When we first met with Joan Bernard, the owner of Barbizon in Wilmington and Agency Modeling Director Whitney Camden, I wasn't too sure if they thought I was a lost cause or felt sorry for me. But those two ladies and several others including my instructors especially Nicole Bosso, former Miss Delaware 2007 taught me a lot about myself. I will NEVER forget the special gift they gave me of believing in myself! This whole blog, my pageant career and everything that has happened since my first day at Barbizon are the result of some of the most special people I've ever met!
My 10 week, 20 session program covered a lot of topics including; how to do my make-up, pick out outfits, shoes and accessories to match and wear in different situations, how to do my hair, walk on the high fashion runway, pose, take fashion photos, have confidence in myself, speak clearly and confidently and all about beauty pageants. I liked the modeling portion of the program with Whitney and her assistants BUT let me tell you, when Nicole Bosso talked about her experience competing for Miss USA, I started remembering my little girl dreams of becoming Miss Universe! Believe it or not I actually got to meet Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith this past February! I didn't believe it all could ever happen for me until I participated in the Barbizon Graduation Fashion Show and put together my first portfolio of fashion photos. With my braces coming off and the results of working out, eating right and taking care of myself showing, I started to believe anything was possible. So, when Nicole Bosso called and asked if I wanted to try to compete for Miss Delaware Teen USA last fall, I jumped at the chance. Believe me, I would have never tried something like that a year before.
Thanks to Barbizon and Nicole, my first pageant experience went REALLY WELL. I was the youngest TOP 5 Finisher out of 56 girls, got 4th Runner Up and was awarded Miss Photogenic. The Miss Photogenic was definitely because of the things I learned at Barbizon and my TOP 5 finish could have never been possible without Nicole's lessons at Barbizon plus the poise and confidence I gained while in the modeling program. You know the nice thing about Barbizon? Once you "graduate" you're never really done. You can go back just by calling and sit in on classes for free, join in on activities and even get modeling jobs through the Agency Modeling Director. I've been able to do some of that too because of Joan Bernard and Whitney Camden. This past January, I even participated in a Miss America Scholarship type talent versus traditional beauty pageant and was awarded the Miss Milford Outstanding Teen Title which allowed me to compete for Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen Title. I was selected People's Choice and got the Interview Award at that statewide pageant. AND get this a year ago, I was too afraid and shy to talk in public much less perform a talent or dance on stage.
This past March I was named the 2010 Delaware's Miss Teen All American and will compete for the NATIONAL title of Miss Teen All American once held by Hollywood Star Halle Berry and TV Star and former Miss USA Shana Moakler. Imagine that a year ago, I would have never thought of ever getting up on a stage much less pose in an evening gown, answer interview questions or pose in a swimsuit! Well I've got a suggestion for all teenaged boys and girls that dream of acting, modeling or just want to get confidence, poise, make friends and have a lot of fun... SIGN UP FOR A BARBIZON PROGRAM. I thank my parents everyday for doing it for me.
Don't wait, just like the Barbizon website and ad says, "YOU COULD BE OUR NEXT STAR!"
Until next time...
Kristyn Z
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