Boba With Carly
Meet Carlyn Yanagi—who also goes by Carly and whom the Carly earrings (now sold out!) are named for. Currently a high school student at California School of the Arts, Carly is in the commercial dance program. I’ve watched her in endless plays, performances, and shows, not to mention the Nutcracker almost every year of her life. Yet, with every show, she leaves her heart on the stage and leaves me in awe. Grab some boba—Carly’s drink of choice—and enjoy our chat.
Social handles: @carrllyyy on Instagram; @carlynyanagi on TikTok
Current Location: Monrovia, California
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Go-to boba: Thai tea with lactose-free milk. Also, mango slush or strawberry lemonade with boba and lychee jelly. It depends on the place.
Favorite boba spot: Bearology
Must-have accessory: Earrings
Currently listening to: Doja Cat, Beach Bunny, and Jack Harlow
Three words to describe yourself: Outgoing, friendly, and awkward
Let’s start with a fun question—what’s something that you think is a little odd about yourself but you totally own and love it?
Dying my hair different colors.
Your hair game is always on point. Teal and rosegold were my favorites so far. Almost a year ago, you moved from Hawai‘i to California for school. What school do you attend now? What inspired you to move to a new school in a new state?
I go to California School of the Arts. It’s a performing arts high school and I’m there for commercial dance. My dream is to be a dancer. The school I was previously at wasn’t helping me get to where I wanted to be and was also having a huge toll on my mental health. So, I realized I needed to go somewhere that was going to help me reach my dream and give me a fresh start in life for my well-being.
What do you love about dance and the performing arts?
There’s no greater feeling in the world than moving to a piece of music and beats and letting the rest of the world disappear. It’s one of the reasons why I love to dance so much. It also allows me the ability to express myself in ways beyond speaking.
You participate in so many activities in and outside of school. What does your schedule look like and what do you like to do in your free time?
Depending on what I have going on at the time, my schedule varies. I have school from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. I’ll either have nothing after school or rehearsals which will sometimes end at 10:00 pm. On the days I’m free, I will either chill at home, hang out with friends, or take extra dance classes at different studios in LA.
What are your plans after graduating high school?
After I graduate high school, l want to move to New York and go to college there. I still want to pursue dance, but since I’m currently going to a performing arts high school I really miss the things of a normal high school. One of the things I miss most is sports—the games and homecoming, the spirit and competitiveness of having a school team, and the excitement revolving around sports.
That was my favorite part of college and actually how I decided which college to go to also. I’ll definitely be visiting you in New York! Living in New York was a dream of mine when I was younger. What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow their dreams but might be worried to afraid to make the jump?
I say to go for it! Take that leap of faith because everything is scary when you first dive into something. If it’s something you really want, you have to be willing to do anything to make it come true. It may seem scary at first but you’ll never know unless you try.
Where do you find inspiration and what keeps you inspired?
I find inspiration from people every day. My inspiration comes from my family, my friends, random strangers, and dancers on social media.
You’ve always inspired me and I’ve loved watching you grow into an absolutely stunning performer. With all the shows and spotlights, you’ve always stayed focused on your dreams but also grounded in who you are. Why do you think it’s important for people to live life authentically themselves?
If people aren’t themselves, they can struggle their whole life pretending to be someone they’re not. Then, they may not be surrounded by people who love them for their true selves. Everyone, including myself, should learn that it’s okay to be confident within our idiosyncrasies.
Is there anything you would tell your younger self if you could?
Don’t let other people’s opinions affect anything about yourself. Be confident in who you are and what you do.
What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?
To find the small wins in life, no matter what kind of day it is.
I love a glass-half-full kind of outlook. Lastly, let’s end with your favorite quote.
“Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures.” - Den Hagg, 1882
