As a sophomore, her mother encouraged her to pursue her interest in modeling. When an agency owner informed her that she would have to drop some weight in order to make it in the business, Wilson complied. Although she lost the pounds, she also developed a serious eating disorder that haunted her for four years. Offers came in after high school for contract work in New York and Los Angeles, but Wilson decided not to stray from her hometown roots.

Hesitant to get caught up in the fashion industry so soon after recovering from an eating disorder and scared to leave what she knew behind, Wilson set her sights on fitness. She decided to compete in the Ms. Galaxy competition and after researching different publications, followed a strict diet and exercise regimen. With overall health and fitness as her main priority, Wilson found new life and placed in the top third in her first competition.

With the help of a coach and a grueling regimen, Wilson achieved her goal of victory at the Ms. Galaxy competition in St. Petersburg, Florida. Many magazine covers and pictorial work followed and Wilson became interested in extending her talent further. She moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and began taking acting classes. A friend introduced her to a reliable agent and Wilson was able to avoid potential career suicide as a result. Instead, another contact exposed her to the world of sports entertainment during a WCW event. Wilson was fortunate enough to be allowed backstage where she mingled with the performers. She was brought before the crowd with wrestler Scott Steiner and made an immediate impression.