Redefining the Standard: Meet Layla

At an age when many are still trying to figure out a single direction, Layla is busy breaking every box society tries to put her in. As a competitive figure skater, aerialist, actor, model, and a musician who plays both the cello and the drums, she effortlessly juggles a diverse slate of passions.

What truly sets Layla apart isn't just the sheer number of talents she possesses, but the deep emotional commitment and heart she pours into each one.

Whether she is bringing a story to life in front of a camera lens, stepping onto an acting set, or executing a complex routine on the ice, she approaches every creative outlet as an opportunity to connect, grow, and inspire.

Layla’s true power lies in her extraordinary versatility and an unshakeable mindset. She has transformed the rigorous discipline of elite figure skating into a blueprint for handling life’s unexpected pressures, learning early on that true winners are defined by how they rise after a fall.

Refusing to be limited by conventional expectations or the negative opinions of others, she uses her multi-faceted platform to champion individuality, kindness, and community give-back. From navigating high-stakes athletic competitions to dreaming up nonprofit initiatives to support kids, Layla is proving that you don't have to choose just one path—you can master them all while lifting others up along the way.

Resilience on the Ice

Layla learned that success means showing up consistently, even after injuries or tough days.

Q: When you face a setback in something you love, how do you bounce back?

My mom and coaches have always told me that in life, "failure" is really just an opportunity to learn something new and improve what you are doing. When you look at famous athletes, they have had way more losses in their life than wins. If you don't lose, you don't really learn how to get up and fight and try again. Over time, it almost becomes part of who you are - getting up faster and stronger after each fall and proving to yourself that the journey is almost more defining than the end result.

Performing with Heart

Whether skating, acting, or modeling, Layla loves bringing stories and emotions to life.

Q: What creative activity or sport makes you feel most alive, and why?

There are so many things that I enjoy doing but skating, modelling, and acting really combine all the elements of life that I enjoy. When I'm on the ice, skating to music, it feels like you are in a different time and space. Focusing on the music, feeling it in your body as you glide across the ice is something hard to describe but unforgettable once you've experienced it. The same feelings happen when I get to become a character or perform or model. I'm learning more about how to exist in the moments and connect to my emotions and just see where that leads me because so far it has brought a lot of growth and joy to my life.

Confidence Under Pressure

Competitive figure skating taught Layla to stay focused even when things don’t go as planned.

Q: Describe a time you pushed through nerves to accomplish something meaningful.

I would say this happens quite frequently in skating. Often times, you can be doing an amazing program on ice and then suddenly you fall, or you don't land a jump, or a spin just does not go the way you want it.

We are taught how to think on our toes in those moments, for instance if we need to add another jump to another part of the program. These thoughts happen in real time as we are on the ice, keeping up with music and having to still perform other elements to finish out the skate.

But one thing that I will never do is just stop and give up. I have done programs where I fall on every jump in practice but I still have to get through until the end of the song, and bow to the judges with grace because that is what defines who you are. Giving up in the middle when something goes wrong is easy - you definitely feel bad and sometimes want to just run away and cry but that does not solve anything.

A winner is defined by more than a medal, but in how they overcome adversity, deal with obstacles, and handle stress and the unexpected.

Breaking the Box

Layla believes nobody should have to fit into just one category.

Q: How do you encourage yourself or others to explore multiple passions instead of limiting your potential?

Life is full of so many great opportunities, and I am grateful that my parents support my desire to explore so many different interests. I have fallen in love with things I never thought of, such as cello and drums just because my mom encouraged me to try something different. Life really is what you make of it, and I think the more you go for something, the more you will find beauty and joy in life.

I also love that I am not what people expect when they meet me - not too many kids my age are figure skating aerialists that play cello and drums while also pursuing acting and modelling.

Using Your Platform for Good

For Layla, acting and modeling are opportunities to inspire others and build confidence in kids.

Q: If you had a platform to reach people, what key message would you want to share?

More than anything, I want people to know that you cannot be limited by the thoughts of others. I have had people (even coaches) say things that made me feel like I was not of a certain body type to be a good ice skater or model and sometimes those remarks hurt. But my family is really supportive and they remind me that the hurtful things people say are more of a reflection of their pain, not a true reflection of anything I am doing wrong.

So I try to remember that, and want to make sure other kids understand that as well.

Dreaming Big for Others

Layla’s ultimate goal is starting a Texas nonprofit to give kids access to sports, arts, and mentorship.

Q: If you could launch your own initiative, what cause or community would you want to champion?

Every year since I turned 5, my grandmother encouraged my brother and I to research an organization or cause that we would like to donate to that year. She would ask us to not only research, but to call the organization that we wanted to support to learn more about what they needed and how people could help.

Part of our Christmas gift from her was she would then contribute cash to our cause and help us support our organization we chose that year. This has been a strong foundation for why our family feels strongly about giving to our community because we know there is so much need.

One of the first things my mom and I would like to do within the next year is raise money to help provide school lunches for kids on the lunch programs in public schools in Texas. I

n Texas alone, over 3 million children rely on the National school lunch program. I think that every kid should have access to meals without having to worry about cost or access while they are in school trying to learn and get an education.

Turning Setbacks into Strength

Layla views every challenge as a chance to make a stronger comeback.

Q: What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a difficult experience?

I recently had to navigate a tough situation with a friend who was no longer being kind. When people start saying negative things about others and demonstrating bullying behavior, I don't want to be around that. This had a big impact on my skating training and once I talked to my parents about it, they were supportive to the changes I wanted to make all together with my training environment.

I think that sometimes, its easy to be mean because it makes some people feel better about themselves but it's not the type of friend I want in my life.

Success with Purpose

Layla believes success is only meaningful when it’s shared through kindness and lifting others up.

Q: What does "success with purpose" mean to you, and how can you practice it daily?

I believe that my experiences have helped me to understand what it really means to be successful. I think that if you become successful but are mean along the way, you are going to feel lonely at the top. Those moments of success are short lasting, but the way you treat people, support others, and build others up has a much longer lasting impact on those other moments of measurable success.

Whenever I go out for a competition, I do my best to make sure I say good luck and hi to all the other girls in my group. I want to be the type of person that someone says "yeah, she is actually really nice!" instead of being the person someone says "oh she definitely thinks she is better than everyone else."

The best part of all of that, is you get to decide which type of person you become!

Want to Be Featured?

Are you ready to share your own unique story, talents, and vision with the world? Spotlight Models is always looking for passionate, multi-talented individuals who are ready to break boundaries and inspire others. If you want to be featured in an upcoming talent spotlight, we want to hear from you. Reach out to our team today by visiting our website at spotlightmodels.org or by emailing us directly at modelpromotion@icloud.com.

Let’s show the world what you can do!

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