Lauren's Heading to Shanghai!

Barbizon Grad, Lauren Reeder, from Little Rock, AR is packing her bags for her big break! Lauren, who attended the first ever Passport to Discovery Cruise in August of 2010, recently signed with G Management in LA and Bellissima Model Management. Just 17 years old, Lauren is preparing for a big trip and is heading to Shanghai, China next month! Best wishes to Lauren!

Frost is on Fire!

Barbizon Grad, Emma Frost from Austin, TX is starting out the new year in a big way! Emma, who graduated Barbizon in 2009, joined us last year for the first ever Passport to Discovery Cruise in August of 2010. Recently Emma signed with MC2 Management in Miami and Wilhelmina in New York. Now, she's doing print work for Department Store JCPenney. A big congrats for Emma!

High School, Modeling and Traveling - You Can Make It Work!

-A Personal Perspective of Getting a Start in the Modeling Industry by Miss Summer (Barbizon Instructor)

Starting a modeling career in high school can be overwhelming, don't panic! You can do it! I had only been signed with my agency for a few months before the white tents of Bryant Park went up and calendars of NYC's most elite were booked with fashion show pre-parties, and seating arrangements were all publicists could think about.

I was 16 and in my junior year of high school in my small home town when my new agency wanted me in New York for go-sees the week before Fashion Week. Go-sees, of course, were to be followed with Fashion Week itself. To be honest I was a little nervous, but I knew this was my shot and I had to work it out.

After receiving approval from my high school to take a two week work leave, I had arranged to stay with Taaseen, my agent, for at $50/night (nothing's free!) which beat staying in pay-by-week hotels with shared bathrooms. As non-glamorous as some of it sounds, I was ECSTATIC. I was 16 years old and paroling NYC on my own. I had go-sees every day and the appointment book began to overflow.

Although it was a big step, it was my dream and I loved my first traveling experience. I learned and lived more than my parents ever could have tried to teach me.

It can be overwhelming when you get your start in this industry, but just remember, take it one step at a time and stay focused. Check out my tips below for being prepared when beginning your modeling career.

What You Can Do to Be One Step Ahead:

- Always be prepared with your model bag! Include EVERYTHING (that includes an extra pair of heels that you are comfortable strutting your stuff in. Even if you're an actress, a killer runway walk shows off your confidence).

- Have at least 5-6 comp cards/headshots PER audition that you're booked for. So if you're doing more than one a day, accommodate! Also, don't forget to pack your book!

-Bring baby wipes for make up removal or any freshening up you may need to do.

- Know what the client is looking for and tailor your look for that specific audition.

- Know your schedule ahead of time. If they book you at the audition, know if you're available.

- Practice photo movement in front of a mirror and have a close friend/parent take test shots so you can see what your Polaroid will look like at a go-see.

- Depending on where you're auditioning (NYC, LA, etc) know the addresses of everywhere you have an appointment and who to contact if you're lost.

- If you're an actress, know the part that you're auditioning for and what happens with your character. If you're a model, know what the designer usually looks for and what his/her collections in the past have looked like.

- Be a smart model!! No one wants to book talent that needs to have her hand held the entire time. Be self-sufficient and able to take direction well and go with it.

- Know that every time you don't book a job, it only makes you stronger. Ask your agency for feedback from the client so you can improve your auditioning technique.

- SMILE! You can do it! :)

Point is, if this is something that you want, go for it! You're not going to get anywhere if you don't work your hardest and give it everything you have. If I hadn't gone to NYC and hadn't experienced Fashion Week, I would be regretting every second of it today.

About the Author

Miss Summer has been a Barbizon Instructor in Tampa, FL for over a year. Launching her modeling career while she was just a teenager, Summer got her start when she competed in the IMTA competition. Putting her modeling career on hold, Summer found her niche as a Barbizon Instructor, Barbizon Director of Education and as a college student studying magazine journalism. A true fashionista, she's inspired by Michael Kors.

Vote for Kayla!

This year, Barbizon Instructor, Kayla Martell was crowned Miss Delaware. Now, she is going on to compete for the title of Miss America and needs your votes!

Much like Caressa Cameron, currently holding the crown as Miss America, Kayla was a Barbizon Instructor in Virginia. A native of Milford, Delaware; Kayla has dreamed of becoming Miss America since she was a child but at the age of ten she experienced what she thought may be a set back, she was diagnosed with alopecia areata and subsequently lost her hair. Persevering and believing in her self and inner beauty, Kayla competed four times in the Miss Delaware Pageant, three times competing with out her wig, before being chosen to wear the crown.

Focusing on children who she shares her experience with, Kayla's platform is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. She has received national attention for her platform and her experience, appearing on national television programs such as as CBS and such print publications as The Huffington Post.

To learn more about Kayla's upcoming Miss American Pageant and how to vote read the following letter from Kayla herself.

LETTER FROM KAYLA:

Hi Friends!

I just wanted to take a moment and update you on the return of an exciting tradition that will allow the American public to have a hand in the selection of the next Miss America! As we celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Miss America Pageant, and the pageant's return to network television, the organization is promising this year's broadcast to be unforgettable.

Based on the votes of America, four Miss America contestants will be selected as the "People's Choice" who will then compete as four of the Top 15 Finalists LIVE on ABC January 15th! The judges scores will decide eleven of the Top 15 Finalists! It would mean so much to me if you would take four minutes to vote each way, and spread the word to your friends, colleagues and family to do the same.


First, visit www.Facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization Click "Video Contest" and scroll down to Delaware to watch and "LIKE" my video!

Second, visit www.MissAmerica.Org/VideoContest Scroll down to Delaware to watch and vote for my video!

Third, visit www.YouTube.com/MissAmericaOrg Click on Delaware and then Sign In (or create free account) to hit "LIKE" to cast your vote!

Lastly, please text "MADE" (Miss America Delaware) to 24470 as often as you can between now and January 13th! Votes are free!

I knew I wanted to be Miss America when I was three years old. But, when I began losing my hair at the age of ten, my parents and I were unsure if that dream could ever come true. And as Miss America I hope to show the world what the Miss America Organization truly represents, as an icon of inner and outer beauty. I get chills all over, each time I consider the impact I can have and think about all the young girls who have something that they feel may keep them from achieving their dreams. But I will be proof that even a ten year old girl,with no hair on her head, really can dream of becoming Miss America. My dreams already have come true. Now that is the American Dream.

Since my crowning as your Miss Delaware I have given every part of myself to this job and to my Miss America journey. I know in my heart that I am ready for this, and that God has a greater plan for me. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers between now and January 15th, that I can stay strong mentally and physically and allow the judges to see the real me.

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone! Thank you for all of your support and positivity!

Warmest Wishes,

Kayla Martell
Miss Delaware 2010

Barbizon USA Shares Our Holiday Gift Guide

It's the most wonderful time of the year! With just a few weeks left for gift buying, we've got you covered with ideas straight from our Barbizon JMT Staff! See what we're giving this year!

Our gift buying list:


Keitha is giving her BFF the gift of beautiful hair with a smoothing iron from Paul Mitchell, found at your local Paul Mitchell school or salon.

Makeup bags from MAC Cosmetics are so much cute and totally practical! Karlie and Megan love these makeup brush bags and say they are giving these to each other and all their friends!



Whitney is giving books this year! Priceless by Nicole Richie to be exact. We're thinking a great Christmas Break read, get it on the Kindle or in hard cover for under $15 from Amazon.com.

Rachel is also giving the gift of books this year, with the ultra compact Kindle! Rachel's making her mom's bag lighter this year with the Amazon Kindle..so small it fits neatly in your purse! Starting at just $139.

Jamie recommends an Apple iPad for your significant other. Available through the Apple Store and starting at just $499 this is a device we want for ourselves!

Our Panel of Expert Gift Buyers:

Jamie - Dir. Advanced Scouting / Rachel - IMTA


Lily - Asst. Placement Dir. / Keitha - Agency Dir.


Karlie - IMTA / Megan - IMTA Dir.


Whitney - Administrative Dir.

Presenting...Elle!

A few months ago we posted an update on Danielle Veenstra, Barbizon USA grad from Florida, doing Elle Girl Magazine. The cover is out and Danielle is on it! During her tour of Asia, Danielle landed this Elle Girl Cover in Korea!

Take Your Summer Wardrobe Into Fall and Even Winter!

Post By Barbizon USA Instructor Miss Summer

As the weather changes and gets cooler, it seems like clearing out your closet of strappy summer dresses and making room for bulky winter clothes would be the smart move – wrong. This fall and winter, it’s all about transforming summer outfits and accessories into chilly weather-friendly fashions. With only a couple added extras and maybe some DIY projects, your wardrobe will be just as cool-weather friendly and (maybe even MORE) fashionable than your summer threads.

First transformation – that adorable go-to summer dress that made appearances at the county fair, family get-togethers, and movie nights. Pair the dress with a long casual sweater in a neutral color. Try the AE Cable Knit Toggle Cardigan (pictured below) in gray. At only $69.95 it’s an investment piece that you’ll get a lot of wear out of this season.

(photo from ae.com)

Grab some flat riding boots with a classy buckle on the leg to really make your look take you into the cooler months. Again, find some in a neutral brown or black and make your purchase worth it.

To finish off your summer dress transformation – find a summer scarf and use it to accessorize. This is going to be the pop of color that the look needs and what people will notice the most. Find one that really fits your style and shows off your personality. With so many different scarves to choose from at such affordable prices, it’ll be the easiest part! For a great scarf selection try www.gap.com, or www.oldnavy.com to find colors and patterns that you didn’t know existed in the scarf world.

Another big trend that we’re seeing this fall is leggings. After seeing them all over the runways and streets of last fall, we thought that would be the end of them, but to our surprise, they’ve made a huge comeback and are better (and easier to wear!) than ever. Forget the boring basic leggings that only come in black and grey. Use them as a bright accessory and find colors and patterns to take your outfit to the next level. With patterns, lengths, colors, and even textures (shiny, leather, sweater-y!) – they are definitely a must-have for this season. Pair them with sweater dresses, boots, and some bulky accessories to make people notice you’re fabulous outfit!

Just be careful not to overdo it. If your dress is loud with lots of colors, stick to a more neutral legging or maybe just a black lace. Only have one (two at the very most) “notice-me” pieces on at a time. You don’t want to overwhelm your audience! Almost all stores have a huge variety of leggings so keep an eye out for some that really scream your name. You’ll be a fall fashion icon in no time!

About the Author

Miss Summer has been a Barbizon Instructor in Tampa, FL for over a year. Launching her modeling career while she was just a teenager, Summer got her start when she competed in the IMTA competition. Putting her modeling career on hold, Summer found her niche as a Barbizon Instructor, Barbizon Director of Education and as a college student studying magazine journalism. A true fashionista, she's inspired by Michael Kors.

W is for WOW!

One of our favorite grads and Barbizon supporters, Danielle Veenstra, has been super busy during her Asia tour and we have an update! Danielle recently participated in a test shoot for a photography contest in W Magazine and she placed in the top 10!

Danielle, just 16, has been in Asia touring for shoots, commercials and editorials for the past several months. We will be sure to keep you posted on what Danielle is up to next. Also, check back to the blog for a possible guest blog entry from Danielle and her mom, Michelle.

The Gossip on Emily

Emily Kenyon went to IMTA with the Barbizon JMT team in 2009 and has been on the path to success ever since. Signed with Wilhelmina and Models International, Emily just completed her first look book for designer Ali Taghavi, New York. Emily has also done extra work on the hit CW TV Series Gossip Girl and in the movie due out in 2011, Friends with Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. Emily also worked the charity event, Fashion Fights Cancer.

Leah has Taken Off

Barbizon Orlando Grad Leah Hight attended IMTA LA in 2006 and 2008, and has since placed with Fusion in NYC and Public Models for Asia. She has worked in Milan, Singapore, Seoul, NYC, Jordan and Taipei. Leah has modeled for Dior, Wu Magazine, Tokion Magazine and more. This Barbizon grad's career has taken off!

Danielle is on the Cover!

Barbizon USA Grad, Danielle Veenstra, does it again! She has been on fire during her Asia tour! She recently finalized a spread in Avenue L magazine in Korea and got the cover! During her time in Asia, she has toured multiple countries, landed commercials and multiple magazine editorials - and she's not done yet. We can't wait to see what else she's been up to. Congrats Danielle! Check out more of Danielle's Avenue L editorial on Facebook.

Barbizon USA Alumn Signs with Global Management!

Lydia Owen, a 2009 Barbizon USA grad, from Chattanooga, TN has signed with Global Management 101! Lydia attended IMTA LA this past year and was a Southeast Barbizon Competition Winner in 2008. Congrats Lydia!

Sharaya is Going Global!

Barbizon USA grad Sharaya Morrison from Shelton, CT has signed with Global Management 101! A 2009 graduate of Barbizon, Sharaya went on to compete at IMTA NY in 2010. Congratulations Sharaya!

Breanne is MEGA!

Barbizon USA grad Breanne Dicesare, from Florida, just signed with Mega Model Management in Miami!

Breanne placed in the Junior Model of the Year category at IMTA LA 2010 and was a Division Winner for the Swimwear Competition on the 2010 Barbizon Passport to Discovery Cruise.

Danielle is doing Elle!

Barbizon Gainesville grad, Danielle Veenstra, is shooting an editorial tomorrow for Elle Magazine! Recently, Danielle completed an amazing shoot in the Netherlands with a cast away theme! She is signed with C/H Management in NY, Next in NY and Miami, and Bellisima in Asia. We can't wait to see her Elle editorial! Check out more of Danielle's cast away shoot on Facebook and stay tuned for updates on her Elle shoot.

NY LOVES DEVON!

Barbizon Tampa Grad Devon Hobson is taking NY by storm! She recently walked in shows for Adrian Alicea, Cala Osidana Swim, Anna McRaney and B Michael during NY Fashion Week.

Graduating from Barbizon just a year ago, Devon signed with Emmanuel. Beyond the main event of Fashion Week, Devon also walked in shows for Nolcha Fashion Week in NYC, showing off designs from OLA, Alice Yim New York, KWON, Viviene Pash and Stella Simona.

Devon has also worked her signature curly hair in a Redken booking with Sam Villa. At just 16 years old, we are sure to see Devon on the scene for years to come!

Barbizon's Alice and the Mad Hatter: It Keeps Getting Better!

Barbizon USA's IMTA NY 2010 Fashion Team stars have turned Central Park into Wonderland!

Barbizon Rochester Grad, Rachel Smith, and Honorary Grad, Cody Derr, stole the show at this year's IMTA NY as they stared as Alice and the Mad Hatter. Playing the part for Barbizon USA's Fashion Team, they took home first place and now an amazing photo shoot in Central Park by loved photographer and friend Jae Feinberg.

Barbizon USA Grad Models For Fashion Night Out

Fashion Week was an amazing week for Barbizon USA Grad Allyson Buttram (pictured, left). She was selected to model for the prestigious Fashion Night Out Event in SOHO for designer Larissa of Eminent Inc.

Allyson recently signed with HOP Models. Attending IMTA NYC 2009, she placed in TV Beauty, Dance Solo, Dance Team and Fashion Team.

Her sister Emily has also taken the modeling scene by storm, signing with Factor Women. As a talented actress, Emily is already taking on the role as Assistant Director for her play at Ohio Valley University. These are two sisters that we are sure to see more of.

Barbizon USA Partners with WTSP TV to Make a Difference in a Teens Life

We recently had the great pleasure to meet Abigail, a young lady from the Tampa Bay area who is looking for a family to call her own - and the bright lights of stardom. When Ch 10 Connects WTSP, in partnership with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, came to us for a taping of their segment "Wednesdays Child," we were ecstatic. What we experienced was so much more! Abigail is a beautiful 15 year old who loves fashion, modeling and isn't afraid of the limelight. We had so much fun hosting Abigail for the day during the taping, we offered Abigail a full scholarship to Barbizon.

Check out the video to see the full segment and Abigail walk the runway with Barbizon Grads Kara and Lauren!

For more information on how you can make a difference in a child's life, or to make Abigail part of your family call Freddie Brinson with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County at 813-901-3477

Wednesdays Child: Abigail

Barbizon USA Grad Models Fall Trends in NYC

Barbizon Northeast grad, Margaret Woodward, shows off this school years hottest fall trends in the August issue of American Cheerleader magazine. Margaret was on location in NYC for the photo shoot that highlights city-chic styles for the magazine's back to school issue. Her 4 page spread looks amazing and we hear since this issue, Margaret has received multiple inquiries for additional bookings. See more of her feature in this month's issue of American Cheerleader or check out the Barbizon USA Facebook page.