Interview With Francisca Dennis

I would like to introduce to the CB.com readers an incredible woman
who has accomplished so many things in her life and is an inspiration
to so many people across the country. This amazing woman is a mother of
six children, owner of two spa salons, CEO of her own online fitness
consulting business, a National Figure Competitor and a super-fitness
model who has been on the cover of Oxgyen four times in less than a two
year period. This amazing superwoman woman is none other than Francisca
Dennis.

OBI: First of all Fran, is it a pleasure and honor to interview
someone who I have so much respect for and someone who has been tearing
up the fitness scene the last couple of years. So Fran tell me how did
you get started in modeling?

Fran: I did a bit of modelling when i was in my teens, but hadn’t
done anything in the area of fitness (I was a skinny kid)... so it was
some runway and more glamour stuff. I started fitness modelling when a
popular publication heard my story about having so many kids and
managing to stay in shape. The editors contacted me and I did my first
shoot when my daughter was only 4 months old…When I began competing in
shows, I was approached frequently to do shoots/features.

OBI: Was "Fitness Modeling" what you intended on when you started or did you see yourself doing "mainstream"?.

Fran: I didn’t really intend on doing this..it kind of just happened with my success in the fitness industry. My mixed racial background offered a  different look from what was traditionally out there. I like fitness modelling because it does inspire others, but I think I would like doing more mainstream in the future and time willing, some film work.

OBI: Fran, how did you feel about being part of the first black couple cover on a Canadian Fitness magazine for Inside Fitness?

Fran: It was a great experience and I was honoured to be a part of it

OBI: How many covers have you done?

Fran: I’ve had 6 magazine covers so far.

OBI: What has been your best experience so far in your career? And your worst?

Fran: Winning the Provincial title this past summer was incredible for me... and would have to be a career high...  Worst would have to be travelling to California (across the country) for a figure comp , and missing the registration. I was unable to compete because of this. I was very upset.

OBI: What female fitness model inspires you?

Fran: Monica Brant is right up there for me... as well as Davana Medina

OBI: Does your husband support your career?

Fran: He’s been a tremendous support and coach for me

OBI: Tell us about your kids! I would need a lot of space to write about all of them!

Fran: Haha.. six kids ages six to twenty-one... 3 girls 3 boys... they are my life and have shaped me into the person I am today. They challenge me, humour me, teach me and make life incredible.

OBI: Have you ever traveled outside of the U.S. to model? If so where?

Fran: I’ve done a couple shoots in the Caribbean...  amazing backdrops.. hard to get a bad set with such beautiful surroundings

OBI: What is your training regimen like?

Fran: Off season I train about 5 days a week and usually fit both cardio and resistance training in in the same workout. Abs 3X/week, shoulders/ Back and Tri’s/Chest and Bi’s and Legs all get their own day

OBI: Tell us about your nutritional regimen.

Fran: Lots of lean meats  and egg whites, asparagus, peppers, sweet potatoes and tons of water!

OBI: How tall are you?

Fran: 5’7

OBI: Do you stay "in shape" all year round or do you get ready for events?

Fran: I do tend to add a bit of junk to my trunk in the off season...but it’s all good... I don’t go too crazy  and generally stay around 5-8 lbs from comp weight. Shoot shape and stage shape are two different things. Most publications like the a softer look a lot of times anyway.

OBI: Do you have a "real job" If so, what is itk?

Fran: I own a spa  and do fitness consulting on-line as well as at my spa.

OBI: Do you have a web site or product to promote?

Fran: My website is  HYPERLINK "http://www.franciscadennis.com"Click Here To Visit Her Site

OBI: Do you do personal Training?

Fran: I do fitness consulting on-line and have developed programs through my spa that incorporates training, nutrition and some of our spa treatments created specifically to help sculpt and firm the skin as well as the body.

OBI: What advice would you give aspiring fitness models? Should they compete, get photos, network...what is the path of least resistance to fame in this industry as far as your concerned?

Fran: Getting your face out there and your name is important... The best way to do this is to do shows, and do well in these shows... (don’t come half heartedly to the stage, own it and be at your best when youre there i.e... prepare!) Getting some pictures and selling yourself is important too..... Email, write and phone various magazines and introduce yourself. Sell you and all the reasons why you would be an asset. Network and be professional.

OBI: Are there any resources available, that you know of, to help models advance their careers?

Fran: There are quite a few fitness model searches out there now: Paul Dillett’s Wbff show’s are gaining much popularity as well as Sean Everinghams UFE Events. These are well run events by great people. Entering these and doing well, will only help to get your name known by top photographers and editors.

OB

I: What are your goals in the industry?

Fran: I do have a goal of competing on Olympia stage, and won’t stop until i’m there. Motivating others has been a tremendous benefit to being involved in this sport. Having people share their stories of challenges and overcoming obstacles because I have some how inspired them is truly a blessing.

OBI: Tell us something interesting, funny, weird, amazing or unknown about you that our readers would love to know?

Fran: I have this pet peeve that is a little out of control. I absolutely can’t stand the ‘glug’ sound some people make when they drink. I have to leave the room or hum to myself to block it out...it’s worse than nails on a chalk board for me. Yeah, insane.... i know

OBI: What do you do for fun?

Fran: Besides working out, I love to dance and travel. I love fine dining and just hanging out with my family, dogs and horses.

OBI: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Fran: Africa. (I am hoping to go there this year to climb Mt Kilimanjaro)... It’s always been a strong desire for me to go. My grandparents came from West Africa and I would love to experience the culture and energy of the people.

OBI: What is your favorite cheat meal?

FRAN: Love all Mexican food!

OBI: What is your favorite movie and why?

FRAN: Shawshank Redemption... because it’s an incredible story of human strength and resilience. Hope overcoming despair.

OBI: Could you tell us Fran what your favourite Book is and Why?

FRAN:vI have a lot of fav’s ...but Tuesdays with Morrie really touched me. Another story of human strength and choice to remain positive in the face of great suffering and hardship.

OBI: What is your favourite quote and Why?

FRAN: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step-  because that’s how any goal is reached. Looking too far ahead can sometimes be discouraging... take everything one day at a time and never  stop taking those steps.

OBI: What is your favorite song and why?

FRAN: Impossible to name a favourite...far too many, I can appreciate almost all music, but R&B, hip hop and rap are what do it for me.

OBI: What gets you really mad?

Fran: Pretentious people.

OBI: What makes you really happy?

Fran: White sand and turquoise water, the feel of a baby’s cheek on my lips and chocolate (not necessarily in that order)

OBI: Fran, this concludes the interview. Thank You so much for taking the time to share a little about yourself to the CB.com family. Is there anything you would like like tell your fans before we end this interview?

Fran: I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and interest. My motivation comes mainly from people sharing their inspiring stories with me, so please keep them coming!

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