbit hole of studying plant oils, cosmeceuticals, and countless other skincare ingredients. What began as gifts for family and friends quickly blossomed into a thriving soap business. Soon, I expanded into skincare, seamlessly blending my lifelong passion for health and fitness with my newfound love of natural skincare. After all, your skin is an expression of your lifestyle.

Pushing Boundaries with Cosmetic Science
Even though I had three years of college chemistry and countless lab hours under my belt, I recently took my education even further. I enrolled in an accredited cosmetic school in the United Kingdom and earned an Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Science. This was no small commitment—both financially and in the extensive sourcing of ingredients required for creating and testing specialized formulations. But the knowledge I gained was invaluable.

This deep dive into skin science, active ingredients, and cosmeceuticals expanded my formulating techniques and refined my ability to optimize high-end ingredients for better absorption and effectiveness. I’m currently in the process of enhancing some of our existing skincare products with skin-transforming ingredients that will elevate your skincare experience even more. As always, consistency, stability, and thorough product testing remain at the forefront—because I’m a scientist at heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll be sure to keep you informed as these exciting updates unfold!

A Mission Rooted in Empowerment
So, there you have it—a glimpse into my journey and how Luxe Body Worx came to be. It’s been a remarkable ride, and I’m far from finished. My mission has always been to empower others to rise, reach, and become their best selves. I believe with every fiber of my being that we can achieve anything we’re willing to work for. Yes, there will be setbacks, closed doors, and challenges, but those are simply opportunities to build strength, resilience, and clarity. If it’s something you truly want—stay the course and don’t give up.

I always close my letters with Forever Your Champion because I am. I’ve got your back, I believe in you, and I know you can. And I mean it with every ounce of my soul.

And I was even honored by the dairy council to become a milk mustache celebrity. 🙂