If you’re deep in competition prep, dreaming about your first show, or already living that “heels + hustle” life—this one’s for you. Because yes, getting on stage can feel like a solo moment… but the journey that gets you there? That’s TEAM energy.

IFBB Bikini Suits Pro Shelby Pierce has a powerful reminder for our fellow girl tribe: the magic of this sport doesn’t just come from the results you see in the mirror or the win—it comes from the community that stands beside you through every challenge, celebration, and comeback.

Shelby Pierce’s Message 

“I am an IFBB Bikini Pro and Coach for FitBody Fusion. One of the biggest things as a team, we pride ourselves on, is the camaraderie and support within our fitness family. We are here to promote and encourage female empowerment by providing a platform for women to become not only strong and healthy but also to give them the opportunity to become top athletes within the rising fitness industry...

There is nothing more empowering than wearing your self-confidence proud and loving what you see in the mirror and feel in your heart...The community of women we have all built is what will support us through the challenging times, on and off the stage, elevate our sense of fun to a whole new level and remind us of the most special aspect of all, which is that we are all in this together! ... The longevity of your endeavors is found in a community of like-minded women. The friendships formed will last a lifetime, long after the heels and bikinis come off.

Personally, this platform has allowed me to make a bigger impact than I ever could have dreamed of. It’s the connection I share with my clients and teammates that really fills me! ...Strong is the new sexy and pushing and exceeding the limits is always the goal.

We have so much pride in the way our teammates encourage each other and grow individually, as well as a group...I love that I am able to lead by example and provide genuine compassion and that I am able to connect so many wonderful ladies with one another...There is nothing greater than being a part of a community of badass women who are standing beside you as you all show up for yourselves, enthusiastically, and representing our future as elite women together in the world of fitness.”

Why a Supportive Community Changes Everything in Competition Prep

Shelby nails something that every competitor eventually learns: prep is more than training for a show. It’s about showing up for yourself and letting others show up for you too.

Community Provides Consistency

Hard days happen. Busy days happen. “Why am I doing this?” days happen. A strong community helps you stay connected to your “why” when your brain wants to quit early.

Community Protects Your Confidence

Shelby talks about “wearing your self-confidence proud.” Confidence doesn’t just come from putting on IFBB bikini suits, and it definitely isn’t just a vibe—sometimes it’s a practice. The right people help you remember your strength, your progress, and your purpose.

Community Keeps It Fun

Prep can feel intense. A supportive crew can “elevate our sense of fun to a whole new level,” as Shelby says—because growth hits different when you’re laughing, learning, and leveling up together.

Building Your Tribe: 5 Practical Ways to Find Your People

You don’t need a huge crew, you need the right crew. Here are ways to build a tribe that matches your energy:

1) Join a Team That Values Support

Shelby mentions FitBody Fusion’s pride in camaraderie and core values. Look for spaces where encouragement is clearly part of the culture—not an afterthought.

2) Choose Proud Friends

Competition prep is vulnerable. Surround yourself with women who can say, “I’m proud of you,” without weirdness, jealousy, or competition.

3) Create Competition Rituals Together

·       Weekly check-ins

·       A “wins only” group chat thread

·       A shared pre-show playlist
 Little routines build big momentum.

4) Support Others How You Want to Be Supported

Want more encouragement? Give it. Want more kindness? Lead with it. Tribes are built one action at a time.

5) Remember: Belonging is Part of the Sport

Shelby calls out something deeper than physique goals: the sense of belonging and purpose. That’s not extra, it’s part of why so many women fall in love with this journey.

The Suit Is Part of the Confidence

When Shelby talks about loving what you see in the mirror and feel in your heart—your stage look can absolutely support that confidence.

At Toxic Angelz Bikinis, the focus is on handmade custom competition bikinis (plus wellness and figure suits) that are blinged with top quality crystals. The crystals are heat set for a long-lasting design, and suits are made to fit like a glove, with an emphasis on high quality so you can shine and stand out.

Confidence is built from the inside… but your suit can help you show it.

Strong Women Build Strong Women

Shelby’s message is a full-body reminder that you’re not meant to do this alone. The stage might spotlight one person—but the journey is powered by community.

So if you’re in prep right now: build your tribe, protect your peace, hype your girls, and let them hype you right back. Because you’re not just chasing a look—you’re becoming who you said you’d be.

Let your girls at Toxic Angelz Bikinis support your goals and confidence with your dream competition suit. Contact us online or call us at (925) 338-1516 to get started.