Debe’s journey started with her pursuit of a degree in fashion and textiles at Arizona State University, admittedly leaning towards the ubiquitous Liberal Arts path. Her fascination with textures and visually appealing elements drew her to this field. Debe’s passion for fashion began in childhood, and even at a young age, she had a keen eye for authenticity – be it silk, cotton, or cashmere. Polyester was never her choice of fabric.
In her college junior year, she joined Imagnin, a high-end department store under the Federated Group. Her passion for fashion skyrocketed during this time. Despite being labeled disruptive and rebellious by her bosses, Debe kept striving for excellence in her career. As a perpetual misfit and non-conformist, she eventually decided it was time to work for herself.
In 2000, Debe started her business, CustomRAGS, after working for a custom clothier in Nashville. A current client expressed interest in investing in Debbie’s new venture because he knew that she was relentless and determined to make it a success. In the morning, she would don an exquisite suit and head downtown, surrounded by towering office buildings. Skillfully navigating elevators, she subtly approached well-dressed clients. At gas stations, she sought out individuals with a polished appearance and luxurious cars. Aware that building a clientele would be a gradual process, she didn’t return to the office until she had business cards firmly in hand.
Unbeknownst to her, she would soon cross paths with Deanna Favre, the wife of Brett Favre, sparking a passion for crafting jewelry pieces for her in an unexpected venture. This new creative journey led to showcasing in New York’s Fashion Market, collaborating with Donna Karan, and having scarf lines with Free People. Concurrently, she maintained her custom clothing business while working with notable figures like Coach Jeff Fisher, Brett Favre, Kenny Rogers, members of Journey, and various country artists, continuing to style some of them today.
Today, Debe showcases her exquisite jewelry both in prominent physical stores and online. Additionally, she lends her expertise in dressing and styling influential individuals in Nashville. Notably, she was commissioned to design upscale uniforms for a luxury working farm resort featured in Forbes and Travel & Leisure as a must-visit destination. Debe’s passion for fashion shines through as she creates pieces that bring enjoyment and comfort to her clients.
