Skating Is In Coco Franklin’s DNA — And She’s Sharing Her Passion With Others

In Chill Chat, Bustle sits down with celebrities and influencers to talk about all things wellness, from daily routines to hacks for getting a good night’s sleep. Here, professional roller skater Coco Franklin talks about the importance of moving her body, what skating means to her, and the snack she always keeps on hand when she needs extra fuel (hint: it’s Special K® Red Berries Cereal).

For professional roller skater Coco Franklin, skating is not just a hobby — it’s a way of life. While most kids try skating at one point or another, the moment Franklin put on her first pair of skates (at age 3, by the way), there was a feeling of connection that went far beyond just spinning around on eight wheels.

“Movement unlocks expression and communication without me having to open my mouth,” she tells Bustle. “No words are needed to speak, and I love being able to talk by moving my body.”

Although Franklin has been posting skating content online for almost a decade, she was at the forefront when the sport went viral back in 2020. Her signature single-shot style videos have garnered millions of views across her social channels, and now she’s on a mission to inspire others to be the best skater they can be. Franklin teaches in-person (primarily in LA) and online workshops to help people master their own skills. And yes, that includes backward skating — a Coco Franklin specialty.

Despite her comfort and ease in front of the camera, Franklin is a self-proclaimed introvert. “Life has a funny way of humbling you, but it also shows you yourself for the first time and learning how to be confident enough to accept yourself. I still see myself as an awkward, nerdy skater who loves making skating videos on the internet,” she says. “Being an introvert tames the ego. You are in constant reflection mode and forever evolving.”

Below, Franklin shares how movement affects her mind and body, why she loves skating backward, and her advice for someone who wants to try something new.

How did you first get into skating?

As an LA native, skating with your entire family was always considered the norm. I got my first pair of adjustable skates around age 3, and that was the beginning of my love for skating. I was immediately hooked and completely obsessed. We were at the skating rink every weekend, and if I was lucky, I could take my skates with me on beach days and skate the path.

What’s your go-to meal before a skating session?

My favorite is Special K® Red Berries Cereal over oatmeal. I really enjoy the texture of the combination of crunchy wheat and rice flakes with soft oatmeal. Plus, the real strawberries give it a sweet, natural taste and it has 15 grams of whole grains. It’s important for me to have a meal that gives me the fuel I need to start my day.

What is it about skating backward that you love so much?

I love to find new ways to level up my skills and have always had a massive obsession with skating backward. I used to only skate backward inside at roller rinks, but it was a matter of time until I got bored with that, so I started to challenge myself to skate backward on the beach path. Once I felt comfortable doing that, I took the backward challenge to the streets, and my obsession with it is still going strong.

How do you believe that movement affects your mood?

I'm an anxiety-prone person who's naturally sensitive, plus I’m an artist … and also an Aries. Because I know I have a lot of strong feelings —no shame! — I always make sure to carve out time for any type of daily movement to keep everything in check and balanced. Even if it’s just a walk on the beach, I make an effort every day to move my body.

How does skating inspire other parts of your life?

Skating is something I can always do alone. It helps me slow down my mind and thoughts and be in the current moment. The harder a move is, the more focused I need to be, which allows my mind and body to be in the same place at the same time. When I’m stressed or anxious, I try to use this feeling to bring myself back to the center — calming my mind and resetting my thoughts.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to move more?

Do your research regarding different ways to move your body. If you feel intimidated, start small and work your way into building confidence. Try not to over-stress if your body isn’t moving the way you want it to. Give yourself realistic movement goals, then make sure to acknowledge and reward yourself every time you reach your goals. Yes, even the small ones!

If you were to empty your bag right now, what would we find?

I stick to the essentials. You would find two phones (one for making content, one for personal use), lip gloss, a tripod, a wallet, a pair of sunglasses and eyeglasses, and a snack bag filled with Special K® Red Berries Cereal. I can get pretty hangry, so carrying a satisfying snack in my bag is a must to keep my vibrations up even when I’m exhausted.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.