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Cover Story: 4X IPL Pro Champion Heather Brice

 

 

 Is The Heart Of Alaska

PHOTOS BY BEN YOSEF

Heather Brice is more than just a 4X IPL Pro Champion, she’s a force of nature. Blending the fierce resilience of her Alaskan roots with an unyielding passion for fitness and artistry. Whether she’s sculpting ice in the frigid beauty of Alaska or dominating the stage in physique competitions, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and the drive to continually push boundaries. A longtime advocate for health and wellness, Heather found her calling later in life, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and inspire others along the way. In this exclusive interview, Heather opens up about her path to greatness, the intersection of fitness and ice sculpting, and how she’s using her success to empower others…one sculpt, one workout, and one goal at a time.

"Alaskans are incredibly independent and resilient. Our extreme cold, long, dark winters, and snowy landscapes can be tough, but they’re also breathtakingly beautiful..."

SEAM MAGAZINE: Being a lifelong Alaskan and a 4X IPL Pro Champion, you’ve clearly built an inspiring career. Can you take us back to the beginning? How did your journey into physique competition and fitness first begin?
HEATHER BRICE: I never imagined starting my fitness career at 54, but my friend and coach, La’net Spence, whom I met through our Arbonne businesses, inspired me. In high school and college, I was fascinated by bodybuilding and trained on my own but didn’t have the nutritional knowledge to support it. As an adult, I thought I was eating fairly healthy, but in my mid-40s, hormonal changes and weight management became challenges.
     When I discovered Arbonne’s 30-Day Program, it completely changed my life and the direction of my career. The value I found in that program motivated me to start sharing it with others, and it gave me the courage to train with La’net and Teresa Moss.
     I’ve always loved to travel, so when I heard about the Destin, Florida competition, it gave me a clear goal and extra motivation. I didn’t realize I could earn Pro Cards in my first show until my coaches helped me see that potential.

"It was thrilling to showcase ice carving as my sport in my hometown because I knew people would instantly recognize what I was representing...it felt personal and special."

"Sculpting the human figure for ice art has also enhanced my understanding of human anatomy, which helps with fitness training."

SEAM: In addition to your success in physique competitions, you’re also a world champion ice sculptor. How do you balance these two pursuits, and is there any overlap between the artistry of ice sculpting and your approach to physique competition?
HEATHER: Both are incredibly physically demanding. Last ice season, I was surprised by how much my leaner physique impacted my recovery. I couldn’t bounce back in time for the individual competition after the big Multi-block event. This year, I’m focusing on bulking during ice season to see if it helps with endurance in the extreme cold and long hours. There’s definitely overlap between the two. Both require discipline, precision, and practice. Sculpting the human figure for ice art has also enhanced my understanding of human anatomy, which helps with fitness training.
SEAM: You’ve mentioned wanting to inspire others to embrace a healthier lifestyle. What are your top three pieces of advice for someone starting their fitness journey?
HEATHER: 1.Nutrition is key: Fueling your body with the right foods is essential. If you’re unsure how, seek guidance. I have an introduction to nutrition program that’s been a game-changer. Remember, you can’t out-exercise a poor diet. 2. Consistency: Show up regularly to make progress. Start small with sustainable habits, like drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or fitting in a 20-minute workout. Build from there. 3. Don’t quit: Every day is a fresh start. If you need a rest day, take it without guilt. just keep going.

"I’ve learned everything I know about ice sculpting from Steve and through trial and error. He’s an incredible teacher..."

SEAM: Maintaining motivation must be crucial. What drives you to keep pushing toward new goals?
HEATHER: I’m on a spiritual journey that feels new, yet deeply meaningful. I believe I have a higher purpose—to impact lives—and right now, inspiring others through my own journey feels like the vehicle to fulfill that purpose. I’ve always been competitive with myself, striving to become the best version of who I can be. That drive keeps me going, but I’m not always motivated. On some days, especially during Alaska’s dark and short winters, I feel like staying in bed. That’s when my gratitude practice and healthy habits, like affirmations, come into play. They remind me to show up, even when it’s hard. I also hold onto the knowledge that there are people—many of whom I haven’t even met—who are counting on me. That belief keeps me moving forward.
SEAM: You and your husband, Steve, have an incredible partnership in both your personal and professional lives. How has your relationship influenced your approach to ice sculpting and physique competition?
HEATHER: I’ve learned everything I know about ice sculpting from Steve and through trial and error. He’s an incredible teacher, but accepting constructive criticism from your spouse isn’t always easy! I remind myself that his feedback comes from a place of wanting to help me improve. Both ice sculpting and fitness require discipline and practice. Sculpting human figures has deepened my understanding of anatomy, which directly benefits my training. Fitness, in turn, has enhanced my sculpting by improving my strength and mobility.

"As I’ve grown in my ice sculpting, health and wellness business, and fitness career, my confidence has blossomed. Public speaking, building a social media presence, and developing leadership skills have allowed me to make a greater impact..."

SEAM: How has living in Alaska shaped who you are as both an athlete and a person?
HEATHER: Alaska’s snow and ice are integral to my identity. The World Ice Art Championships are renowned, and there’s no place like Alaska for what we do. As I’ve grown in my ice sculpting, health and wellness business, and fitness career, my confidence has blossomed. Public speaking, building a social media presence, and developing leadership skills have allowed me to make a greater impact, both as an athlete and a former board member for the Ice Art Championships. The support from Fairbanks has been instrumental—I was shy and introverted growing up, but this community has encouraged me every step of the way.
SEAM: Being featured on SEAM Magazine’s cover is a huge milestone. What was going through your mind when you first saw it?
HEATHER: I was honored and thrilled! Years ago, I modeled in a magazine for The Deluthe clothing company because of my ice sculpting career. I never imagined I’d one day grace a fitness magazine cover.

"I'm excited to continue traveling for fitness and sculpting competitions, sharing and selling the tools Steve creates, and offering the incredible wellness opportunities I’ve discovered."

SEAM: Physique competitions can be mentally challenging. How do you prepare yourself for the mental aspects of a competition?
HEATHER: I’m a big believer in visualization and the Law of Attraction. I practice seeing myself overcoming challenges and achieving my goals. This mindset started when I was a swimmer and has carried into ice sculpting, team building, and fitness. My morning routine includes reading, visualization, gratitude, and affirmations, which help me stay grounded and focused and always learning. When things get hard, I remind myself that everything happens for a reason, which helps me pivot and stay on track.
SEAM: What’s next for you in terms of your career, fitness goals, and personal life?
HEATHER: I’m focusing on building my health and wellness business and team, spending more time sculpting with Steve, and going through a bulking season. Last ice season taught me I need more energy reserves to handle the extreme cold and long competition days. In addition, I’m excited to continue traveling for fitness and sculpting competitions, sharing and selling the tools Steve creates, and offering the incredible wellness opportunities I’ve discovered. SEAM

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