12BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO MIAMI HERALD MONDAY , AUGUST 1 , 2016
POWER COUPLE
By Zach Rinkins
Acclaimed sculptor Troy Simmons and Local 10 personality Constance Jones
The romance of Constance Jones and Troy Simmons may seem like a preview into a charmed life . The Emmy-nominated Jones graces T . V . screens as on-air talent for Local 10 and Simmons is an internationally acclaimed artist . The dynamic duo are grateful for 13 years together , nine years of matrimony and more than a dozen hustles and jobs between them .
Though that sounds glamorous and sophisticated , the Legacy 40 Under 40 alums
Simmons and Jones Sustain Love with Faith and Simplicity
attribute their successful relationship to love and simplicity . “ We value simple things . I have to be to work very early in the morning and even though Troy works late into the night , he always walks me to my car every morning ,” Jones shares . “ And , he surprises me with little notes around different areas of the house . Those notes are worth more than diamonds . It lets me know he is thinking about me .”
They contend with the ebbs-and-flows of real life like everyone else . “ A big misconception is that people think that if you ’ re on television , you must be rich ,” she says . “ But , journalism is a nomadic business with many uncertainties . There have been times I was not making as much money as people might have thought and people were getting laid off at my job . I was terrified .” The couple approach challenges with creativity and pluck . “ When we moved from Oklahoma , I left a good business environment where I built over 300 homes , to come to Miami and the recession hit ,” Simmons informs . “ As people were getting evicted in our building , I ’ d notice a couch here or another item there . So , I ’ d call Constance and say , ‘ we may have something we could sell on EBay .” Adds Jones , “ Listen , I could not let my colleagues know I was dumpster diving and selling people ’ s stuff on EBay . But , we got it done .”
The pair created a few ventures to increase revenue streams . Troy is an architect , artist , realtor and sculptor , among other things . Constance is a media personality , owners of the Huggabeans brands of children ’ s clothing , and several online ventures . Those ups-and-downs taught them the value of teamwork .
“ More than anything Troy has been my teammate ,” Jones reveals . “ I had to learn how to understand that Troy is my teammate and not my enemy . Simmons continues , “ We have to lean on and rely on each other . What affects me , affects her . At the end of the day , it ’ s you and your spouse against the world .”
The Simmons-Jones tandem say that couples can avoid monotony by having a maintenance plan . “ It is very important to bring your best self to your relationship . When you first start a relationship , you are always trying to impress your partner . You have to keep that up ,” Simmons encourages . “ And , we have been together virtually every day since our second date . That has been our intention . Staying focused and not getting too comfortable is a challenge . But , it must be done .”
Faith plays a large role in their union . “ We really feel that God called us to do some important work on the earth ,” Jones declares . Simmons says , “ I learned how to step out on faith from my mother . She taught us that you have to have faith in your dreams and to dream big dreams .”
Log on to www . local10 . com / news / constance-jones , for more information about Constance Jones . Discover Troy Simmons at www . TroySimmonsStudio . com
Mayor Carlos Gimenez
DELIVERING A SAFER COMMUNITY FOR OUR FAMILIES
Mayor Carlos Gimenez has implemented an ambitious plan to increase public safety .
Paid electioneering communications paid for by MIami-Dade Residents First , 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd . Suite 1100 , Coral Gables , FL 33134
Hired over 130 new police officers in the last year and is committed to continue allocating resources to public safety in his new budget
Implemented a system of 1,000 police body cameras to enhance and maintain trust between our community and police department , making Miami-Dade Police Department the largest police department in the Southeast using body cameras
Championed the Youth and Community Safety Initiative , providing mentoring and social programs for at-risk youth , focusing on early intervention
MAYOR CARLOS GIMENEZ
ALWAYS PUTTING MIAMI-DADE RESIDENTS FIRST