LIFE

 

Teens are capable of anything: running a business, raising cash for a cause, making a difference, inspiring others. There are great girls everywhere—and in our new “Great Girls” series, created in partnership with Barbizon Modeling, we’ll shine a light on remarkable young women with incredible stories. Whether you get some solid ideas or just some serious inspo, take notes on these top-notch teens—and maybe we’ll be sharing *your* story someday soon.

Meet Taylor and Alexa…
Having a sister has its ups and downs, from sharing clothes to dealing with drama. And when you're only a few years apart, like Taylor, 21, and Alexa, 16, you're destined to be best friends. The two might be taking different career paths, but they're closer than ever. Check out our interview with the duo below to find out how they inspire each other and how their sisterhood has changed their lives for the better. 

 

Girls Life: What is your relationship like with each other? 

Taylor: When Alexa was born, I was five years old and I asked my mom when we could take her back to the orphanage (I'm so glad we didn't!). We have grown closer as we've gotten older because we spend a lot of time together like in the kitchen baking our Grandma's delicious cookies or singing and dancing. Sometimes we do arts and crafts and, this fall, we worked at a farm festival near our house which was a blast. Anything is better when we do it together.

Alexa: My sister and I are very close. We love going shopping, dancing around the house, doing each other's hair and makeup, singing in the car and even grabbing coffee at Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. 

GL: Taylor, do you try to be a good role model for your little sis? 

Taylor: Yeah definitely, but I actually feel like she could be a role model for me! Like she teaches me how to do new makeup skills that she learned on YouTube that I could never do myself. We're just always rooting for each other and supporting in each other in everything that we do.

GL: You've clearly both learned a lot from each other. What did you learn from being a part of Barbizon? 

Taylor: I was in my third year of college when I started Barbizon and it inspired me to keep following my dreams. Barbizon also taught me to be super confident and how important it is to show up on time. Plus, my sister and I got to walk in a few fashion shows together and the whole family came to cheer us on so it's been a lot of fun.

Alexa: Barbizon taught me to be poised and confident at all times, and to always be prepared.

GL: What does the future look like for you two? 

Taylor: When I was young, I knew I was destined to have a fashion career. I was nine years old when I first visited the Fashion Institute of Technology and instantly fell in love. My mom sent me for sewing lessons and I made my first bag and dress. Since then I have designed all kinds of bags, shoes and belts. In May, I will graduate from FIT with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in accessory design and fabrication. I will work full-time as a handbag designer at the company I am currently interning. Which I could not be more excited for!!

Alexa: I attended the Perna Dance Center for 12 years and learned valuable life lessons from Mrs. Hedy, the director. Perna will always hold a special place in my heart but I decided this year I want to pursue new and different things. Now I will be attending art classes, exercising, becoming more involved in clubs at school and starting new opportunities. I will also be preparing for my future college endeavors. Recently I have been visiting open houses at colleges like TCNJ and FIT. 

Want to see what Barbizon Modeling is all about—and gain the confidence that Taylor and Alexa both learned? CLICK HERE to get more information about programs and opportunities.

by Amanda Tarlton | 12/30/2016