Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Dillard.
Kristen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my professional journey as a band director in public education—a role that rooted me in discipline, leadership, and the joy of helping others grow. But in 2015, I felt the call to pivot. At the time, I was preparing for my first bodybuilding competition and craving a new way to serve.
I shared those thoughts with my coach, Jeff Dwelle, who asked a question that changed everything:
“Would you ever consider becoming a trainer and posing coach?”
I said yes.
That yes led to years of mentorship and experience under Jeff’s guidance at Dwelle Athletics, where I served as an assistant coach, personal trainer, nutrition consultant, and posing coach. We built more than bodies—we built confidence.
In 2021, I stepped into my own lane and launched my independent business, bringing with me the lessons of both stage success and behind-the-scenes service. I officially retired from competition to focus fully on my mission: empowering others through training, mindset, and education.
In 2025, I was honored to accept the role of Community Director at Willow Bend Fitness Club in West Plano. Today, I’m proud to help shape an elite culture of collaboration, transformation, and leadership.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it wasn’t always a smooth ride.
Anytime you choose to make a major life pivot, it’s scary—and that fear alone can make the path rough. Finding harmony between my personal ambition for the stage and working seven days a week coaching others was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
Bodybuilding is one of the most extreme and emotionally challenging sports in existence.
There’s no scoreboard. There’s a list of judging criteria, sure—but ultimately, you step onto that stage, under blinding lights, in a tiny bikini, asking a panel of strangers to analyze your body, dissect your flaws, and compare them against someone else’s flaws standing right next to you.
You can train, pose, diet, and execute perfectly—and still not place.
It’s a sport designed to set your heart on fire.
It’s also a sport that can break your heart.
And I loved it.
But over time, I learned something that shifted everything:
Success doesn’t always mean first place.
As a coach, that’s one of the hardest truths to help a client internalize. Their worth, progress, and transformation are not invalidated by a number on a results sheet.
Everyone defines success differently.
Mine has evolved—and so has my mission.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I offer personal training, small group sessions, lifestyle and nutrition coaching, and bodybuilding prep management—including posing for all divisions, both men’s and women’s.
Whether I’m helping someone fuel their day, step on stage, or find their confidence in the mirror, my mission remains the same: to elevate the individual through discipline, education, and empowerment.
In addition to my coaching work, I serve as the Community Director at Willow Bend Fitness Club in West Plano. In this role, I:
Lead our social media presence
Publish our monthly member newsletter, “Around the Bend”
Foster connections between our trainers and members
Support and strengthen our gym’s culture, spirit, and sense of belonging
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something unique about me? I’ve had several horror short stories published on various podcasts under my pen name, Ravyn Storm.
I’ve been a horror freak since childhood—ever since I was introduced to IT (Tim Curry’s Pennywise still lives in my mind rent-free) and Jaws (which I probably should not have been allowed to watch so young—but I’m glad I did).
Unlike a lot of kids, I never grew out of it.
Today, horror remains one of my greatest creative outlets. Writing allows me to explore themes of power, vulnerability, transformation, and survival—many of which parallel the emotional journey found in fitness, coaching, and reinvention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowbendfitnessclub.com
- Instagram: @Kris10Fierce, @WBFit
Image Credits
Jeff Dwelle
Jake Harless
NPC NewsOnline
