The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
My Other Life: Anna Lajourdie, bodybuilder
Anna Lajourdie, salon owner and distributor. In her other life: bodybuilder.
August 1, 2008
2 min to read
“Bodybuilding is not only about going to the gym. It’s a lifestyle,” says Anna Lajourdie (above left), the owner of Polished.ca in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and an educator and distributor for Akzentz Nails. Lajourdie is a natural bodybuilder. “In natural bodybuilding, the competitors are drug-tested. Hormones, steroids, diuretics, and certain fat burners are banned,” she explains. “The look is more natural. The women look athletic. They’re very lean, but also very feminine.”
A big part of attaining this look comes down to diet. She eats every three hours and tracks her calories and carb-fat-protein ratios to meet her goals. “Before a show I go on a very strict diet for three months. The goal of this diet is to “lean out” (to lose fat and retain muscle) and to look very proportional and symmetrical on stage,” she says.
Her diet is simple: oatmeal, brown rice, chicken breast, fish, lean beef, and lots of green vegetables. “I also have fruit every day and I drink about a gallon of water daily.” When she’s not training for a show, she allows herself to gain 15-20 lbs and indulges in the occasional “cheat” with favorites like cheesecake, pizza, and brie.
To perfect her physique, Lajourdie weight trains four times a week for an hour. In the months prior to a show she adds daily cardio sessions. She also practices the mandatory poses almost daily. “Being able to pose properly on the stage is very important. Holding each pose is not as easy as it seems,” she says. “The judges are not only looking at the body, but also at the stage presence and the ability to show off one’s best features.”
A fellow natural bodybuilder, her boyfriend also works with her in her nail endeavors. The two are hoping to compete together for the first time this coming November at an INBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association) event in Los Angeles.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.