BEN YOSEF: First of all, congratulations on basically everything! It’s been such a pleasure watching you blossom since first meeting you a couple of years ago on the IPL stage. You have so many amazing things going on as far as competition and coaching as well as off the stage. And I must say, the vibe and the tone of this cover feature inspired me to create another publication that is dedicated strictly to celebrating the entrepreneurial ventures of our athletes. Athlete Entrepreneur Magazine! This interview would be really fitting for that publication, but we’re going to get into it in SEAM Magazine instead! What was your upbringing and childhood like?

LA’NET SPENCE: Thanks, Ben! I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. For the majority of my childhood, I thought the world ended at the corner of Airport Road and the Steese Highway. You don’t know what that means yet, but you will once you get there in September. [laughs]

     In Alaska, our families spend the weekends on adventure. We boat, ride, camp, hunt, trap, fly, and fish. It’s for fun. It’s also for provision. We love our game meat and fresh fish. We live off the land. It’s our lifestyle in Alaska. So much wilderness and beauty.

     I was a gymnast in high and high school. That is literally the only reason I graduated from high school. I loved to party.

BEN: Very cool. And yes! I am looking forward to spending time in Alaska this fall! So, you loved to party? Gymnastics is what got you through school? You weren’t a great student?

LA’NET: I was definitely more social than scholarly in high school. I loved my gymnastics TEAM, and I respected my coach, Sheryl. I squeaked out a diploma. As I look back now, it was the familiar feeling of being conditioned, strong, limber, and fit. I also loved being with my team back then. I was not the best. I was not an All-Around Champion. What I loved was cheering ALL of us on. We traveled across the state by van. I made lifelong friends during those trips. One of them is on our team, Rhonda.

     I’m so grateful to have found the IPL. Our team is now able to have the culture we KNOW helps athletes achieve their best in all areas of life. I feel so proud to be on this journey with them.

BEN: Balancing a thriving career and excelling in the fitness world must be challenging. How do you manage to maintain such a high level of dedication to both your business endeavors and your fitness goals?