Deborah

I started my local business, Apples & Oranges Jewelry and Apothecary, in April 2024 after vending at my first farmer's market in Pilot Point, Texas. Before becoming an official business owner, I foraged and pressed my own flowers for years prior, creating an array of artwork and later jewelry, with organic materials I found on walks with my sweet dog, Dutch. I create each piece with individuality in mind to honor the beauty of diversity. Alongside my unique flower jewelry, I create plant-based beauty care products in my apothecary, including soap, body butter, lip balm, body spray, and natural make-up remover. I use minimal, quality ingredients to make nourishing products for all skin types, especially sensitive skin! In addition to jewelry making, I am a scholar of immigration and refugee studies. I earned my Ph.D. in sociology in July 2023. I am incredibly vocal about all issues which impact marginalized groups in the U.S. and abroad. Whenever possible, I incorporate aspects of my research into artwork. For example, I have a "Jewelry for a Cause" section on my website in which half of all funds received per each item will be donated to help with a variety of social causes. My intention is to decolonize artwork by speaking truth to power, with the goal of spreading awareness of marginalized populations who are impacted by genocide, discrimination, and systemic racism.