Kate B. is a Barbizon Southwest student and active fashion blogger! As a junior in high school and competitive cheerleader for the past 11 years, Kate is working hard and keeping busy to pursue her dreams. She has taken a few minutes to talk to us about her hobbies, goals and Barbizon experience.

What was the first thing that went through your mind when you received the call to audition with Barbizon Southwest?
The first thing that came to my mind was probably, “Where can this take me in my future.” I was also thinking about the experience this would give me in the fashion/modeling world.

How far into the Barbizon Modeling and Acting program are you?
I have two classes left. I will be a part of the graduation fashion show on April 19th and will also be auditioning for IMTA at the end of April.

So far, what has been your favorite part of Barbizon?
Meeting new friends and connecting with the different directors. I also love getting to strut down the runway like I am the actual Beyonce!!!

What are the top three things that you have learned at Barbizon that you will use after graduating?
Everything we learn has a purpose in the line of work for modeling and acting but I think that three skills I will find myself using even outside of the studio or off of the stage are the interview strategies, self encouragement and skin care.

Name one thing you do that makes you feel confident.
One thing that makes me feel confident is my own personal style and wearing clothes that complement my body type.

What advice would you give to other girls about staying confident?
Self-confidence is the best outfit. Own it. You may not be able to change what people think about you, but you can change the way you think about yourself, and let me tell you – you are better than any of those other people. They are just jealous.

Outside of Barbizon, what are your hobbies?
I love shopping, and when I say shopping I don’t mean suffocating your wallet… I mean shopping for styles. I also love reading and photography. Because as a wise man (or should I say the wisest man) once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

We noticed you really love fashion and following trends. Who is your favorite designer and why?
I have always been a fan of Oscar de la Renta’s designs (may he rest in peace). I don’t know how he did it but he always managed to put all elements of creativity into just one dress: shape, color, theme and passion. He never failed to make those models look like modern day princesses.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things with you, what would you take?
If I’m being honest, I think I would take my camera, a good book and a box of tea. (A big box!)

What do you want to do after graduating from high school?
After high school, I would like to go to my community college to get my general education classes out of my way, then hopefully go to Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in L.A. to get my degree in Visual Communications and Merchandising. But I would also like to see where Barbizon Southwest modeling takes me.