Conversations with Haylee Whittemore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haylee Whittemore.

Hi Haylee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is about not giving a damn what anyone thinks and refusing to be defined by other people’s expectations.

I grew up with opportunities, and while people assumed I had it easy and didn’t have to work for anything, they didn’t see the real battle going on inside me. I started drinking at 15 to numb the pressure and noise and to fit in. It got bad enough that my brother had to grab a bottle of vodka from my hands and throw it into a pond. That was my breaking point — the moment I realized I needed to change or risk losing myself. I still find myself going into spells and earlier this year went through some things with drugs and alcohol but life prevails and overcoming these things for good has made me a much stronger person.

After that, I stopped caring about fitting in or what others thought I should be. My brother would drag me out of bed at 4 AM to train in our basement with whatever equipment we had. It was tough, but it built my discipline and grit. He is hands down my best friend and I would not be where I am without my twin brother Hayden. I went to my first bodybuilding show when I was 15, I knew I wanted to be Ms. Olympia — that’s the level I was aiming for.

I graduated high school early with honors and earned a full-ride scholarship, but that didn’t stop people from doubting me. They said I had things handed to me. Kids at school would tell me I was too muscular and that it was not attractive. They said I was stuck up, when really I just believed in myself so much it beamed. But even my dad thinks bodybuilding is a waste of time — and honestly, that just makes winning Ms. Olympia mean that much more. It’s not just about the title; it’s about proving to myself and my family that this path was worth every sacrifice. People ask me how I can get up so early, have such long days, and still make it work. Because I want this so f*cking bad. I have a FEAR of not succeeding and it haunts me every night.

By 16, I became the youngest natural figure professional bodybuilder. I launched my own business at 17 while juggling two jobs and school. I launched an online nutrition course for athletes and clothing line. I was ranked the #3 softball catcher in the country and won championship after championship. I sold my first car within three days at the dealership. People said I was trying too hard or that I didn’t have to work that way — but I wasn’t doing it for them.

Every early morning, every tough day, every time someone doubts me — I remember who I’m doing this for. My story isn’t about where I came from or what people think I should do. It’s about choosing discipline, embracing the grind, and proving that when you stop caring about approval and start chasing your purpose, you become unstoppable.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart is my discipline, drive, and the fact that I’ve never let age or opinions define what I’m capable of. I’m 19 years old, but I’ve spent the last few years surrounding myself with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professional bodybuilders — people constantly leveling up — and that’s exactly what I’ve done too.

At 17, I was working two jobs, going to school, and starting my own business all at the same time. I graduated high school a year early so I could focus on work and travel. I was also a former Division 1 athlete, ranked the #3 softball catcher in the country, and I’ve won multiple championships. On top of that, I became the youngest natural figure professional bodybuilder at just 16 years old — a title that reflects not just my physical discipline, but my mental resilience as well.

Even now, I’m proud to be selling cars at Regal Nissan in Roswell. I sold my first car within just three days on the job — because I show up with focus, energy, and a genuine connection to people.

Throughout my journey, a lot of people doubted me or had something to say — but while they were sitting in 3rd period, I was making moves in Mexico. I’ve never followed the crowd. I’ve followed my vision — and I’m just getting started.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Honestly, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stop giving a damn about what anyone else thinks and to just follow your own path — even if no one else understands it.

When I was younger, I used to try so hard to fit in. I mean, I literally wore heels to school as a freshman — barf. I was doing everything to be liked, to blend in, to be accepted. But deep down, I knew I was meant for more than just playing it safe or living for other people’s approval.

As I started chasing bigger goals — becoming a professional bodybuilder, starting my business, graduating early — people had a lot to say. I heard things like, “That’s a waste of time,” or “You’re doing too much,” or “Just be a normal teenager.” And yeah, it hurt sometimes. But eventually, I flipped that. Their doubt became my fuel. I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to be the person who did what everyone said couldn’t be done.

So now, I don’t move for opinions — I move for purpose. That mindset has changed everything for me. You can’t build something great if you’re too worried about who’s watching or what they’re saying. Just do the work. Be different. Prove them wrong by becoming undeniable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hayleewhittemore
• Facebook: Haylee Whittemore
• Twitter: hayleewhittemo1

Image Credits
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