ooh, i have an idea if you're game! i had it that carmen had pretty meh foster homes and was in and out of them and centers from 14-18, and while she was there she had an opportunity to study cosmetology, which led to her continuing that after school. maybe carmen met poppy through one of the centers and she encouraged her to look into cosmetology? she always loved doing hair and makeup but carmen had no prospects or plans for the future. cosmetology kidn of turned her life around. her mom was a deadbeat and her dad wasn't any better, but at least loved her, but he died when she was seven. then she was left to her own devices from 7-9 until her mom abandoned her. so she's had trust issues that she's had to get through.