Cover Story: New Shape Pro Shelica Jackson Dominates
When Shelica Kennedy Jackson stepped into the bodybuilding world in 2022, her sights were set on one goal: going Pro. Fast forward to today, and she’s not only earned three IPL Pro Cards across two divisions but also landed the cover of NATURALMAG—all within a whirlwind of discipline, growth, and undeniable presence. But Shelica’s rise isn’t just about trophies or titles; it’s about transformation. With a passion for inspiring others and a mindset rooted in purpose, Shelica is redefining what success looks like on and off the stage. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her journey, her vision for the future, and the power of showing up—mentally, physically, and unapologetically.
"WINNING THREE PRO CARDS AND BEING FEATURED ON THE COVER OF A MAGAZINE WAS NEVER SOMETHING I COULD HAVE DREAMED OF OR IMAGINED WOULD HAPPEN."
NATURALMAG: Three Pro Cards, two divisions, and now the cover of NATURALMAG. When you started your bodybuilding journey in 2022, did you ever imagine it would unfold like this?
SHELICA JACKSON: When I first started my bodybuilding journey in 2022, my goal was just to go Pro and compete with the Pros. Winning three Pro Cards and being featured on the cover of a magazine was never something I could have dreamed of or imagined would happen.
NMI: You’ve said your goal was simply to go Pro. Now that you’ve achieved that—and then some—has your definition of success changed?
SJ: My definition of success has not changed. Going Pro was only the beginning of my bodybuilding goals. Success for me is continuing to live a healthy lifestyle.
"PHYSICALLY, I COMPLETELY TRUSTED THE PROGRAMMING MY COACH SET FOR ME—EVEN WHEN I COULDN’T SEE HOW IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO BRING BOTH PHYSIQUES TO THE STAGE."
NMI: Shape and Figure require different looks, energy, and posing. How do you mentally and physically prepare to bring something unique to each division—on the same day, no less?
SJ: Physically, I completely trusted the programming my coach set for me—even when I couldn’t see how it would be possible to bring both physiques to the stage. Mentally, I prepared by giving myself positive self-talk, meditating, talking with my coach, and practicing my posing. That helped ease my mind and eliminated the self-consciousness I had about posing on stage.
NMI: You mentioned crying over the inspirational quotes in your swag bag, provided by show promoter and IPL Pro Samantha England. Do you remember what quote hit you the hardest, and why it resonated in that moment?
SJ: I don’t remember the specific quotes, but I remember the positivity and warmth I felt when I read them. It made me feel welcomed and reassured me that I was in the right place—an organization that truly aligned with what I’ve been looking for.
"THIS KIND OF VISIBILITY FUELS ME. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED INSPIRING OTHERS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH."
NMI: The IPL clearly struck a chord with you and your coach. What is it about this league that makes it feel like more than just a place to compete?
SJ: My coach and I studied the IPL before deciding to register for a show. We loved that the IPL promotes attainable and sustainable healthy physiques. That really resonated with us.
NMI: You’re now one of the faces (and physiques) of the league. Does that kind of visibility bring pressure, or does it fuel you? How do you balance performance with platform?
SJ: This kind of visibility fuels me. I’ve always loved inspiring others to take control of their health. This platform allows me to show people—whether they’re thinking about starting a lifestyle change or stepping into bodybuilding—that I go through the same ups and downs they do. It’s all part of the journey.
"NOW THAT I’M A PRO, MY NEXT GOAL IS TO BECOME A PRO CHAMPION, BECOME AN IPL JUDGE, AND POSSIBLY HELP PROMOTE A SHOW."
NMI: If you could give three tips to girls aiming for your kind of success in IPL Shape, what would they be?
SJ: #1 Follow the plan, trust the process. #2 Take care of yourself physically and mentally. #3 Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
NMI: You’ve got the titles, the Pro status, and the cover shot—what’s next for Shelica Jackson? What are you chasing now that “the streets are watching?”
SJ: Now that I’m a Pro, my next goal is to become a Pro Champion, become an IPL Judge, and possibly help promote a show. NMI
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NATURALMAG Cover Story: New Shape Pro Shelica Jackson Dominates
“When I first started my bodybuilding journey in 2022, my goal was just to go Pro and compete with the Pros. Winning three Pro Cards and being featured on the cover of a magazine was never something I could have dreamed of or imagined would happen.”
New IPL Shape Pro Shelica Jackson Lands Cover Of NATURALMAG
“First and foremost, I’d like to give honor and thanks to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible. When I started my bodybuilding journey in 2022, my goal was just to go Pro. Becoming a Pro AND being featured on the cover of NATURALMAG is proof that His plan for me was bigger than my goals.“
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