I’m Emillia, but everyone calls me Mila! I’m an 18-year-old redhead from Riga, Latvia

And speaking of embracing yourself… that’s where pole dancing comes in! It’s honestly become such a huge part of my life. When I first started, I had no idea how much it would change the way I saw myself. I used to be much more insecure and would often worry about how others perceived me. But dancing taught me to let go of those worries and appreciate myself for who I am. Every new trick, every spin, and every little achievement made me feel stronger, not just physically but mentally too.

Pole dancing helped me discover a kind of confidence I didn’t even know I was missing. It taught me that I don’t have to fit into anyone else’s expectations, that I can be feminine, strong, silly, graceful, and a little clumsy all at once. Most importantly, it helped me feel comfortable in my own skin. And I honestly think everyone deserves to find something that makes them feel that way! Something that helps them forget their insecurities for a while and simply enjoy being themselves.

Growing up, my family moved around quite a lot, which meant I was almost always the new girl. Making friends was difficult, and eventually, I started thinking: why bother getting attached if we’re probably going to move again? I became more reserved and learned to keep a lot of things to myself. My teachers actually became some of my closest friends (yes, I was THAT student, haha!).

Now I’ve finally settled back in my hometown, Riga, where I’m studying to become a teacher. And there’s a reason behind that choice! My teachers played such an important role in my life, especially during the times when I struggled to find my place. They made me feel accepted, encouraged me, and helped me believe in myself. I’d love to become that person for someone else. I want my future students to feel comfortable being different, discovering who they are, and embracing everything that makes them unique.

I’d say I’m still a work in progress, but that’s what makes life interesting, right? I love learning new things, discovering new sides of myself, having meaningful conversations, and laughing at the most random things. I might be a little shy when you first meet me, but there’s definitely more to me than meets the eye!

So, that’s a little piece of my story. A redhead from Riga, a future teacher, a passionate dancer, and a girl who’s learning every day that the best thing you can be is yourself. ❤️