Lindsay Messina is such a special person in my life. I met Lindsay in 2009 when I was first interested in fitness modeling. I had competed in pageants for many years but felt I needed guidance if I wanted to break into the fitness world. I scheduled private and group sessions with her and took every piece of advice she handed to me. Lindsay is a very well-connected individual in the fitness world…she is a Fitness ICON! In 2010, I shot with one of her preferred photographers at a seminar she set up, with the outfits she helped me pick out. From that shoot, I was featured in a 2 page spread in Natural Muscle Magazine in April 2011…all thanks to Lindsay Messina’s connection and my willingness to listen to her advice.
Marie-lynn Piscetelli
I can honestly say that joining the NY DIVAS has been one of the best decisions I have made thus far. The experience from day one has been absolutely life changing. I have received an endless amount of support, encouragement, and guidance from day one from my Lindsay and all of the girls. I wake up at 6AM to be at the train by 7AM to be at Diva session by 10AM on my day off-that means DIVA sessions are beyond worth it to me. They are the perfect way to start off my weekend as I get to spend my morning with an amazing group of genuine woman and leave their feeling as if I have had the best workout of my life (each time).
WPFF Pro Kelly Smith
When I first met Lindsay, she was a mentor, but as time has gone on, we have also become business confidants, and best of all, friends. Lindsay helped me select photographers that had credible reputations in the fitness industry, negotiate contracts for athletic sponsorships and spokesmodeling opportunities, review compensation details for expo appearances, implement model releases and understand image usage. Lindsay has also been successful in achieving a commercial brand image, one that is incredibly marketable, respectful and professional. From art directing poses in front of a camera, to selecting a publish-worthy wardrobe, Lindsay is the ultimate expert in helping you reach your goals.
Keri Lynn Ford
When I first got the information regarding the NYC Photo shoot, which would include the one and only Lindsay Messina, Jorge and Marie-Lynn, I couldn’t pass up the chance to book myself! Even though the photo shoot was NOT in my budget for my first competition, I managed to “find” the money for the bundle package very easily! I think I was more excited about the photo shoot than my first competition, as the camera and I are very good friends! I LOVE taking pictures. Back in the early 80’s I had an opportunity to do some professional modeling, but “life happened” and that dream suddenly came to an end.
Ty Royal
My husband and I are very grateful to have a business that gives us the freedom to spend every day raising and playing with our 2 year old twins, but while my husband had finally realized his passion in motivational speaking to thousands throughout the world, I was still desperate to find my passion. In November 2013, I drove 18 hours by myself from Ohio to North Carolina and back to attend my first Diva Workshop to meet Lindsay. I realized that weekend after hearing her story and understanding how much she has paved the way for other women who aspire to be cover models or fitness competitors that her experience and knowledge could be of huge value to not only me but other women I know who were also feeling like something is missing in their life. In the 6 months since joining the Divas, I have attended two workshops in North Carolina where I have met so many inspiring women, had my first photoshoot experience with personal coaching from Lindsay, and placed top ten in my first show, the WBFF Fitness Atlantic in April 2014. Before meeting Lindsay, I was unsure if I could even get my body in top shape to compete because I was petite and had stretch marks and a split in my rectus abdominus from my pregnancy with twins. The support I’ve received from Lindsay and the Divas throughout my journey has given me so much confidence and surrounding myself with other women who empower eachother and share similar interests in fitness was definitely the missing link in my life. I’m proud to call myself a Diva and to call the classiest and sassiest woman I know, Miss Lindsay Messina, a mentor and a friend.
Brittany Just
I was so nervous!
I had never done a photoshoot before. There I was, headed to NYC to do my very first photoshoot with cover model Lindsay Messina!! I decided to take on this adventure as a 40th birthday gift to myself. I was just a suburban mom who was looking to do something out of my comfort zone. I had no idea this would be the beginning of something amazing.
I took a seat in Marie-Lynn’s make up chair and she went to work. It was incredible, I felt like a movie star. She styled my hair so beautifully and was a true artist with make-up. When she was finished, I couldn’t believe the transformation. I went from suburban mom to fashion model. Since then, I have worked with a few make-up artists and I still think she is one of the best in the business. Lindsay cranked up the music and it was time for Jorge to take some shots. I’ll admit – I was very stiff, but with a little coaching from Lindsay and encouragement from Jorge, that all changed. They made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the room and I had been doing this for years.
The posing, the outfits, the styling, the beautiful photos and the friendships that began that day made that photoshoot one of the most pivotal moments in my fitness career. Driving home, I remember thinking that EVERY woman should experience that at least once in her life. Every woman should feel like a star. Like everyone is there for her to look her absolute best and be completely comfortable expressing herself. For that, I will always be grateful to Marie-Lynn, Jorge and Lindsay.
Jennifer Clark
As a newbie to world of fitness modeling and competition, I needed direction on ALL levels! I’d competed in one competition prior to finding my way to Lindsay Messina and the New York Divas. My coach, at the time, had led me in Lindsay’s direction as I had been seeking assistance with my overall stage presentation.
Through the New York Divas, Lindsay Messina not only provided opportunities to practice stage presentation, but she also provided fitness modeling opportunities in a NON-INTIMIDATING environment. Lindsay offered her assistance in styling, leading up to the photo shoot, as well as necessary “hand-holding” during the shoot. As a “photo shoot virgin”, I was not comfortable with posing or creating facial expressions that were flattering without having a mirror for assessment prior to each click of the camera. Thankfully, I was able to mimic Lindsay each step of the way! Not only was Lindsay encouraging, but she provided tips and instruction the ENTIRE time! In addition to her one-on-one attention DURING the shoot, Lindsay assisted in choosing pictures that would be BEST to have edited to start a portfolio or to submit to a magazine.
Without Lindsay’s guidance throughout my first experience, I don’t believe I’d have the confidence that I do NOW! Her positive vibes allowed me to feel comfortable during the experience and IN MY OWN SKIN!
Sarah Margiotta
My name is Danielle Brenner, and I started taking Lindsay’s fitness classes about four years ago. My sister introduced me to Lindsay after reading about her in Oxygen magazine. I had no intentions of stepping on a stage to compete in a fitness competition at that point. Taking the classes was enough for me, and I did so for a year and a half, before taking the plunge into the sport of competing. I decided to enter my first competition, which was in April 2012, because I needed something to completely engross my mind and body into, while trying to get over a break-up that devasting me emotionally. I was with my ex-boyfriend for only ten months, but was led to believe that it was going to be forever. There were discussions of marriage and children, and we had gone ring shopping. He abruptly ended the relationship, thus devasting me and turning my world upside down.
Having the NY Divas and the goal of a competition was one of the ways I ultimately got over that break-up. The support of the girls on the team, the constant reminder of an upcoming competition and the rigors of the training and dieting were exactly what I needed to get me through. In achieving my goals, I lost 30 pounds, learned the importance of clean eating and nutrition, and how to workout effectively and supplement my training. I recently competed in my second fitness competition, also with The WBFF, this past November. I brought my personal best to that stage again and made improvements in my physique from last April. I adore the NY Divas and each and every member on this team! We workout together, do social events outside of the workouts, compete together and support one another through competitions when not competing. In addition, if one of us is having a difficult day and/or going through a difficult time in our lives, we lean on each other for support and have the DIVA page to communicate to one another. I am so proud and honored to say I am a part of this team, and would welcome any one who decided to come join us!
Danielle Brenner
I absolutely LOVE diva sessions. We have so much fun together and Lindsay really makes it worth while. I drive an hour to Mamaroneck to make her classes each Saturday- that’s how amazing it is! I’ve known Lindsay since high school and I reconnected with her through Facebook about 2 1/2 years ago. I started going to diva sessions just to see her and I met some really amazing women. I only did the fitness hour and watched the posing hour because I wasn’t planning on competing. The girls kept telling me to bring heels and I never would…I finally broke down and brought a pair of heels!! I was extremely shy at first but the girls were so supportive. That’s another amazing thing about the NY Divas!!! They aren’t competitive- we help and support each other through thick and thin!!! Even though I said I wasn’t going to compete, I found myself at my first fitness competition here in NY and crazy as it sounds I won first place in the model round- all because of the NY Diva sessions and Ms. Lindsay Messina. I said I was going to continue competing until my first pregnancy, which finally happened. And let me tell you how blessed I was to share my great news with the girls- they were so happy for me some of them actually cried! I can’t wait to get back to Lindsay’s sessions with class and sass in June! I love you girls.
Jennie Randacciu
I do not think I could forget my first NY Diva session. I was anxious, scared, excited, overwhelmed, a total and complete mix of emotion. It wasn’t until Lindsay came into the room and introduced herself, that I felt a sense of calm come over me. Her huge warm smile along with her hug, they’re the best, literally made me feel so comfortable. From there, I knew my Saturdays would be ‘my day’. My day to get a great workout in, my day to be surrounded by amazing women, my day to learn my sport and my day to gain the confidence and strength to grace the stage. The NY Divas has become such a part of me that I really couldn’t imagine my life without them. It has been a pleasure watching the process we have all gone through, the laughs, the tears, but more importantly we have had each other to lean on. I can truly say that I have gained so much confidence and it is not just about stepping on stage, it has transcended into other aspects of my life. Sometimes a goal of mine may seem too big or grand, but I know that I can reach out to one of my Divas and they are there to remind me that I can achieve anything. Saturday sessions are much more than just a workout, it’s what I look forward to during a hectic week, it’s why I continue to push myself during my workouts, it’s about wanting to be around confident, classy, sassy and real women! I am grateful to be apart of such an amazing group!
Renée
When we wake up 1st thing in the morning, I am not sure how many of us think “today could change my entire life”. I am almost positive that when most of us go to a new workout class they dont think “this class is going to change my life”. On May 7, 2011 I found myself going from NYC to Mammaroneck, NY for a Bootcamp class. Myself a personal trainer – and only along for the ride in an effort to try and connect a friend and an acquaintance whom had common interests, could have never possibly imagined what was to follow. The class, held in a dance studio, filled with extremely friendly girls all excitedly dreading the work out that was about to begin. The workout was like nothing I had ever experienced, brutal, gut wrenching and absolutely exhilirating. After all the girls then went and put on their “cinderella” heels. They began to strut around the room with a graceful ease, like something you would see coming down the runways of a Victorias Secret show…I didn’t know exactly how I would fit in to something like this, but I was intrigued and I wanted in! I soon came to find out each girls story, where they had come from, the progress they had made, what their goals and dreams were… The encouragement and support from the Divas to do “a show” was overwhelming – and I wanted some of that “sparkle” that I would see in each one of them as they prepared to hit the stage. On August 20th I began preparations for my 1st show. On November 4th I was awarded my Pro Card with The WBFF. There is a lot in this life that I don’t know, or have yet to learn – but one thing I do know, My success is absolutely owed to the love, support and guidance that each and every one of those girls gave to me, and continue to give. We laugh as a team, we cry as a team and we forge ahead and through as a team. My journey, even though it has just begun, and has been on a bit of an accelerated course, I hope will continue on with each and every one these girls by my side. Otherwise, it just wouldn’t be as much fun…
WBFF Pro Ashley Chapps
When I first meet Lindsay I was a brand new to competing. She had a beautiful spirit and tons of charisma. I new I wanted to work with her. As my lobe of competing grew into fitness modeling Lindsay coached me through all things modeling. Lindsay has an ability to bring things out of women they never new they had. She guided me through the process of what it takes to model, and more importantly how to network within the industry. She took me through the process of photo shoots including outfit selection, posing, photo selection, how to and who to submit the photos to. Lindsay has a great knowledge and phenomenal contacts in the fitness and modeling industry. She works harder for her clients than for herself. If you have an interest in fitness modeling you will save yourself so much time and get a direct route to your goals by Letting Lindsay guide you through the process.
WBFF Pro Gretchen Coley
I’ve been a long time reader of Oxygen Magazine and always admired Lindsay Messina among its pages. When Lindsay offered the opportunity for the NYC photo shoot with photographer Jorge Narvaez I jumped at the chance. The timing was perfect because I competed the week before in my very first bikini competition and I was looking for a reputable photographer. I’ve trained and dieted so hard for the past couple of months so I wanted to document all my hard work. Lindsay and Jorge made the whole photo shoot experience so incredible and I loved every minute of it. It was so much fun to hang out with Lindsay and the rest of the models. She is so beautiful inside and out. It was so cool to find out she’s so down to earth considering she’s a celebrity fitness model. Jorge was equally awesome and made me feel right at home from the start. He really brought out the best in me. The energy in the studio was out of this world and everyone made me feel like a rock star. With music blaring loud and Lindsay’s expert coaching I had a total blast in front of the camera. I can’t forget to mention the fabulous Marie- Lynn Piscitelli. She did my make-up and hair and made me look like a supermodel. She is talented with a heart of gold. She really made me feel so beautiful.
Kristin Tallodi
Research clearly shows that nutrition and physical activity are directly linked to academic achievement. As a Principal in an elementary school in Westchester, New York, I incorporate and encourage physical activities for my staff and students on a daily basis.
The job of principal comes with many demands and can be stressful. I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out regularly and eating a variety of well-balanced meals to ensure that I stay strong, focused and fit.
As I strive for new goals, I am proud of the ones I have recently obtained. I competed in a fitness competition and placed second in the category of fitness model. I entered a 90 day challenge with Body By ViSalus to help me with my fitness goals. I share this with my students as they stare with awe what their principal can accomplish in a mere day.
In keeping with this added focus on better living, my next goal seeks to implement a variety of healthy food choices in our schools coupled with an expanded and correlative emphasis on physical activities. It’s really quite simple: encourage everyone to become or remain active in various and sundry ways while adopting a lifestyle that necessitates healthy meals. Yes, the research among children is substantial, and it shows us the rewards: academic success at discernible levels. To be sure, it’s a win-win.
Ilene A. Bichler
After this past weekend working with Lindsay, Marie-Lynn and Jorge I was on top of the world! This was my first photo shoot outside of wrestling and I was a bit nervous on what to expect but the second I got to the shoot all 3 of these fabulous people totally calmed me down and made me feel welcome.
Marie-Lynn is incredibly talented and outstanding at what she does. My make up and hair looked perfect! I couldn’t have been happier with the look she gave me.
Lindsay is amazing at posing and styling. She knew exactly how to make us look like the divas we were striving to channel in the photos.
Jorge was creative and very friendly. I totally felt comfortable working with him and his ideas were simply brilliant.
I would want nothing more than to work with Lindsay Messina and Jorge again in the future. It was definitely an outstanding experience and I love you guys for making it so special.
Nikki Racynski
Confidence. Today, it is my friend. On stage, it is my ally. However, my whole life, it was my worst enemy. I have struggled with my confidence and self-esteem since I was young due to a horrific encounter that no child should have to go through. From this, I always had a hard time believing I was beautiful or worthy enough for anybody or anything. My journey to the stage has been a life changing experience. I have finally opened my eyes and have seen the beauty not only within myself, but on the outside as well. I love the way I look, but more importantly, I love the way I feel. I feel healthy, beautiful, strong, and finally…confident! On this amazing journey I have met so many beautiful and strong women that have believed in me and pushed me to believe in myself. These women are Lindsay Messina and the NY Divas. I am so happy and proud to call them my friends and have each and every one of them in my life. I am truly blessed and extremely grateful to feel so much love and support from my family, trainer, Lindsay Messina, and my Diva teammates.
I always look forward to attending Diva sessions with Lindsay. The sessions are full of fun and energetic workouts that leave my body and mind feeling great. Lindsay is motivating and honest. She said the following at one of her Diva One Day Workshops, which I think about everyday, “It’s not about winning the trophy; it’s about your journey and becoming the most confident person you can be.” She pushes me to fight deep within myself to realize how much potential I have. I always dreamed of having my picture taken but never thought that this was possible because of my insecurities and lack of confidence. With the guidance from Lindsay and my photographer Jorge Narvaez at my photo shoot, I had a wonderful and extremely comfortable experience. Thanks to the Glam Squad I felt fabulous and like a true Diva! I was ready to prove to myself that I CAN do this. Being on stage, feeling glamorous, confidant, and then hearing everyone cheering for me and seeing there smiling faces from the crowd is an indescribable feeling. I have finally left that timid, unconfident little girl behind and have embraced the woman that I am today. This is only the beginning of my journey and I am excited to see what the future holds.
A message to all the women embarking on this journey as well…stay classy, sassy, and strong but most importantly stay true to yourself!
WBFF Pro Coryn Elise Martin
