Cancer Survivor Debbie Merle Designs Vibrant, Go-Anywhere Jewelry
Debbie Merle’s story – and rainbow hued jewels – will inspire you!
-Diana Denza
A breast cancer survivor, Debbie Merle stumbled into jewelry design as a way to cope with fighting her disease. The result: beaded baubles that’ll brighten up any fall wardrobe. We chatted with Merle about her struggle with cancer, her proudest moments of a designer, and the meaning behind these pretty pieces. You can call us charmed! Check out her gorgeous creations in our exclusive flash sale at BettyConfidential Shop!
Betty Confidential: Your jewelry is so vibrant –how do you choose the color palettes?
Debbie Merle: I find true passion with life and nature. When I look at a sunset or the sky or a blade of grass, I see and feel a connection that lights me up from the inside out and leads me to the amazing color palettes I select. It needs to excite me and reach me on an emotional, spiritual and physical level. The colors that I work with speak to me in a certain way; they put a smile on my face.
BC: What do the charms and agate beads mean to you?
DM: The beads and charms that I work with have healing and protective properties. I feel there is a magical power and energy in the materials that I use. They heal the soul and spirit and I want to pass this healing and happiness on.
BC: How did your struggle with cancer inspire you to design jewelry?
DM: When I was very sick and really thought that I was going to die, I tried to muster up enough strength to get through all of the chemo and radiation treatments. Suddenly, it was as if a switch just went on and it came to me. I discovered that it is my true passion and happiness to design beautiful pieces of art that I would be able to wear proudly. It made me happy and it made others smile as well.
How Debbie dealt with her diagnosis up next!
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