We were lucky to catch up with Debbie Serdy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Debbie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My Nana, was quite the crafty lady. She grew up and raised a family during the depression, thus she had a knack for sewing and crafting with whatever was available. She would sell her handmade Barbie clothes at craft shows at the local firehouse and church. When I was about 12 years old, she invited me to have a small card table of my crafts and water colors right next to hers at a show at the Valley Forge Fire Company. I made tiny critters made from nuts and twigs I found in the woods, and I had a few paintings I had done. A customer asked me to make a custom portrait of her home, that she lovingly called “The Mouse House.” I was over the moon about this commission!! I was so proud of the finished piece and the customer loved it too. I got paid $12.00. I did the happy dance all the way home. I wonder if she still has “The Mouse House” painting? Kudos to all the Grannies out there, showing the younger one how its done.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Debbie Serdy and I am the artist behind the independent fashion and accessories label, My Aunt Debbie.

Waaaaaaaay back in the 1980’s, while I was using my college degree in Environmental Conservation to the fullest as a bartender; I started making a line of jewelry inspired by my love of pop culture and everything kitschy. When I wore my jewelry to work, (always breaking the “no dangly jewelry” dress code), I would notice that after my customers had a few drinks, they would want to buy what I was wearing. Before I knew it, I had a thriving little jewelry business while mixing up martinis.

30 years later I’m still basically doing the same thing.

I could list all of the artistic achievements, and experiences I’ve had, and the amazing people I have had the privilege of working with, and I am delighted to say that there have been many. But the reason I still do this boils down to a few simple things…….. I like to make things that make people laugh, I like to make and do things that encourage and inspire people, and I’m not really that good at sticking to anything else….

My nephews Daniel and John, suggested I name my business My Aunt Debbie: and it stuck. Without them life would be so boring. Encouraging them to push the envelope, and think outside of the box are some of my proudest moments.

When I’m not making earrings out of pop culture icons, you can find me haunting flea markets and thrift shops for
vintage flotsam and jetsam, unusual doodads and weird textiles. I conjure these goodies up into expressive clothing and questionable accessories. I fantasize about rock stars wearing them on stage, and shy folks wearing them as they sing into their hairbrushes fantasizing about being rock stars.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A book I think every creative entrepreneur should read and re-read is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. In a nut shell, Mr. Pressfield instills the value of a work ethic. Showing up in the studio everyday, whether you are inspired” to or not. Be consistent, show up, and do the hard stuff. I have made more mistakes in my creative career than I care to admit, but I showed up anyway, learned the lessons and persisted. These are the times I look at my stubbornness as an asset!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it’s the people and community I serve with my creativity.
A large part of my business is custom orders. It is really fun to collaborate with someone to make them what they envision. It’s like a big group hug. When I had my retail shop, I really strived to make the environment delightful and uplifting. I wanted everyone to feel better for having visited. I had the privilege of representing many local artists at the shop. It was a joy getting to know them, and to be a stepping stone and cheer leader in their growing businesses. We are all just walking each other home, right??

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myauntdebbie.com
• Instagram: @myauntdebbie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myauntdebbie