Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Carlie Tuttle Bailey

9/4/2020

Carlie Tuttle Bailey - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Victoria Hathorn
Photography by Fallon Curry Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Carlie loves adventure, dancing, cheering and family. Carlie lost her Daddy at a young age of 8 and knows the importance of living each day to fullest. She puts her all into everything she does. She loves cheering on her Bobcats as Jr. High Captain. She started dancing when she was 3 and loves dancing and expressing herself through the music. Our littles really look up to Carlie and she is always cheering them on with every adventure they take on. Carlie has a kind heart. Carlie is going to achieve great things. I love watching her. The sky is the limit Carlie. Spread your wings and fly.

Photography by Fallon Curry Photography

What do you love most about dance and cheer, and how have they both impacted your life?
One thing I love most about dancing and cheerleading is the challenge. With these activities they are always giving me something new to work on or something I need to improve on. I always love being pushed harder so I can perform to my absolute best.

What has been one of the most memorable experiences cheering as the Jr. High Captain for your squad?
Getting to go out on the field and hear the title of captain by your name is a huge honor for me. Growing up, being a captain was one of my biggest goals in life, I aspired to be like the big girls out on the field. And now thinking that little girls look at me just like that, has to be one of my most favorite parts about being Captain.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I hope to be in big places doing big things! In five years I hope to be starting my freshman year of college at the U of A and be and be living my year to the fullest as a Razorback Cheerleader. When going to college I plan to be getting my degree in business. My dream job is to be a photographer. Being a photographer does not always require a degree, but I think a business degree would be handy to have on your side just in case. I am also hoping that my boutique will be a hit by then and that I am able to live an amazing life full of traveling, friends,family,some beautifully taken photos, super cute clothes, and lots of love for what I do.

Photography by Fallon Curry Photography

Tell me a little bit about your boutique you are starting and what inspired you to do so.
The boutique I am starting is one of my newest projects! Personally I love sharing my style and the way I view life with others. From a young age up until now, I have always wanted to become a Young Entrepreneur. And sharing my love,joy,and happiness with others threw super cute clothing sounds like the right way to go! Now, this project is still in the process but I hope to be getting it out there soon!

How have you overcome struggles you have faced in your life by moving past them in a positive way?
As it says in my nomination, I lost my dad at the young age of 8. My dad was like my best friend so this event was very hard for, me and still is to this day. But something or more like someone who has helped me move past it in a positive way, is Jesus. I have learned that Jesus has an amazing plan and you just have to roll with it. So I like to think about what I do have like, amazing friends and family,More than what has been taken away. And I like to do it all with a smile on my face!

Photography by Fallon Curry Photography

How can your love for helping others and achieving your dreams inspire other teens to do the same?
I know that we have all had a dream. Some want to be an NFL player and some want to be Big Time Singers. And my dreams might be just a little different, but I want to show everyone that big dreams are not just for the lucky. Everyone can achieve them with lots of hard work and dedication. But when I am doing well, I want to help others that just need a little bit of a boost to achieve their dreams as well. And I hope that other teens will start to achieve their dreams and help others as well!

Carlie will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more info on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Kaylin Rains

9/3/2020

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Kaylin Rains – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Sierra Sugg Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kaylin Rains is inspiring because of her desire to serve the Lord and use her TikTok platform to create fun, Christian content. At the time of writing this, she and her sister, who share a joint account (rainssisters), have garnered almost 30K followers on TikTok by posting content such as Bible verses, funny Jesus-related lip-syncs, and dances to Christian music. On a platform filled with profane music, lewd dancing, and other harmful behaviors, she’s chosen to ignore what the world has told her she should post and instead be a light.

Photography by Sierra Sugg Photography

What do you want people to know about your story and why you do what you do?
A few years ago, I was going down a path without God in my life. It was because I didn’t truly know Him. I went to church and did the “right things” but I wasn’t happy. I saw how happy others were and was jealous of it. I eventually discovered that there is a big difference between religion and having an actual relationship with God and love for Jesus. Now every day, I try to show people how important it is to have that relationship because I couldn’t see myself not having it, and I wouldn’t want to.

What inspired you to start your TikTok instead of following all the other trends on there?
I didn’t want to gain followers or be known for showing off my body, cussing, or following the social norm. I wanted to be known as the girl who loves Jesus and spread that love to others.

Why do you think it’s important to be confident?
I think it is important to be confident to show people who you truly are, how you feel, and what you believe in. That way there is no question. Being confident and having self-worth promotes a sense of self- happiness. Also, I think confidence is an attractive quality and helps you connect with others.

How do you build your confidence?
Personally, I build my self-confidence by surrounding myself with others who love Jesus and avoid drama. I think I build my confidence by being social and participating in activities. I also think that doing things I like and am good at builds my confidence, but I feel it is also important for me to try new things to discover other things I may like or be good at. Lastly, but possibly most importantly, I feel that reading the Bible helps build my confidence.

Photography by Sierra Sugg Photography

In today’s society it can be difficult to be open about your faith. How can you encourage people to be open about their faith?
I think the best way is by being an example. I feel that a lot of the time people are too nervous to be honest with how they truly feel or what they believe in because they fear what others may think of them. However, I find that a lot of the time others feel and believe the same way I do, they are just too afraid to take the first step. That is one reason I wanted to create a positive Christian presence on TikTok

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever done is getting out of the lukewarm part of being a Christian. It is hard and uncomfortable at first, but once you do, its amazing.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Find Jesus, he is the center of my life. If you have already found Him, make Him the center of yours. Don’t surround yourself with temptation. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I want to do something in the ministry. Now what that will be, I am not sure. I am waiting for God to answer that question.

Photography by Melissa Rains

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love painting.
I have been in dance or cheer since the age of two, and I competed most of those years. I am currently captain of my high school's varsity cheer team. I am on both the sideline team and the competitive team. I have suffered numerous injuries during my years of cheerleading, but I was always determined to come back even stronger.
I have made in All American for cheer every year that I was eligible to try out. As an All-American cheerleader, I performed in the Liberty Bowl halftime show and participated in the 2020 London New Year’s Day Parade. I love helping others in my sport as well. I love hosting the Kiddie Camp and working with young future cheerleaders. I find that I love working with younger children because they look up to you and they are less drama.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can cross one eye and keep one straight.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
It would be anything about Jesus and being confident.

3 Things on your bucket list
-Skydiving
-Go visit the Ark
-Go to Salvation Mountain in California

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think my love for Jesus inspires others to want the same thing and to be confident in your beliefs and faith.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Fight for what you believe in.
I am currently doing very well in school, but that was not always the case. In elementary and middle school, I struggled. I was diagnosed with vision processing disabilities and dyslexia in 7th grade. I received vision therapy for several months and am still receiving dyslexia therapy.

Kaylin will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Sarah Barksdale

8/27/2020

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Sarah Barksdale - Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Laken Brown
Photography by Hope Mulanax Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sarah Barksdale is a girl with a huge heart for others and for her dance & it shows in all she does. She is one of the best dancers I have ever seen & continues to push herself. She is immensely talented & has a true passion for dance.

Photography by Hope Mulanax Photography

When did you start dancing and what do you love so much about doing it?
I started dancing at age 2 and competitive dancing at age 5. I love that dance pushes me to work hard, be confident, and it brings out my competitive side.

What is your favorite kind of dance and why?
Contemporary is my favorite kind of dance because it puts other styles of dance together like lyrical and modern and I love the unique movements.

How does dancing help you cope with the hard times in life?
Dance helps me forget the hardest parts of my life. Right as I walk in the studio, I can forget everything negative that’s going on. Through dance, I can express the emotions that I’m feeling without saying a word.

Photography by Laken Brown Photography

Tell me about some of your favorite dance accomplishments.
Some of my favorite accomplishments are winning 2 National Dance Championships at ages 6 and 16. I have also won scholarships to 2 professional dance workshops. I have performed in multiple shows called Kidz Roc at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson, Missouri and I’ve had the honor to assist world famous choreographers at the Talent on Parade Dance Directive workshops.

Tell me a little more about the Madison County Health Coalition group you are in.
The Madison County Health Coalition is a group of high school students that meet once a month, attend events for teens, do radio ads, speak to our local schools, and have an ad on a billboard in our town about teen drug use and vaping.

What advice would you give to someone to maintain a high GPA while do extra activities (e.g. sports and clubs/groups) like you?
The advice I would give is to always know that education is most important, be confident in yourself and your abilities, and maintain your drive and passion in all of your activities.

Photography by Laken Brown Photography

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished is winning the National Dance Championship at age 16. My dance studio had to close as a direct result of the CoVid-19 pandemic, so I put in hours of practice at home, had confidence in myself, and was determined to do my very best the day I took the stage.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
The advice I would give would be to have passion, determination, a hard work ethic, and always be humble in winning and defeat.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I plan to go to college and in 5 years have a degree in dance and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I want to have a career as an Ultrasound Technician and as a dance teacher. I also plan to be married and starting a family.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activities are riding mules and riding ATV’s with my family.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
No, I’ve been fortunate enough to have family and teachers help me find all of my talents. They see the potential in me even when I don’t see it in myself.

Photography by Hope Mulanax Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
The topic I would present to my peers would definitely be dance because it has been a huge part of my life for 14 years. I feel like I could speak not just about the technique of it, but also about teamwork, work ethic, and how you can become a role model for younger kids.

3 Things on your bucket list
The 3 things on my bucket list are to visit Paris, France, go on a hot air balloon ride, and swim with dolphins.

Who do you find inspiring?
My sister, Emily inspires me. At 15, she was diagnosed with a kidney disease. However, that didn’t stop her from following her dreams. She is 22 now, owns a small business, is married, and just gave birth to my beautiful niece, Amelia.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think my work ethic, personality, and dancing inspires others. I am a student teacher at my dance studio and I think my students see me as a role model they can look up to and I want them to see the best in me no matter the struggles that I might be going through.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
I go to a public school during the day and I’m thankful to have a dance teacher who works the dance schedule around cheer practices and games in order to make sure I don’t have to miss a dance class.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I would like add that in 2015, I danced with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at AT&T Stadium. In 2019, I appeared as an extra in the recently released movie “Max Winslow And The House Of Secrets” and I appeared in a music video to a song called “The Answers” written and performed by Emery Kelly for the movie soundtrack.

Sarah will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Kaylea Cantrell

8/26/2020

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Kaylea Cantrell – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Laken Brown Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kaylea Cantrell is the sweetest girl with a heart of gold. She is one of the best dancers I’ve seen & her passion and talent shows on & off the stage. She’s always happy to help others & is always pushing herself to reach new goals. She’s a true joy to watch & be around!

Photography by Laken Brown Photography

How long have you been dancing and what do you love about it?
I have been dancing for 9 years now, I love being able to come into the studio and let everything go, I don’t have to worry about anything for the next day and even the past, I’m able to go in and feel the music and connect with it in a special way.

What is some of your biggest dance accomplishments?
I have won two 1st overall high score awards, a 1st place high point, I have also placed in top 5, as well as getting judges choice awards.

Photography by Laken Brown Photography

How do you help younger kids at your dance studio?
My dance teacher is also working full time as a nurse, so my friends and I try to help out as much as we can, we help by teaching classes throughout the week, or when my dance teacher is in go in and help the kids stay focused.

Tell me about the unified sports program you have at your school.
Our school was just officially named a national unified champion high school, this programs all about helping children with disabilities be able to play sports, we go with them to games and play the games with them. It is also through special Olympics.

Photography by Laken Brown Photography

Why is it important for kids with disabilities to be able to play sports like you?
Because I feel like they want to be just like everyone else, I want them to have fun, some days are bad days, but when they are happy every day is a good day, and for them to be able to play sports, it can keep them doing what they love.

What do you like about helping others?
I like helping others because I like seeing everyone happy. At school I’ll do little things like, holding open the door for others, providing a pencil or even paper if someone is of need, just small acts of kindness can really boost someone’s mood.

Kaylea will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Carlie Tuttle Bailey

Carlie Tuttle Bailey - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Victoria Hathorn
Photography by Fallon Curry Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylin Rains

Kaylin Rains – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Sierra Sugg Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sarah Barksdale

Sarah Barksdale - Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Laken Brown
Photography by Hope Mulanax Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylea Cantrell

Kaylea Cantrell – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Laken Brown Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Carlie Tuttle Bailey

Carlie Tuttle Bailey - ArkansasInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Victoria HathornPhotography by Fallon Curry PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylin Rains

Kaylin Rains – ArkansasInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Sierra Sugg PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sarah Barksdale

Sarah Barksdale - ArkansasInterview by Diamond OrinNomination by Laken BrownPhotography by Hope Mulanax PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylea Cantrell

Kaylea Cantrell – ArkansasInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Laken Brown PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Carlie Tuttle Bailey - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Victoria Hathorn
Photography by Fallon Curry Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylin Rains – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Sierra Sugg Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sarah Barksdale - Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Laken Brown
Photography by Hope Mulanax Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaylea Cantrell – Arkansas
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Laken Brown Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine