Mini Dandelion Layla Karnes

My father-in-law told me about this remarkable young girl, Layla Karnes, who dreams of becoming a champion figure skater. He heard about Layla from his physician, Dr. William Karnes, who happens to be her number one fan (shared with mom) and dad. I was so impressed with her story and Olympic dreams that I was inspired to create mini dandelions! I want to feature children who giving back and inspiring others by the work they are doing and life they are living! Layla has been skating since she was three years old and fell in love with the sport the very first time she want with her parents. She trains hard every day and encourages other kids to go after their dreams. She writes that her goals are “to win Nationals, Worlds and the Olympics.” No small feat – but the power of visualization plays such a role in realizing our dreams. Here is what she has to say about her training, dedication to the sport and appreciation for her parents and coaches. What a remarkable eight year old girl!

In Layla’s own words:

My mom and dad took me skating in Oxnard when I was 3 years old. I wanted to skate forever and I cried when they tried to take me home. I love the feeling of gliding on the ice, especially when the music was playing. It feels like I am flying and anything is possible. I started taking lessons once a week, then twice per week, then three times per week with coach Wendy. When I did my first competition and heard everyone cheering for me, I knew I wanted to be a champion figure skater!

When I was 4, my mom started taking me to Valencia so I could skate with coach Susan. Then, my mom and dad took me to the Ice Castle Figure Skating Camp in Lake Arrowhead and I started working with coach Larisa, coach Mary, and coach Vonne. We stayed there so I could skate with them every day. I got to meet many famous skaters and coaches including Sasha Cohen, Tara Lipnski, Evan Lysacek, Denis Ten, Jason Brown, and coach Frank Carroll. It was hard being away from my dad but he took the train from Santa Barbara to watch me skate most weekends.
My mom and I moved to Los Angeles when I was 6 and I started working with coach Faye, coach Marina and coach Kelly. My dad missed me so much that he changed his work and we all moved to Orange County. Now we’re all together again!

Tell us about the moment that you decided you wanted to become an ice skater?

I have decided this many times but with different levels of understanding! When I was three, my Mom and Dad took me to a local ice rink. I remember stepping on the ice and it was like magic! I felt like anything was possible, I felt beautiful and graceful. I felt like I could fly. At this moment, I felt like I was home. The ice made sense. I was always tripping over my feet, knocking into things on land. I was home. Since then, I have fallen in love with the beauty of the sport and knew that I wanted to be the very best I could be.

You put in many hours of training in a week, has there ever been a time you wanted to stop?

I guess I am always training! I am so lucky!! I skate 6 days a week for maybe 3-4 hours. I also work hard off-ice to develop strength, balance, and artistry through Pilates, running, conditioning, ballroom, and ballet. I have never wanted to stop although I do get frustrated with myself sometimes. I know what I need to do but sometimes my body doesn’t.

What do you see happening in your future in ice skating? What are some of your dreams?

I know that eventually I want to coach. I want to give back to other people the beauty of skating. Before that, I hope to keep developing my skills and compete at the national level. I would love to represent the United States and compete internationally, Worlds or the Olympics

If someone wants to follow a dream, what are some things you would recommend they focus on?

Work hard, listen to your parents and coaches, focus on details, practice, believe in yourself and your dreams, and be thankful that you have the opportunity to follow your dream. I am so thankful that my parents have given up so much to allow me to pursue my dream.

Any news you want to share with our wonderful dandelion kids?

Yes!!! I have qualified for the U.S. Solo Ice Dance Championships at Novice level to be held in Lansing, Michigan in September! Also, I have an amazing ice dance partner who makes me laugh and teaches me magic tricks. Also, I am teaching my kitten to play fetch. He is so funny. He was a rescue kitten and loves to take baths with me.

Words from Rebecca and William Karnes:

What were your thoughts when Layla told you she wanted to become an ice skater at such a young age?

We were totally stunned at Layla’s intense love and obsession with ice at the age of three. Neither of us will ever forget that smile when she first stepped on ice and turned to us to say: “I’m home.” We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we committed to Layla’s figure skating training: the hours at the ice rink, off-ice training, expenses, emotional and physical challenges. But we have no regrets. As parents, we had no choice. And Layla is learning to shape her destiny through hard work and perseverance, important life-long lessons.

As busy parents, you both are making sacrifices to help her reach her goals, what are some ways you find time for yourselves?

We are a team. We try hard to make sure that we each allow the other the opportunity to step away from the skating world, albeit a movie or a book. Without an united parenting team, there would be no team Layla.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Layla! You are a true inspiration!

You can read more about Layla’s on her website www.laylaonice.com and on Instagram at: laylaonice.