Check Out Rachel Spiro’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Spiro.

Hi Rachel, could you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started bodybuilding right after I got sober in 2013. I went from being a daily blackout drinker to being obsessed with watching my body transform bodybuilding. I decided to compete in a local bodybuilding show. Of course, as a female competitor, I had to order a blingy suit to step on stage with. I needed more communication with the designer and received my suit the day before the show. I got this wild thought of wanting to make these bikinis then. At the time, we were down on our luck financially. My husband invested our last $100 to buy me a sewing machine and supplies. Through lots of trial and error, I started making my suits! I launched the business later that year, and in 2015, orders started slowly coming in. Through marketing on Instagram and bringing on my first-ever sponsored athlete, the business started growing. I invested every spare dollar I had in this business. The business slowly grew over the years, and in 2019, the business took off. Then Covid hit, and all shows came to a halt. Once they picked back up, the business picked up bigger than ever. Over the past few years, I started sponsoring bodybuilding shows; all the money was reinvested into the business. Last year, I took a leap of faith and began sponsoring shows all over the Pacific Northwest, and it’s been the biggest blessing. I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel the country and share my passion for making these intricate blingy bikinis!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a challenging road. Early on, I would be so frustrated that I would want to quit, but every time I got knocked down, I got back up stronger than before. I’ve had so many obstacles over the years. The biggest was COVID-19. I was on a pretty amazing trajectory when COVID-19 hit, and I thought I would have to return to a bartending job. With no income, I started making masks to pay my rent. I mourned the loss of this business because I didn’t think it would be able to make a comeback. Once shows picked up, though, I hit the ground running again. I feel that everything we go through as humans involves our perception. If we focus on the problem, then the problem grows. If we focus on the solution, the solution grows. Our thoughts become our reality. I used the term all through COVID-19, “making lemonade out of lemons,” and I still try to keep that mindset. Our obstacles are what give us character and mold us into who we are today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make bikinis and stage wear for bodybuilding shows! I specialize in custom work and fit for each client. What sets me apart from others is the customization of each piece. I am most proud of my journey. Going from being a bartender to being a sought-after designer is humbling, and I am so grateful for that!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I never felt like I fit in. I was awkward and a complete introvert. Well, I’m still awkward and introverted! I loved math growing up-I loved how the answer was always there before me, I just had to figure it out. I was a dancer for years, and a knee injury took me out. In 8th grade, I decided I wanted to play softball. I grew up attending baseball games and playing catch with my dad, and I loved the idea of doing a team sport. I went on to play high school ball, playing shortstop. I got moved to First Base because I was so flexible from dancing, I could stretch however far to catch the ball. I loved playing First Base because I was in almost every play. As I got older, alcoholism took me away from my dreams and aspirations. Getting sober in 2013 opened up my world to new dreams and aspirations.

Pricing:

• Practice suits $100 (made to order and custom)
• The bikini/wellness division suits $250-$650/700 (every budget in between)
• Figure/WPD/FBB division suits $$250-900 (every budget in between)
• Men’s trunks are $40-60 per suit (can bundle for a lower rate)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://radiantpw.wixsite.com/radiantphysiquewear
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiant_physiquewear?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==