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La’net Spence Earns First Pro Bikini Model Title

From flip-flops at the lake to heels on the Pro stage, La’net Spence’s journey to her first IPL Pro Bikini Model title is nothing short of extraordinary. With grace, grit, and God at the center, she transformed heartbreak into honor, dedicating her APEX VIII prep to the memory of her late sister. Facing top Pros, Lesley Beck and Jennifer McFarland, La’net brought not only her physique, but a powerful mindset shaped by prayer, purpose, and perseverance. Vulnerable yet victorious, she’s redefining what it means to step on stage—with humility, strength, and the soul of a true champion.

“I FEEL HONORED TO BE ABLE TO STEP ON STAGE AT THIS LEVEL. IT IS A STRETCH FOR ME. I'M STILL PINCHING MYSELF.”

NATURALMAG: La’net, biggest congratulations to you! How are you feeling about your incredible achievement at IPL APEX VIII in Pro Masters Bikini Model?
LA’NET SPENCE: Victorious, honestly. I feel honored to be able to step on stage at this level. It is a stretch for me. I’m still pinching myself. 
NATURALMAG: You’ve been very vocal about the importance of mindset in your success. Could you share a specific mental strategy that helped you stay focused during this competition prep, especially when facing tough competitors?
LA’NET: For the most part, I am intentional about surrounding myself with positive intake. Prayer, positive music, podcasts, books, people, etc. I believe in the power of prayer. Also “garbage in, garbage out. So I do my best to avoid negativity and handle adversity with calmness and grace. This was a particularly tough prep for me because I lost a little sister unexpectedly one week after making the commitment to compete. She went to be with Jesus. There’s a unique level of focus when we grieve. I felt like my sister was whispering, “You can do this.” I knew that  my competition would be tough. Facing the top Pro in the league is intimidating for sure. It’s also an honor.

“IT WAS EXHILARATING AND TERRIFYING AT THE SAME TIME. IF YOU HAD TOLD ME A YEAR AGO I’D BE A BIKINI MODEL PRO, I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED IN DISBELIEF.”

NATURALMAG: Our deepest condolences for your loss. That kind of grief can be paralyzing for many, yet you found a way to channel it into strength and purpose. Thank you for sharing something so deeply personal. What was it like being on stage, competing against two solid Pros, Lesley Beck, and Jennifer McFarland?
LA’NET: It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. These professional beauties are at the top of their game! If you had told me a year ago I’d be a Bikini Model Pro, I would have laughed in disbelief.
NATURALMAG: Do you get intimidated on stage at all or nervous, or do you just take it all in stride?
LA’NET: I definitely get nervous on stage. I remember my lips were quivering so much I just KNEW THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE could see it.

“THE TRUTH IS THIS WAS UNCOMFORTABLE FOR ME! I’M COMFORTABLE IN FLIP FLOPS AT THE LAKE. I’M A PONYTAIL GIRL FOR SURE AND NO HEELS!" [LAUGHS]

NATURALMAG: You’ve been able to transition so smoothly between different divisions, from Bodybuilding to Bikini Model. How did you approach the mental and physical shift to focus exclusively on the Pro Masters Bikini Model class for APEX VIII?
LA’NET: First, thank you for saying that the transition looks SMOOTH. It is a challenge. The truth is, this was uncomfortable for me! I’m comfortable in flip flops at the lake. I’m a ponytail girl for sure and no heels! [laughs] But a bikini…THAT’S my favorite outfit! These professionals make it look easy. It’s hard work. The mental switch is a DECISION. In our tribe we say, “How you do anything is How you do Everything.” I shut all other classes out of my brain and FOCUSED on MY program…with the help of my lil sis in my head and heart. Lots of tear-filled posing and workouts. My new nightly prayer…“God, thank you for every breath I take. I am grateful to be here on earth with my friends and family. Sis, I will see you again, Amen.”
NATURALMAG: With your experience in so many divisions, how do you adapt your diet and training for each?
LA’NET: The coolest thing about this sport is that once you know what works for YOUR body, it can be fine tuned to be thick and full, or tight and dry. I think that I would be remiss if I didn’t address AGE here. As we mature we have to adapt NUTRITION and training to our changing hormones. It’s important to be AWARE that we cannot be our 25-year-old self at 54…lets be real, ok?

"Your physique is a demonstration of discipline, confidence, and integrity. Honor it."

I believe in Keeping it simple. DAILY:
  1. Make GOOD decisions about Sleep, hydration & REST.
  2. Follow it with Protein, Carbs, Fat (stick to what God made).
  3. Train consistently and listen to your body.
  4. Take pics & Video at least once a week.
  5. Be accountable to someone for this. EVERYONE needs a coach. If you mess up, put that to bed and move forward QUICKLY!
  6. Lastly, take time to recover. It’s not possible to be in STAGE shape year-round. Write that on your mirror y’all. Let your body be beautiful by being good to it, with a little treat scheduled in there on occasion. Your physique is a demonstration of discipline, confidence, and integrity. Honor it.

“…THIS SPORT IS IN MY BLOOD. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I HAVE AN ITCH TO GET ON STAGE FOR APEX VIIII. PERHAPS I’LL FIND A BEAUTIFUL BIKINI BEFORE THEN. FOR MASTERS AND OPEN.”

NATURALMAG: What is your favorite thing about the IPL Bikini Model division
LA’NET: Beautiful Bikini shopping!
NATURALMAG: Finally, what’s next for you in the Bikini Model division? Another Pro Masters title? Maybe aiming for some wins in the Open class?
LA’NET: 2025 is a year of rest and growth for me. No competitions scheduled. THIS IS THE HARD PART. Changing the mindset to this has been intentional…As a business owner, I am building my wellness team with Arbonne. As a coach, I’m focused on helping others earn titles this year. HOWEVER,…this sport is in my blood. It is possible that I have an itch to get on stage for APEX VIIII. Perhaps I’ll find a beautiful Bikini before then. For Masters AND Open. NATURALMAG

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