Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilia Kazakova
Hi Lilia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story has been anything but conventional. Today, as a professional roller skater, photographer, and social media content creator, I’ve built a life that combines creativity, artistry, and ambition. But it all started with a big leap of faith – as big as moving to a different continent.
My creative journey began in the Netherlands, where I grew up with a passion for beauty, fashion, and personal expression. After moving to the U.S. for law school, I earned my LL.M. degree from the George Washington University Law School. Law school taught me discipline and critical thinking, but it also revealed my deeper passion for creativity and self-expression. Balancing my studies while I was blogging, vlogging & creating content at the same time wasn’t easy, but it solidified my ability to thrive under pressure and follow my own path relentlessly. However, my creative passions eventually pulled me away from law and toward entrepreneurship in content creation and personal branding.
I moved from Washington D.C. to sunny Los Angeles. Leaving the life I build for myself behind again, and moving from east to west coast wasn’t easy. However, it the right decision for my career, because LA is where my multifaceted career really came to fruition. It became the place where I fully delved into being a full-time online creative. Fast forward to today, I’ve built a career as an influencer and content creator, primarily through my platform, LilyLikecom.
LA also made me rediscover the joy of movement that I first fell in love with as a competitive figure skater in the Netherlands when I was younger. Roller skating has become a significant part of my life – not only as a competitor who has qualified for the USARS National Championships twice but also as a performer and instructor. Through my roller skate crew, LA Roller Crew, which I co-founded in 2023 and is based in Venice Beach, I teach roller skate classes, and perform at events. You can learn more about us at larollercrew.com.
Skating complements my role as a content creator, where I’ve built the Lily Like brand to inspire audiences through lifestyle, fashion, and beauty. My experiences balancing an artistic career and a business-minded approach have allowed me to collaborate with brands like CVS, Adidas & DJI.
Through all of this, my ultimate goal has been to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys, just as I have. Whether it’s through skating, storytelling, or sharing my passions, I strive to encourage everyone to create a life that feels bold, authentic, and unapologetically their own.
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’s safe to say my road hasn’t been smooth—it’s been full of twists, turns, and lessons I didn’t know I needed. Moving from the Netherlands to the U.S. was my first big challenge. Rebuilding my life in a different country while pursuing a law degree was overwhelming. Many late nights were spent editing videos and writing blog posts after long days of classes. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me the importance of time management and resilience.
After earning my LL.M. degree, I made the decision to pivot away from law to pursue content creation and personal branding full-time. That decision wasn’t without its doubts. Leaving behind a traditional career path to build something entirely on my own was scary, but deep down, I knew it was the right move for me.
The next big leap came when I left Washington, D.C., for Los Angeles. Starting over on the West Coast, right as the pandemic hit, was a huge challenge. I had to rebuild my network, establish my brand, and navigate the unpredictable world of self-employment—all while being stuck in my little apartment. LA challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and at times, I felt like I had hit rock bottom. But it was during those lowest moments that I discovered my love for roller skating.
Roller skating has been another road filled with highs and lows. Qualifying to compete at the USARS National Championships twice was a dream come true, but it came with countless hours of training, injuries, and moments of self-doubt. Teaching roller skating classes and performing with my crew, LA Roller Crew, has been incredibly fulfilling, but it’s also physically demanding and sometimes tough to juggle with my other commitments.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every struggle is part of the process. There’s beauty in the struggle to be found. Each challenge has taught me resilience, creativity, and adaptability. The bumps in the road have shaped me into who I am today—and for that, I’m truly grateful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is incredibly diverse, and that’s exactly how I like it. I’m Lilia Kazakova, a professional roller skater, photographer, and content creator specializing in lifestyle, fashion, and beauty. Through my platform, LilyLikecom, I create content that inspires people to explore their personal style and follow their boldest dreams. My work focuses on aesthetics, skating, and lifestyle, and my goal is to inspire others to blossom – like a lily.
One thing I’m most proud of is the quality and depth of my work. Whether it’s partnering with iconic brands like CVS, Adidas, or DJI, or teaching roller skating classes to my students, I always make sure to give it my all. I’m a real perfectionist and want my quality of work to reflect that. It makes me fee like I’m making the world a bit of a more beautiful place, one project at a time. I’ve built a career that feels completely true to who I am. I’ve been able to balance artistry with entrepreneurship, blending my love for storytelling with a strong understanding of branding and strategy.
I think my unique combination of skills also makes me stand out. As a two-time USARS National Championships roller skating competitor, I bring athleticism and artistry into everything I do. Skating is not just a sport to me—it’s a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. With my roller skate crew, LA Roller Crew, I get to perform, teach, and help grow a community that shares my passion for movement and creativity.
Ultimately, what I do is about empowering others. Whether it’s inspiring someone to try a new style, pick up a pair of skates, or chase their dreams, I’m here to remind people that they can create the life they want—on their terms.
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, I believe the key is to stay open and put yourself out there—you never know where or when an opportunity will come. I can get quite shy during network opportunities, so I prefer meeting people in more authentic ways. As long as you stay open minded, you can meet your next mentor anywhere. I’ve met some of the most influential people in my life in the most unexpected ways. Whether it’s through social media, at an pr event, or skating through Venice Beach, connections are everywhere if you’re open to them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and inspiration I’ve received from those around me, especially from my mom. She’s been my biggest role model and cheerleader, and her story is a constant source of motivation for me. My mother is an entrepreneur and a creative herself, and she showed me what it means to be both hardworking and determined. Growing up, I watched her build her own business by herself in a foreign country with resilience and dedication, which deeply influenced my own approach to life and work. Her encouragement to follow my creative instincts has been invaluable.
Furthermore, I’ve also been blessed to have a loyal audience on social media and amazing clients who trust me to bring my vision to life. My roller skating crew, LA Roller Crew, has also played a meaningful role in my journey. Being surrounded by people who share the same passion for creativity and movement keeps me inspired. Together, we’ve built a supportive community where artistry and friendship thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lily-like.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilylikecom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilylikecom
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lilylikecom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lilylikecom
- Other: https://www.larollercrew.com
Image Credits
Lilia Kazakova
