Her Story
About Deborah
I've been working in my field for over 10 years, and my main focus is doing acts of kindness for people who are struggling and diagnosed with cancer. Right now, I'm in the process of setting up something to be able to give back to cancer patients who have lost their hair, creating an avenue for people to be able to come and get a free wig. I had a website with cancer products before, but when I let that go and started doing religious products, I had people calling me asking if I had wigs, which made me realize there's a real need since the American Cancer Society no longer gives out wigs. I have a beauty supply shop where I'm featuring wigs, and I'm also purchasing wigs to give out to maybe about 10 people, or as many as I can help. I work with mentally challenged clients, and I love working with people and helping people - that's the most important thing I've done in my career. I also work as a CNA taking care of elderly people. I recently created a chapter of the Royal Neighbors organization here in Ashland, Kentucky, and I'm so excited to get started. I've had cancer twice and now I'm dealing with lymphoma, so I have a personal understanding of what cancer patients go through. I also do inspirational gifts and enjoy making products.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deborah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to caring about others and not thinking about myself. I'm always good, I never really need nothing, I'm very simple, but I do like helping other people if I can, giving back. I just want to help someone else, because in this time and age, people don't care no more. It's like, you know, somebody has to care.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received has been from mentors who have cheered me on and told me to keep going. Working with mentally challenged clients and children, I've had people encourage me to just keep going, to keep doing what I'm doing. That support and encouragement to continue helping others has been the most valuable advice I've gotten.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to be confident, be strong, to know that they can do it, and if they need any help, don't be afraid to ask. Learn how to be selfless. Just treat people the way you would want them to treat you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are finding care for cancer patients. It's challenging just to get out and help people understand what you're dealing with when you have cancer, and how it affects your families. People don't realize all the things that you go through as a cancer survivor or a person that has cancer. I want to get people to understand that, to go through the journey and the process to understand, not to be selfish, to be close to those who are suffering.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What's most important to me is taking care of myself, learning more, helping others, and just doing things that I can. Having had cancer twice and now dealing with lymphoma, I've learned that it's really important to take care of yourself while also caring for others and giving back however you can.
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