Meet Laila, an almost 16-year-old dynamo with a personality as bright as her future. As a student at Crestwood High School, she’s not just known for her creativity and energy but also for her caring nature that lights up every room she enters. Laila is part of Davinda’s Teen Team and she’s here to share her story, her passions, and what makes her truly unique.
Capturing Laila’s Sweet 16: Photoshoot Ideas to Celebrate Your Big Day with Style
As we mentioned, Laila is about to hit a major milestone, her Sweet 16! This week, she is celebrating her big day, and we were lucky enough to get a special invitation to celebrate with her!
LAILA 💜: A Teen with Passion and Positivity
What makes Laila, Laila? It’s her ability to make everyone around her smile. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance move or an encouraging word, Laila knows how to spread joy and warmth to those she meets. Her caring nature is the heartbeat of who she is, and it shines through in everything she does—from school to dance, and even in the way she supports her friends and teammates.
The first day we met Laila and photographed her for our Teen Team, we knew we had made the right choice selecting her for this journey. Her confidence, kindness, and vibrant energy were undeniable, making her a perfect fit for a team dedicated to spreading positivity. From that very first shoot, Laila has continued to impress us with her enthusiasm, creativity, and the genuine way she connects with others.
Laila looks up to two incredible role models: her mom and her dance teacher, Miss Candance. Both women have played pivotal roles in her life, inspiring her to be the best version of herself. “Miss Candance has helped me through a lot, always striving for me to be better,” says Laila. Her teacher’s constant belief in her abilities is something Laila carries with her every day.
A Teen With a Story to Tell: Expressing Emotion through Movement
Dance has been a part of Laila’s life for as long as she can remember. This year marks her 15th year dancing and her 10th year competing. She’s a true artist when it comes to movement, with contemporary and lyrical dance being her favorites. In her own words, dance is not just a passion but a creative outlet—a way for her to express herself and share her story.
“Being a teenager is HARD,” Laila shares, “and having a way to move and tell my story on stage is so freeing and relaxing.” Through her dance, Laila has grown, not just as a performer, but as a person. She feels that the happiest memories in her dance career have come from team bonding moments. Even though placing high at competitions is a great achievement, it's the friendships she’s built that truly matter. “I’ve met all of my best friends through dance,” Laila says. “No matter what, my dance friends are always going to be my outlet. They have my back, and they will never leave my side.”
Her favorite style may be contemporary, but Laila is skilled in several genres, including jazz, ballet, acro, and hip-hop.
Laila is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others. She dreams of one day becoming a coach and helping other teens find their own creative outlet, just as she has. Her role in her dance community has shaped her, and she hopes to do the same for others in the future.
Cheerleading & Team Spirit: The Power of Friendship and Growth
Beyond dance, Laila has also been involved in cheerleading for 10 years. For her, cheerleading is all about growth—both as an athlete and as a person. One of her favorite memories is from sophomore year cheer camp, where she bonded with her team while learning new skills. “This year’s cheer camp definitely did both of those things—learning new skills and growing the bond of my cheer team,” she recalls fondly.
Future Goals: From Cosmetology to Coaching, Laila Dreams Big
As much as Laila lives in the moment, she has big plans for her future. She will be heading to Maplewood next year to study cosmetology, with dreams of attending college afterward. “I’m still bouncing between two ideas for my degree,” she says, “but I could see myself as a special ed teacher or in sports management—both are extremely different, but I can see myself in either role.” No matter where her path leads, Laila is determined to follow her passion for helping others and living life to the fullest.
One thing Laila is certain about is her desire to dance in college and possibly even teach dance or become a cheer coach. She loves to help others grow, and it’s clear that her future will be filled with opportunities to do just that.
Giving Back: A Teen Leader Making a Difference
Laila isn’t just passionate about her own journey—as we’ve already mentioned, she’s deeply invested in making a difference in the lives of others. She is very involved at school, participating in the leadership class, freshman mentoring, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and student council. Through SADD, Laila works to educate and support students against destructive behaviors, especially distracted driving.
Her involvement with Davinda’s Teen Team is another way Laila connects with others and builds lasting friendships, and encourages others. When she first joined, her goal was to gain new friends, and she’s certainly achieved that. “The first shoot was nerve-wracking, but meeting everyone and finding everything I had in common with them was such a great experience,” she shares. “It helped me gain so many new friends!”
Teen Photography Experience: Building Confidence in Front of the Camera
Laila has found a safe, supportive space on the Teen Team, and she wants others to know how much it has helped her grow. “Teen Team has created such a positive space for me,” she says. “It’s helped me overcome some hidden insecurities. The team isn’t just a team—it’s like a family. I know I can always go to them!”
Whether through dance, school, cheer, or her jobs, Laila’s mission is simple: to help others and make them happy. “I just really enjoy making other people happy,” she says. Whether it’s through a dance performance, a kind word, or a cheerleading routine, Laila is always focused on the well-being of those around her.
Laila’s journey has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where her passion for helping others, her love of dance, and her vibrant personality take her. Wherever life leads, one thing is for sure: Laila will continue to make an impact, shine bright, and bring joy to everyone she meets.
Laila, we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Teen Team. Your heart, creativity, and determination inspire all of us. We can’t wait to see you continue to grow and chase your dreams—both on and off the stage.
HAPPY SWEET 16, LAILA! May this year be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Keep shining, keep dreaming, and never stop being the incredible person you are. Celebrate YOU today and always!
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