The Beginning…….
We All Start Somewhere…
My journey into the world of health and aesthetics began with a personal challenge — being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age. It quickly became clear to me that nutrition wasn’t just important — it was foundational. I experienced firsthand how profoundly food influences blood sugar and overall well-being. The old adage “you are what you eat” became my truth, and that realization sparked a lifelong passion.
I pursued that passion with purpose — earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition, becoming a Registered Dietitian, and later a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. These credentials launched my career in endocrinology, where I had the privilege of working alongside leading New York City endocrinologists during the height of the Phen Phen era. I was also an early adopter of GLP-1 therapies, prescribing Byetta and Bydureon as early as 2005 — recognizing their powerful potential for weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
Driven by a desire to push boundaries, I became the first female professional bodybuilder with Type 1 Diabetes and went on to win Miss Universe 2004 in Santa Susanna, Spain. That same year, I became the only American to ever earn two pro cards by winning the North American Championships. I later competed on the prestigious Arnold Classic and Olympia stages.
During that time, I launched Color by Colette, a creative venture in competition tanning and makeup artistry — where I developed a deep love and appreciation for facial anatomy and aesthetics.
After retiring from professional bodybuilding in 2014, I returned to school with a clear goal: to integrate my passions for wellness, aesthetics, and advanced medicine. I earned my nursing degree and ultimately became a Family Nurse Practitioner, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA. My clinical training focused heavily on aesthetic medicine, working alongside top injectors in New York, New Jersey, and Texas. I was able to blend my artistic eye, knowledge of facial structure, and endocrinology expertise into a unique approach to patient care.
To further deepen my impact in hormone health, I became a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) — allowing me to guide women through the transition of perimenopause to menopause. I strongly believe that estradiol is to women what insulin is to those with Type 1 Diabetes — essential. Without it, women face an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Restoring hormonal balance is both cosmetic and preventative medicine.
I also became a Testosteronologist under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas O’Connor, where I developed a specialized approach to testosterone replacement therapy for men. Low testosterone isn’t just about energy or libido — it’s about reducing the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, cognitive decline, and loss of vitality.
Once foundational hormones are optimized, I take my patients deeper into the realm of cellular medicine — focusing on mitochondrial function, neuroprotection, growth hormone optimization, and regenerative peptide therapies. I am proud to be certified through the SSRP (Seeds Scientific Research & Performance) in Cellular Medicine, under the guidance of Dr. William Seeds.
Today, I bring together all facets of my journey — science, aesthetics, nutrition, bodybuilding, and advanced medicine — to create transformative, personalized care.
It all starts with an idea — Welcome to CONTOUR BY COLETTE.