Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamila Iusupova.
Kamila, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I Started Over in Los Angeles — and Didn’t Give Up
I’m Kamila a figure skating and hockey power skating coach. I left everything behind in Russia — my career, my students, my life — and moved to Los Angeles alone. I had nothing but my skates, a dream, and a belief in myself. In Russia, I was a competitive athlete for 15 years and a coach for 16. I worked with the best — Mishin, Tataurov, and young hockey players from SKA and Silver Lions. But when I got to LA, I had to start from zero. No family, no friends, just a fire in my heart. I fought my way up, and today, I’ve built KamilaSkating from the ground up, with over 90 students trusting me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Moving to a new country with nothing but a dream was incredibly tough. I had to start from scratch. My first job wasn’t even in skating; it was immigrant work that helped me survive. Every day was a challenge, and yes, there were moments when I wanted to give up. I had to navigate an unfamiliar system and build new connections. But through all the struggles, my ambition never wavered, and I kept pushing forward. The toughest part was the emotional toll, being far from home and feeling lost at times, but every setback made me stronger.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for pushing athletes beyond what they think is impossible
I specialize in figure skating and power skating — working with everyone from kids to adults, from beginners to athletes chasing the top. What sets me apart? My relentless drive to bring out the best in every student. I’m most proud of the 90+ students who trust me and the impact KamilaSkating has made. I don’t just teach — I inspire, push, and make them believe in themselves.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I know a thing or two about risk.
I’ve leapt from 55-foot cliffs into the ocean.
Lived off-grid for weeks on a remote island in Cambodia, slept under the stars, chased waves on hidden surf breaks near Puerto Escondido — where a lifeguard once had to rescue me.
I ride double black diamond slopes on a snowboard
But nothing compares to the leap I took in 2023: moving to Los Angeles alone, leaving behind my career, my students, and everything I had built in Russia. I don’t know future , I have Just a dream and skates.
Some days, the fear and doubt were deafening. But I took the risk anyway. And now, I know — it was worth it.
Pricing:
- 30 min private lesson – $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kamilaskating.com
- Instagram: curly.kami
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kamila-ice-skating-and-hockey-coach-harbor-city-2
