Carley Shimkus grew up with her parents, Edward and Zulma Shimkus, and her sister, Margot Shimkus, in New Jersey. She was raised in Long Valley, a historic and picturesque community. "There's sort of a negative perception to New Jersey — the (New Jersey) Turnpike and the more crowded areas — but it's called the Garden State for a reason, and that reason is Long Valley," Carley once told NJ Starz.
For the Shimkuses, there was no better place to raise a family. After all, in Long Valley, the family lived a home situated on a 100-acre plot of land that is entirely protected. Living in Long Valley, Carley and her sister also grew up surrounded by nature with the area known for its Electric Brook and South Branch River. "When I grew up and I moved to the city, and then I went back to my parents' house, I was so appreciative of the area I grew up in because it's just gorgeous," she explained.
Carley also is grateful to her mom and dad, who have supported her every step of the way. "I've had so much help in my life, and the first two people who come to mind are my parents," she said in NJ Starz. "They're your heroes when you're little, they're the only people you know, and aside from God and him being such a big part of my life, they're my shoulders to cry on."
