After gaining some extra weight, her mother, a nurse and former personal trainer, encouraged her to start working out at Powerhouse Gym as well.

She didn't see herself as having enough size and development to compete as a bodybuilder, but liked the way the figure competitors looked in the magazines.

[6][9][10] During this time, Shaw attended Wayne State University, where she studied exercise science.

She earned a BA in exercise and sports science, along with continuing to refine her resistance training.

[5][6][9][10] Over the next eight years, Shaw took a break from competing, instead focusing on studying and reading (Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness, Shape, and Muscular Development), researching exercise, and obtaining a new trainer.

She returned to school and found a program that specifically addressed experience and sports science[clarification needed].

[6][9] Shaw currently lives in Michigan, working as a personal trainer and has plans to go back to school, hoping to one day obtain a doctorate.