In 2015 I moved from San Diego to Los Angeles and it was then that things had changed for me. I went through a really transitional time in my life where I wasn’t putting health and fitness first. From the hardships and financial struggles of starting your own business to getting denied for dance gigs by sleazy male entertainment company owners because I wouldn’t get physically involved with them, or hearing I wasn’t tall enough, or skinny enough… Eventually, it did a number on my image of myself.

I began partying and staying distracted way too much and got caught up in a lifestyle that was not aligning with my goals or my highest self. I was getting depressed with not only the way my body was looking, but more so how this unhealthy lifestyle was making me feel both mentally and emotionally. This was initially a very scary thing for me because I had never felt like this before and it put me at my most vulnerable place.

The summer of 2017, a brand-new UFC gym opened up down the street from my house and I took it as a sign that it was time to make a change. The first couple times I walked in, I practically walked right out because I was so intimidated, but I was determined to make this part of my life. This time, when I finally convinced myself to get back to training, it was not just for my physique—it was for my mental health and well-being.

I got a trainer and signed up for an event called The Challenge that the UFC gym puts on. It was designed to test your strength and endurance, and with my competitive nature, this was just the spark I needed. I trained for 8 weeks and competed in what was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life—and I wound up WINNING the whole event! That prep truly showed me what I was capable of and became the launching pad of my fitness career.

From there, I continued to let fitness fuel me and my desire to become the best version of Krystyna possible. Not too long after, I started prep to compete in my first ever WBFF show. In October 2018, I competed as a bikini competitor and won my Pro Card on my first try! I then went on to compete in my first pro bikini show in April 2019.

Over the next few years, I started utilizing my social media platforms to inspire other women—not just to look good, but to feel good from the inside out. I truly started to get enjoyment and fulfillment out of helping other women get up on their path to success, whatever that may be. I decided I wanted to turn it into a business and help others. My goal as a coach became to help women unleash their true potential, build confidence, and become the best version of themselves.