Interview With Sandy Wiedmeyer - Iron Diva Fitness
Featured Competitor - January 2010
Interviewed by: Angela Courduff
WP: Sandy is the owner of Iron Diva Fitness. She is also a wife, mother of two, group fitness instructor and amateur figure competitor. She is new to competing, but really emerged herself into fitness after the birth of her second child. She was no longer working, and as a stay at home mom she felt she really needed something for herself!
“I guess you could say I am one of those “Out of shape mommy finally gets fed up and changes her ways” kind of stories.”
What started as a hobby turned into a passion and way of life for Sandy!
WP: Hello, Sandy. It's great to have you here today. You own and operate a new company called Iron Diva Fitness. I'm excited to hear more about it.
SW: Hello, Angela. It's great to be here with you today, too! Iron Diva Fitness primarily focuses on designing and importing Brazilian fitness wear. We are very proud of both the quality and the designs that are unique to our company! Brazilian supplex is known for how well it washes and wears. It is really an investment and these pieces last virtually forever! We carry adorable fitness jewelry. These make great gifts for any fitness enthusiast. Also, check out the cool casual wear. The burnout shirts have been very popular items!
We are also proud to say that you can find our fitness wear at Jen Hendershott’s 2010 PHAT Camps!
WP: Jen Hendershott’s? Wow! That speaks volume about your quality! Have you always been interested in apparel? How did you come up with the idea for your company?
SW: I have been in love with the quality of Brazilian supplex ever since a good friend introduced me to it. I love the designs and standout colors! Iron Diva Fitness celebrates all women of fitness, from beginner to competitor. We know what dedication it takes to compete at every level of physique sports.
I should probably share the idea behind our logo, FeD. “Fe” is the periodic symbol for Iron and the “D” stands for Diva. I was a middle school teacher in my previous life and this “ties” in my previous passion to my current passion.
WP: Love your concept. You have a great product line. Do you have any new products coming out soon?
SW: Be on the lookout for more casual apparel and more designs added to the FeD Brazilian collection! We are looking to cater to the needs and wants of all our clients!
WP: Do you have interest in other health and fitness ventures?
SW: Several! Where do I begin? First and foremost, I plan to use Iron Diva Fitness as an outlet for giving back to the bodybuilding community. We are already sponsoring key sites for women of fitness. In January, 2010 we hosted a free seminar for women interested in competing, providing basic information on getting started. We look forward to the opportunity to do so much more!
I hope to expand Iron Diva Fitness by offering wholesale/group discount for those interested in carrying our line.
WP: What do you feel has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
SW: Honestly, the support from my husband. He knew how badly I wanted to do this and he is the reason I started. Without his support, I would not have started Iron Diva Fitness and would not be competing in figure. I am very fortunate that I can do what I love!
WP: Let's get to your competing. You have done well to be a beginner. You placed 3rd in your figure class at the NGA Heart of America. What other titles or accomplishments have you attained thus far?
SW: Thank you. I also placed 2nd in my class, and 4th in Novice at the NANBF Great Northern Natural. I look forward to adding to this list in 2010!
WP: Are you still planning on competing in figure?
SW: Absolutely! I have been “bitten by the bug”! Right now I plan on competing in the figure category in an INBF, NGA, and possibly a NPC competition. I will continue to compete as long as I enjoy it and my body responds the way it needs to.
WP: I am so proud of you! Let’s get personal a bit now, if you don’t mind. You mentioned you are married. Tell me a little about your marriage and children.
SW: I don't mind at all. I have been married for over 16 years. My husband and I are blessed with two lovely children.
They keep me busy and running all over the place. They are so cute. They will come up and “flex” their muscles saying, “Mommy, look how big my muscles are!” It is so great to hear them yelling for me in the audience at my competitions!
At one show, my fellow competitors told me they also loved hearing my kids yelling “Mommy” in the audience. They said it put them at ease and lightened the mood a bit!
WP: It sounds like you have a lot of love and support in your life. What is a typical day for you?
SW: I get the kids off to school, check business e-mails, run errands, teach classes at the gym, train myself, get the kiddos from school, take care of more business, take care of dinner, baths, bedtime, to bed myself, and wake to do it all over again! Really, nothing to exciting, just really busy! I feel like there simply is not enough time in the day! I am amazed at how full-time working moms in this sport can get it all in!
WP: With all you have going on in your life, how do you create balance?
SW: Some days I am not so sure that I have found balance! Ha-ha. I really think remembering the needs of those around you, helps to keep things balanced.
WP: Ha-ha! I know the feeling! Where do you see yourself in 10 years? How about Iron Diva Fitness?
SW: I see myself and Iron Diva Fitness in the position to help may ladies to pursue their dreams of competing! Keep an eye on us; we have a lot in store for the future!
WP: One last question before we end the interview. I know you are very busy. What do you consider to be important in life? Why?
SW: First and foremost, is my family. If I were to lose everything tomorrow, I would still have them! Beyond, that everything else is just “extra”.
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you, Sandy! Please keep us updated! I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!
