Barbizon Grad: Why Barbizon is More than Training

Barbizon of Akron grad, Ginger Pangas, is just seventeen years old and already understands what it means to truly chase your dreams. Initially scouted at the age of fourteen, Ginger has been working hard to chase her dreams and shows us with passion, confidence and determination, we can get where we want to go. Read her personal story below and find out why she feels Barbizon is more than just a training program.

FROM GINGER:

I'm Ginger Pangas, a Barbizon graduate. I am 17 years-of-age and a senior at St. Vincent St. Mary Hight School. I become involved in the entertainment field when I was scouted at the age of 14.

I started training to be an actress and model through countless workshops, schools and working free as an extra to build my resume. Through this process, I built many bridges to get me to the NEXT level. If it's your passion and DREAM, then go for it!

It was during this time that I discovered Barbizon of Akron. I thought "Ok, cool more training for me as a model," but it was ore than that! When I signed up and attended the first class I'm like: "Wow...I Love this!" I met new friends and learned everything a teen girl needs to know to improve her self-confidence! I knew this is what I needed to succeed in this crazy world of entertainment. Parents always have their kids in sports or some kind of activities, but they never think to help them with confidence, skin care, image, clothing, shopping, hair, color image and more!

What teen girl doesn't like to talk about this stuff?!? But how often do parents have the time or simply forget? Barbizon is definitely a must on your activity list. Try it, you will LIKE it!

Since Barbizon, I have taken this confidence to the next level. I have been in a Paramount Pictures film, many runway shows, countless films, voiceovers and more. But my true love is singing!

At the young age of 17, I have produced a new CD available on iTunes and Amazon called "BELIEVE." This was recorded in New York with producer Arty Skye in Times Square. I'm playing gigs and clubs in Cleveland, working with the best music schools in Ohio including Baldwin Wallace College. I have been offered two contracts and I am currently working on my next CD. You need confidence to get on stage. I love following my dream.

Best of luck and always BELIEVE.

Ginger Pangas
Copley, Ohio

Parents Thank Barbizon for Helping Child Through Cancer

"Savannah was diagnosed at age 5 with Hepatoblastoma which is a rare liver cancer in children. Previously I had just finished radiation treatments for Breast Cancer and she was diagnosed with this liver cancer within 6 weeks of my treatment ending. So our family knows the emotional rollercoaster cancer puts you through. We also know the joy of survivorship as well. She just found out last week at Hershey Medical Center that she is now 3 years cancer free!! (I am 4 years cancer free too!) We have a lot to be thankful for and our life perspective is different than most. We are just happy for the opportunity each day brings honestly. She started her classes with Barbizon after all her cancer treatments were over with. (She spent every 20 days as 10 days inpatient up at Hershey for almost a year) When she lost all her hair you could see the disappointment in her eyes. Children would not play with her at playgrounds and she was not invited to birthday parties. It was really a sad time for Savannah. Perhaps that is why Savannah is so compassionate and a social butterfly wanting to include everyone. We knew we had to do something to make her shine again as we know her. Barbizon has been perfect for that. Thank-you for putting a smile on her face when very little else could anymore. Savannah definitely has more self confidence and has a good time on runway and photo shoots. If that is all that comes out of Barbizon, we as her parents are thrilled with the outcome so far. Although Savannah has already told us she wants to go to Paris to eat a croissant and visit the Eiffel Tower. Lofty goals for an 8 year old I think. Whatever her dream, we support it. Thanks again for the opportunity to be in the Pink Promise Fashion Show."
- Kimona & Shawn Keenen (Parents of Savannah Keenen)

Star of CWTV's Remodeled Supports Barbizon

"Although previous comments may lead one to believe I am not in support of all modeling schools, it should be known, there are certain schools, which actually do a great job in being honest and discover incredible talent who have gone on to great, huge careers. The team at the Barbizon is one of those schools and has an incredible relationship with not only myself and The Network but with many top agencies around the world. They have “great” eyes for talent and have discovered some great talent."

- Paul Fisher, CEO The Network, Star of the CWTV show Remodeled

Barbizon Provides Unparalleled Life Skills: Miss America

"When I was younger, my mother and my aunt put me into the Barbizon program. It's so much more than just a modeling program, and that's something a lot of people don't know...it was an opportunity that gave me life skills that are absolutely unparalleled."

- 2010 Miss America Caressa Cameron

Katrina Hoernig Thanks Barbizon

"Barbizon was such a life changing experience. Even from the first day, I met awesome people and was immersed in knowledge of the industry. I always looked forward to classes, it was my favorite time to come and learn about this new industry with other people like me."

- Katrina Hoernig, SIgned with Factor Women Chicago and DNA Model Management New York