If you’re an avid Girls’ Life reader, you’ve probably seen our fabulous contest with Barbizon (aka the national modeling and acting school that has helped millions of girls make their dreams come true).
But what it’s like to actually win?
Let us introduce you to Abbie W., our 2024 winner.
Abbie W., a small-town girl from Wisconsin, never expected to end up modeling in L.A.
“I’ve always wanted to become a model, so when I discovered this Barbizon modeling contest, I sent it straight to my mom,” Abbie shares. “I wasn’t even sure I would be chosen, but she signed me up for it right away.”
Then, one day, Abbie got the call telling her she’d been selected as a semi-finalist. “That’s when I realized this could turn into something so real,” she says. “And it was all up from there.”
Literally. Because Abbie soon found herself on an airplane from Seymour, WI, to Los Angeles, CA.
Flying out to L.A. with Team GL was surreal. “It was a total culture shock for me,” says Abbie. “I’ve never been to Los Angeles before. It was insane getting to experience the city, the photoshoot, everything!”
On set in L.A., Abbie was nervous about being styled for the first time. “I was worried I might not like it,” she admits. But Abbie is now the first to say it was better than she’d ever imagined.
Her fave fit? A denim romper layered over a bold red off-the-shoulder top with a dramatic neckline and 5-inch heels. “I looked tall for once, I’m only 5-foot-4!” she jokes.
The contest marked her first real step into modeling, but the dream had been on her radar for a while. “I ride horses and I’ve always wanted to model for, like, equestrian apparel,” Abbie shares.
Her riding journey began during the pandemic at a kids’ camp. “My mom’s first mistake was putting me in the kids’ camp—I was hooked,” she laughs.
Got your own modeling dreams? Take a page from Abbie’s book: Stay true to yourself, trust the process and don’t be afraid to go for it.
DREAMING OF MODELING IN GIRLS’ LIFE MAGAZINE?
Secure your moment in the spotlight! Enter our contest with Barbizon and start manifesting your future as our 2025 Model Search winner.
How do I enter?
Just click HERE! You’ll be prompted to enter some basic information about yourself and submit an optional photo. Then keep checking the site to see if you’ve been chosen as a featured semifinalist.
What do I win?
Our 2025 Model Search winner scores a photo shoot in Girls’ Life plus an awesome vacay and a $1,000 shopping spree with a top stylist. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience *and* a chance to get discovered, kickstart your career and up your influencer status.
Ready to be a star? Enter right here!
