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IPL Newcomer Samantha Harris

Photography by Ben Yosef

When Samantha Harris and her fraternal twin sister Katie stepped on stage for the first time at the IPL Arizona Championship this past May…it marked more than just their competition debut. It was the beginning of a brand-new chapter. From shaking off nerves backstage to finding her confidence under the lights, Samantha’s journey has already been shaped by personal growth, hard-earned lessons, and the strength of sisterhood. Just three months later, she returned to the stage at the 10th Annual IPL Southwest Grand Prix, where she earned a Pro Card, solidifying that this is only the beginning of something much bigger. All photos featured in this interview were taken during her debut in May.

"I reminded myself how much work Katie and I had put in...and I owed it to myself to face my fears and own those few moments in the spotlight."

Natural Bikini Magazine: Hi, Samantha! Welcome to Natural Bikini Magazine! How did it feel stepping on stage for the very first time at the IPL Arizona Championship this past May?
Samantha Harris: Thank you so much! The first time I stepped on stage, I was so nervous…my stomach was full of butterflies, and part of me wondered if I could even do it. Surrounded by so many beautiful women backstage, it was easy to feel discouraged. But I reminded myself how much work Katie and I had put in. I wasn’t going to be alone out there, and I owed it to myself to face my fears and own those few moments in the spotlight.
NBM: You and your fraternal twin sister Katie both made your debut at the same show. What was it like going through that experience together?
Samantha: It was amazing. She has this way of taking all my fears away and making me stronger. She’s always been my greatest support system, and with her by my side, I know I can take on anything.
NBM: You placed 4th in Bikini Novice and 7th in Bikini Open. What did those results mean to you personally?
Samantha: Placing was such an exciting surprise. I truly didn’t expect it. I was already proud just for sticking with something so new, so challenging, and seeing it through.

"We were excited to be backstage and see all the outfit changes and wanted to explore all the IPL has to offer."

NBM: With your first show under your belt, what changes, if any, did you make to your training or prep for the Southwest Grand Prix in August?
Samantha: For our show in August we went harder in the gym, ate healthier and with the help from our trainer Samantha we absolutely killed it.
NBM: This time around, you entered more than just Bikini. Talk about the new divisions you took on and what inspired that decision?
Samantha: My sister and I decided to branch out to really see what divisions would suit us best. We were excited to be backstage and see all the outfit changes and wanted to explore all the IPL has to offer.
NBM: Did your dynamic with Katie change at all prepping again together for a second show?

"If anything, our relationship has only grown stronger. We’re side by side in the gym every evening and meal prepping together every Sunday."

Samantha: If anything, our relationship has only grown stronger. We’re side by side in the gym every evening and meal prepping together every Sunday. I’m her biggest fan, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far she’s come. Not just as a mother, but now as an official Bikini Pro.
NBM: What’s been the biggest challenge for you so far on this journey, and what’s been the most rewarding part?
Samantha: My biggest challenge was staying mentally locked in, especially with how stressful life can be and how tempting it would’ve been to quit. Having someone hold me accountable made all the difference. The most rewarding part? Discovering just how far I can push my body, and falling back in love with the gym.

"With two shows already under my belt and a coveted Pro Card on my list of achievements, I’m just getting started!"

NBM: Looking ahead, do you see this as the beginning of a long competition journey for you, or are you just taking it one show at a time?
Samantha: This is absolutely something I want to continue pursuing. With two shows already under my belt and a coveted Pro Card on my list of achievements, I’m just getting started! Natural Bikini

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“I never dreamed of stepping on a stage, let alone placing 1st and earning my Pro Card. Especially after just 11 weeks of prep. With God as my foundation, the support of my family, and a deep love for health and fitness, I pushed past my limits. This experience reminded me that with faith, dedication, and heart, anything is possible. I’m excited for what’s next!”

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