At just 13, Leia Goldstein is more than just a multi-talented force in modeling, dance, and content creation; she’s a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Leia shares how her journey from competitive gymnastics to the bright lights of New York and Los Angeles was never “planned” but evolved through embracing new challenges. She opens up about balancing a demanding schedule with school and friends, and why mental health advocacy and kindness are at the core of her growing platform.
HI LEIA, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS LEIA GOLDSTEIN IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I’m just a regular kid living my best life. I’ve grown up as a competitive gymnast and dancer, training hard week after week. Along the way, I’ve learned how to juggle school, sports, content creation, modeling, and still make time for fun with friends. My mom always says, “Work hard, play hard,” andshe couldn’t be more right! She will be happy to read that I’m saying she is right, lol.
AT JUST 13, YOU’VE ALREADY MADE YOUR MARK IN MODELING, DANCING, AND CONTENT CREATION. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS JOURNEY SO YOUNG?
Would it surprise you if I told you none of this was planned? My journey started with content creation. It was my dance coach at the time, Christina D’Adamo, who first suggested I start posting dance videos on Instagram. My mom thought it could be smart to build a following, something that might add value when applying to universities. I already have the grades and the athletics, but these days, that’s not always enough.
So, we started creating content and it turned out to be so much fun! The followers came quickly, and before I knew it, I was getting PR packages and brand deals.
Modeling? That wasn’t part of the plan either. If you had told me a year ago this is what I’d be doing, I wouldn’t have believed you! It all started when my mom signed me up for a photoshoot with my favorite dancewear brand [Five Dancewear]. I’d never done a professional shoot before and had no idea what to expect, but I ended up loving it and the pics were amazing!
Not long after, my mom came across an Instagram post about a Teen Vibes Magazine (TVM) photoshoot during New York Fashion Week. She reached out and before I knew it, I was invited to join The Collective and now I travel to L.A. every month to shoot with TVM and create content.
YOU TRAVEL BETWEEN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES REGULARLY FOR WORK. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE WITH SCHOOL, GYMNASTICS, DANCE, FRIENDS, AND DOWNTIME?
I definitely stay busy, but keeping up with school and making time for my friends is really important to me. When it comes to schoolwork, I lock in and stay focused, especially since my time is limited. I’m heading into all honors classes next year, so wish me luck!
On weekends when I’m not in L.A., I get to spend time with my friends, which feels like downtime. That balance is so important. I’ve learned to be fully present whether I’m in class, with friends, or on set. When I’m at school, I’m focused on school. When I’m with friends, I’m all in. And when I’m in L.A., I give it my full attention.
To save time and miss as little school as possible, we usually take a red-eye flight back on Sunday nights, and I go straight to school from the airport. I’m definitely tired, but on those Mondays, I’ll skip gymnastics or dance and use the time to catch up on sleep and schoolwork if I need to.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS YOUR AGE THROUGH YOUR PLATFORM?
So many young people today struggle with mental health challenges. That’s why it’s so important to lead with empathy as you never truly know what someone else is going through. Instead of making assumptions, take the time to get to know people before forming opinions. Above all, be kind! A small act of kindness, like smiling at someone in the hallway who might not have many friends, can completely turn their day around.
It’s also important to avoid comparing yourself to others. You’ll never feel happy if you’re always asking, “Why can’t I be like them?” The truth is most people only show the highlight reel of their lives. That means 99 out of 100 times, they’re probably feeling the same insecurities you are, they just don’t show it.
A little kindness can go a long way, especially for someone who’s struggling. You never want to add to someone’s pain. Instead, be the reason they feel stronger, more seen, and more confident. Kindness really is powerful, and it can be the thing that makes all the difference.
YOU’RE ALSO INVOLVED WITH DANCERS AGAINST CANCER. CAN YOU TELL US WHY THAT CAUSE MATTERS TO YOU PERSONALLY?
Cancer is something that has affected too many people I know, including members of my own family. As a dancer, I’m proud to use my passion to support such an incredible cause. It means a lot to be part of something that brings hope and strength to those who need it most.
BEING A TRAINED GYMNAST AND DANCER REQUIRES SERIOUS DISCIPLINE. HOW DO THOSE SKILLS INFLUENCE YOUR WORK IN MODELING AND CONTENT CREATION?
Yes, gymnastics and dance require serious discipline! I’ve been training in gymnastics since I was five, and that experience has shaped me into a very disciplined person. My coaches were strict, which taught me to embrace feedback and critiques as essential tools for growth.
Being competitive, and staying safe in gymnastics, demands intense focus, repetition, and patience. The lessons I’ve learned from the sport go far beyond the gym or dance studio; they’ve influenced every part of my life, including modeling, content creation, and some exciting projects you’ll have to wait to hear about!
I’ve developed patience and a strong understanding of how skills progress over time. I don’t expect instant results, and I don’t give up. When I don’t understand something right away, I look for new ways to learn it because everyone’s brain works differently. I keep pushing forward because that’s the only way to achieve the results you want.
The hard work I’ve put into mastering my skills has taught me so much about perseverance and dedication, lessons that are invaluable in every part of life.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST DREAM RIGHT NOW—AND WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE CHASING THEIRS?
Right now, I feel like I’m living dreams I didn’t even know I had! I’m focused on following this path and taking the opportunities which come up and seeing where they lead. I want to enjoy being a teen and try out everything life has to offer.
One piece of advice I’d give to others is not to rush growing up. I’ve seen friends try to grow up too fast, and I believe it’s so important to enjoy your youth and embrace all the experiences along the way. You never know where life will take you, so enjoy every moment.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
Most people don’t know that I’m really comfortable in new environments. When I switched to a new school district for middle school, I also started competitive dance for the first time. Through those experiences, I learned that the best way to make new friends is simply to be yourself. For me, that means being funny and outgoing!
Being the “new kid” can be tough, but it’s important to remember that no one is judging you as much as you think. The key is to find your people, the ones who make you laugh and feel confident. Once you find them, everything feels a lot easier.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
You can follow Leia Goldstein on
Instagram @leia_goldstein, TikTok, or my new YouTube channel @Leia_Goldstein
!
