FounderS Bio

The Women Who Made Me Magical

Hi, I’m Carrie — lifelong dress-up devotee, nostalgia collector, and the creator of Frock Stars. My love for imagination, fashion, and whimsy comes from generations of creative, resourceful, fabulously stylish women who shaped me long before I ever dreamed of opening a studio.

My Mom’s Dress-Up Trunk

My mom kept a dress-up trunk for me, but it wasn’t filled with packaged princess outfits (though we happily have those at Frock Stars!).

It was full of treasures — thrifty finds, vintage pieces, and sometimes straight-up magic. One year, she found a pearlescent white sequin gown at a tag sale, shortened it, and turned it into a bride costume for me. I put it on and felt absolutely transported. It was the first time I understood how clothing can shift your whole sense of self.

My Great-Grandmother, The Whimsical Quilter

My great-grandmother sewed out of necessity during the Great Depression, but she also sewed with whimsy. She taught me to sew when I was little — patiently guiding my hands as we stitched quilts that were always a bit quirky and made fabulous outfits for my Barbies. She showed me that creativity can bloom in even the hardest times.

Aunt Cathy, My Style Muse

My late Aunt Cathy made most of her runway-worthy wardrobe in the 60s and 70s. She was stunning, stylish, and glamorous — the kind of woman who could walk into a room and shift the temperature. I didn’t get much time with her on Earth, but she remains one of my muses.
Her spirit loves Frock Stars.

My Mom, The Thrifting Queen

Every birthday, I chose a shopping spree over a party. She could sniff out magic in a thrift store — including the black velvet vest covered in multicolored ribbon bows I’ll never forget. She encouraged every wild fashion idea I had.

My mom could sniff out a deal from a mile away. She knew brands, textures, value, quality — and she could accessorize with absolute panache. Every year for my birthday, I could choose a party or a shopping spree with her — I always chose the shopping spree. I’ll never forget the black velvet vest covered in multicolored ribbon bows she once found; she encouraged my wild fashion exploration and never told me an outfit was too much. She would adore Frock Stars.

The Ballerina Who Refused the Dress Code

I was a ballerina, but I refused the standard pink tights and black leotard. Instead, I mixed patterns, colors, textures, and the craziest practice outfits I could get away with. I didn’t know it then, but I was already doing what Frock Stars does now: creating joy through expressive, whimsical, rule-breaking fashion.