Rising Stars: Meet Karina Kara of Los Angeles, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Kara.

Karina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started in a dance studio — it was my second home growing up. Dance quickly became more than a hobby; it was how I processed emotions, built confidence, and found community. Eventually, I started teaching at the same childhood studio that raised me, stepping into a lead instructor role and pouring back into the next generation what dance had given me.

Over time, I felt called to do more than just teach movement — I wanted to help people heal through it. That led me to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Psychology, where I focused on integrating expressive arts into therapeutic work. I’ve worked with youth, families, and underserved populations, often using dance/movement and mindfulness to create safe spaces for emotional processing and growth.

Alongside therapy, I built my own activewear brand, KARA, as a way to empower women through movement, confidence, and self-expression. My work today lives at the intersection of creativity, healing, and purpose — and I’m passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and strong in both body and mind.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I wouldn’t change it. There have been moments of burnout, self-doubt, and feeling like I was juggling a million roles at once. Balancing grad school, clinical work, running a business, and staying connected to dance was (and still is) overwhelming at times. I’ve had to learn to set boundaries, rest when needed, and remind myself that I’m allowed to grow at my own pace.

There were also personal challenges that shaped me — moments of grief, anxiety, and identity shifts that pushed me to go deeper into my own healing. But those experiences made me a better therapist, leader, and human. I’ve learned that the most powerful growth usually comes from the hardest seasons. And now, I try to hold space for others going through the same.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do a few things that all connect back to one mission: helping people feel seen, strong, and empowered in both mind and body.

I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee specializing in expressive therapies — particularly dance/movement therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. I work primarily with youth and underserved populations, helping clients navigate everything from anxiety and identity to grief and generational trauma. I’m also passionate about incorporating creative outlets like art, movement, and music into sessions, especially when words fall short.

Alongside my clinical work, I’ve built a career as a professional dancer. I’ve been training in multiple styles since I was a child, and I’ve continued dancing professionally while also teaching the next generation. Dance has always been my first form of self-expression, and now it plays a major role in how I connect with others — whether in the studio, on stage, or in a therapeutic setting.

I’m also the founder of KARA, an activewear brand built to inspire confidence and self-love. I created it to offer high-quality, inclusive, and empowering pieces that move with you — whether you’re dancing, working out, or just living life. I also run a pop-up retail event that brings small businesses together and creates space for connection and community.

What sets me apart is how I blend clinical psychology, creativity, and movement. Whether I’m in the therapy room, on the dance floor, or building a brand, I lead with empathy, intention, and purpose. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had through the relationships I’ve built — and that I’ve never boxed myself into one path.

I like to joke that I’m living proof you can do it all — and honestly, I mean it.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the diversity — in people, cultures, stories, and opportunities. There’s an energy here that’s creative, driven, and inspiring. Whether it’s through dance, therapy, or entrepreneurship, I’ve always felt like there’s space to be yourself and build something meaningful. Being Armenian, I also feel incredibly grateful to have a strong, vibrant Armenian community here. It’s grounding to be surrounded by people who share my roots, values, and culture — it’s a big part of who I am and why I do the work I do.

What I like least is the lack of accessibility and equity in certain areas. While the city has so much to offer, not everyone has the same access to resources, support, or opportunities — especially in underserved communities. That’s something I’m passionate about addressing through my clinical and community work.

Contact Info:

• Website: karabykarina@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinaxkara/?hl=en