Meet Deborah Fessenden | Foraged flower artist, herbalist, sociologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Fessenden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I officially started Apples & Oranges Jewelry and Apothecary last year on April 27th, the day I participated in my first community market with the city of Pilot Point. I had been making jewelry for 2 years prior, but finally gained the courage to form a business after many friends (and strangers) encouraged me to do so. I started my business because I love to help others feel beautiful, inside and outside 🙂 I am incredibly passionate about what I do! I am always crafting and making something unique – it’s a huge aspect of my business model to help the earth by upcycling and picking up trash/recyclables while I’m foraging for flowers. Through my jewelry & apothecary bath products, I demonstrate how important it is to feel connected to the earth and appreciate our environment on a daily basis

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wear many hats in our community! For starters, I earned my PhD in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2023. Instead of entering academia, I decided to pursue the non-profit sector to better our community. I currently work full-time as a grant writer for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. I also have a volunteer role at BeKinder Coffee in Dallas, TX, serving as the Director of Advocacy and Education. Our mission is to support immigrants and refugees in DFW, which is in line with my studies and research area within Sociology. After graduating, I also had time to start a business to not only sell the unique and upcycled jewelry I love creating, but also to promote recycling in honor of Mother Earth.

My journey to this point was not exactly easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Through dedication, persistence, and surrounding myself with caring and supportive people, my success was possible in all areas of my life. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and follow my gut; we all have a choice to make, and I consistently chose to live my life and do what makes me happy and pursue goals of my own, despite the opinions of others. I believe it is my purpose to serve our community, both through my business and my roles in the non-profit sector. I seek to spread joy everywhere I go.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend was in town, I would take them to grab an iced vanilla latte at Jupiter House, followed by an afternoon browsing Recycled Books on the Denton Square. Next, I’d take them to Blue Anjou, my favorite yoga studio in Lewisville for vinyasa yoga and a sound bath. For dinner, we’d eat at Juicy Pig and treat ourselves with ice cream from Beth Marie’s afterwards. These are by far my favorite places!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly grateful for the help I’ve received along my journey. A big thank you goes out to my friend and local vendor, Courtie of Inspiration by Craft, The City of Pilot Point, the Mystical Market, and my supportive, regular customers!

Website: https://apples777oranges.square.site

Instagram: @apples777oranges

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-fessenden-ph-d-217b329a

Facebook: Apples777oranges