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Valarie Vanario-Mullins – 2 Shows. 2 Pro Titles.

Photography by Ben Yosef

With just two IPL shows under her belt, this powerhouse athlete has already made an unforgettable impact—earning two Pro titles in two different divisions. From her shock first win at 2024 IPL APEX VIII to confidently claiming another at the 2025 IPL Arizona Championship, her journey is one of grit, grace, and unapologetic authenticity. A mother, grandmother, medical professional, and self-coached competitor, she’s redefining what’s possible at every level of the sport. In this issue of Natural Bikini Valarie Vanario-Mullins opens up about her stage presence, mindset, transformation, and what drives her to keep evolving—on and off the stage.

“Pro win number one was at my first ever IPL show… That one came as a complete shock!”

Natural Bikini Magazine: Let’s start with the headline—two IPL shows, two Pro titles. What was your reaction when you realized you had just pulled that off, back-to-back?
Valarie Vanario-Mullins: Pro win number one was at my first ever IPL show, the APEX VIII in Phoenix, November 2024. That one came as a complete shock! I had been grinding for nearly a year and a half at that point, had competed in 8 competitions in that time frame, and wanted to prove to myself that I had what it takes to be a Pro competitor. Grateful is an understatement. Confidently, I believe I manifested my second Pro win in May of 2025 at the Arizona Championship. Somehow, I just KNEW. With the power of positive thinking, I believe I made it happen. I just somehow knew.
NBM: Your Pro wins came in two different divisions: Bikini Masters and Shape Masters. What does that say about your versatility as an athlete, and which division feels most natural to you?
Valarie: Not specifically a division, but rather being on stage feels very natural to me. I was a thespian all throughout my grade school and high school years. Being involved in Performing Arts from a young age is something that has created a level of comfort for me, positioning myself under stage lights and in front of an audience. It’s like an acting role, and I believe I’m able to conform to the role of the day, whatever that may be. I don’t see myself so much as a “Shape” competitor or a “Bikini” competitor, but simply a chameleon athlete who enjoys having fun performing as different characters.
NBM: You’ve now competed across Open, Masters, and Pro divisions. How do the energy, expectations, and competition levels shift between those tiers?

“I don’t see myself so much as a ‘Shape’ competitor or a ‘Bikini’ competitor, but simply a chameleon athlete who enjoys having fun performing as different characters.”

Valarie: I pride myself on being an expert in expectation management. While I always hope for a great outcome, I remember that it’s not the outcome that truly matters, but my mindset in how I show up. I am genuinely happy for whoever wins. If it’s me, great, if it’s someone else, that’s great too. I love congratulating others.
NBM: From your Bikini Masters 40+ win at APEX VIII to your Shape Pro Card at the 2025 Arizona Championship, how did your approach evolve between those two shows—and what did each victory mean to you?
Valarie: Between shows I like to just resume life as usual. For me this means staying disciplined with my nutrition and fitness. My normal every day routine and my competition prep actually look really similar to each other. The only thing that changes for me, is the implementation or withdrawal of daily cardio activity, and my food portion sizes/ratios. That’s about it. I lift weights 5-6 days per week all of the time, in and out of prep. 
     A victory to me is SO rewarding because it’s a recognition of the hard work and consistency I put into practice ALL of the time, no matter what. I am a self-coached athlete who initially lost 65lbs, without ever counting calories or tracking macros. And I’ve never had any type of formal posing lessons. As someone who trains myself in the gym, decorates my own bikinis, does my own stage hair and makeup on show day, every victory tastes so sweet. It means more because I’ve not only put in the work…but I’ve put in ALL the work, myself, from grass roots. Saying I am proud of myself, is also an understatement.

“I am a self-coached athlete who initially lost 65lbs, without ever counting calories or tracking macros.”

NBM: How do you manage your energy, posing, and mental focus when switching between multiple divisions on the same day?
Valarie: Multi-tasking is a skill of mine that I’ve been able to cultivate and sharpen over a 15 year career working as a medical professional. In the emergency room, I have to be able to think on my feet, in a moments notice, and often without much prior knowledge of what’s actually going on. I believe this definitely helps me when I’m backstage between divisions, changing into a different suit, different heels, maybe different jewelry, and then mentally putting myself in the different character role of the next division. I just line it all up in my head, then execute the plan, like knocking down bowling pins one by one. Secretly, I’m just winging it, hoping for the best. [laughs]
NBM: You’ve placed in the top 3 in both Bikini and Shape Open classes. Do those near-wins fuel your competitive fire just as much as a first-place finish?
Valarie: I don’t consider those “near-wins.” I work hard, I show up. I am only in competition with myself. Those are wins. My goal is to try and do better each time I compete. As far as I’m concerned, every woman on that stage is already a winner, just for being there, regardless of class or division. The only people who have ultimate control of the number on your medal or trophy, are the judges. My fire is just being passionate about competing. Whether I place first, second, or third, I simply love being in the spotlight, showcasing a physique that I’ve worked so hard for. I find fulfillment in being on stage. It just brings me to life.

"Secretly, I’m just winging it, hoping for the best. [laughs]”

NBM: Walk us through your Pro Masters Bikini win. What do you think set you apart from the competition that day?
Valarie: Hands down, without question; my stage presence. Physically, the competition was pretty fierce amongst the competitors I lined up with. The judges had a really difficult decision to make. Stage presence isn’t something that comes naturally to alot of people, and I believe having it definitely sets me apart. I am able to exude a quiet confidence because my level of self awareness is on point. The Goddess energy flows pretty organically, without me having to try too hard. It’s just woven into the fabric of what makes me, me.

“There is no goal I set my mind to, that I don’t absolutely eat up and make my b*tch.”

NBM: You’ve earned IPL league credit from both of your Pro wins. How does that benefit your journey as a competitor?
Valarie: As with everything, I’m always thankful. Being able to apply Pro win credits to future competitions has been incredibly helpful! It makes me look forward to registering for the next one.
NBM: With all the momentum you’ve built over your two IPL shows, what goals have you set for the rest of 2025—and will we see you defend one or both of your Pro titles?
Valarie: For the rest of 2025, and at least the immediate, foreseeable future, my goal is to build a stronger, more muscular physique. After completing a series of 11 competitions in a 20 month time span, my body needs a period of rest and growth before I’ll hit the stage again. But who knows? I like to be spontaneous. Possibly I may continue to compete in either Bikini or Shape (or both) but I have an ultimate goal of competing in Figure. I love the poses in the Figure division. So elegant, so statuesque. Figure is a gorgeous display of strength in the feminine structure.
NBM: For women who are watching your climb through the IPL ranks and thinking, ‘Maybe I could do that too’—what’s your message to them?
Valarie: Do it! Why not? Is life so long that you have endless time for endless possibilities? Women are magical, multi-faceted creatures. We have the capability and wherewithal to do and accomplish ALL of the desires of our hearts. I am living proof that a woman can be a steadfast individual, a loving and dedicated wife, a doting mother of 4 successful adult children, a fun grandma of 2 toddlers, a dog mom, and (now) a Pro Shape and Pro Bikini Bodybuilder. I have a rewarding career that I love, I am the main manager and caretaker of my houseld, the consummate purchaser of healthy groceries, I am the home chef and nutritionist, everyones biggest cheerleader, and the family photographer. I enjoy a beautiful life of abundance, opulence, opportunity, passion, adventure, happiness, and achievements. 

“Each time I step on stage, I’m aiming to bring an even better version of myself. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

     There is no goal I set my mind to, that I don’t absolutely eat up and make my b*tch. I am a FIRM believer that if I truly want to do something, there’s no limit to the amount of effort or energy I am willing to contribute to make that thing happen. The International Physique League has been an instrumental part of my life journey. It was there to offer me a platform which helped in the procurement of my goal to become a natural Pro competitor. I am so thankful to be a contracted IPL athlete, it has been such an honor. I recommend this League to anyone, man or woman, that wants to involve themselves in the sport of natural competitive bodybuilding, without compromising their health or wellness standards. In my opinion, the IPL stands second to none in terms of support, comraderie, and a fair judging system. Natural Bikini

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