29September

In June, FOF Debra Bachelder won an FOF business makeover with leading career coach, Jeff Williams. She’s successfully launched her jewelry company DFB City Street Gems which she continues to grow with Jeff’s help.

Now, she’s offering two lucky FOFs a chance to win nostalgic necklaces from her collection, which is inspired by found objects from her childhood.

To enter, comment below and tell us: Which necklace do you like and why? Then, read on to learn about Debra’s business makeover.

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

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For over thirty years, 53-year-old Debra Bachelder has been involved in various art ventures; she worked as a Wall Street graphic designer, ran a Southwest/Asian-inspired jewelry line called Fiesta and leads art programs for different at-risk populations.

“I always came back to making stuff,” says Debra. “I’m originally from New York and moved to a small town in Ohio. After 14 years, I was still homesick. I needed a way to cope.”

She began making pieces using items one might find on the streets of New York: bottle caps, coins, watch parts and charms.

“I started wiring it all together and wearing it. Next thing I knew, I was taking orders.”

“Debra came to me probably a month and a half into starting her business,” said Jeff. “She already had a name for the company, a legal agreement, suppliers, and a preliminary business plan. She’s very savvy but she needed help with the tactical stuff. As a lot of entrepreneurs do, she felt very overwhelmed.

What they worked on:

For more information about DFB City Street Gems, e-mail Debra at: workitout@redbird.net (and put "FOF" in the subject line).

Enter to win one of Debra’s Street Gems™ necklaces by commenting below and telling us: Which of the two necklaces would you choose, and why?

Deborah fiorille July 17, 2012 at 9:25 pm

Oh the jacks are so cool!

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PEI LENG MOROTO June 26, 2012 at 2:32 pm

Love the design of the Jax on the stoop. Easily match with any clothing.

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KTYX May 26, 2012 at 3:59 pm

I would wear either one. To see them made me smile and think of playing in the old neighborhood with great friends and cool sisters!!

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grammydiva12 April 10, 2012 at 2:23 pm

I would love the jacks and ball, because I was hard to beat in the game of jacks as a child.It brings back such memories!

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connie stanley December 7, 2011 at 4:08 pm

i would definitely chose the skate key necklace. when i was younger i lived in skates. it is adorable!!!!

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sharon910 November 29, 2011 at 7:39 pm

Iwould love the jax. played them when I was young.

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