Growing up with different backdrops, Carmen in the suburbs of Atlanta and Troy in the concrete jungle of New York, our paths collided on the campus of North Carolina State University. There, between late nights, big dreams and shared ambitions, we discovered not only each other but a shared vision for a life filled by purpose, creativity, and impact.

We pursued careers in fashion, finance, and entrepreneurship, and after graduation planted roots in Troy’s hometown of NYC—where our ambitions and opportunities converged. We climbed the corporate ladder and reached the highest levels of our industries, in the global epicenter of style and business.

In our 20s we got married. A few years later, our first child was born. By our 30s, we bought an apartment in Manhattan. It would seem we conquered life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet life reminds us that no worthy pursuit is without growth. 

While our life has been filled with unimaginable joys—such as the birth of two more children and building a home near Carmen’s family in Atlanta—we have also encountered integrity-defining adversity such as job eliminations and a special needs diagnosis.

Our unique story is our own, but our path to purpose is shared by the many who balance careers, relationships and parenting. We created Fashion Family Finance as a safe space to share, learn, love, laugh and cry. Our aim is to support those seeking impact through their work and family.