You can achieve anything - Believe in yourself - My Story.

My Personal Story 

As we step into the embrace of every new year, I want to share a piece of my heart with you. As a woman and a small business owner, I’ve come to realise that the connections we build are more than just business transactions—they’re about genuine relationships that can bring warmth and comfort to our lives.

Every keepsake I create is infused with love and care. I'm not just a business owner; I’m someone who pours her heart into every detail, thinking of you and the comfort I hope it brings. When you hold one of my creations, my greatest hope is that you feel the warmth, passion, and love that went into making it, because it was crafted just for you.

Balancing professionalism with a personal touch isn’t always easy, but being true to who I am is everything to me. I believe in being open, genuine, and allowing you to see the real me in every message and every little “kiss” at the end of a note. I want you to feel like we’re on this journey together, hand in hand, creating something beautiful and comforting.

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in being authentic and true to themselves, whether in business or in life. We all have unique personalities, perspectives, and stories to tell,  they can be powerful tools in building strong, lasting relationships and maybe even aid in helping others. You matter. 

I want to encourage you to believe in the power of change, self-love. No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. But that hope, that change, is something only you can create.

I speak from personal experience, having faced my own share of obstacles. I was born in London in 1974 with a congenital heart defect, weighing just 4 lbs 7 oz. Given up for adoption, I was eventually taken in by a strict Catholic family, where I often felt invisible, subjected to physical and mental punishment, and told that children should be seen and not heard.

Despite these challenges, later in adulthood (a lot later) I realised that the power to create a better future rested in my hands. That’s what I want for you too—no matter what you’re facing, remember you have the strength to make positive changes in your life. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

As a child, I often felt like an outsider. I’ll never forget the day my mother told me she was pregnant, and that this new baby would be "different" because it was her own child. Though I didn’t fully understand at the time, those words weighed heavily on me as I grew older, leaving me feeling second best. Tragically, when my mother miscarried, her depression deepened, and I felt even more isolated.

At primary school, I faced relentless bullying because of my mixed-race heritage, olive skin and being adopted. I was laughed at and ridiculed, feeling as though I had no place to belong, either at home or at school. It was a painful and lonely time. 

Despite my creativity, I struggled academically and was often called "stupid" by my parents. This bred deep insecurity and low self-worth that followed me into adulthood. My parents' separation only made things worse. When I went to live with my father, I adored him despite his flaws, but at just 11 or 12 years old, he abandoned me without explanation, leaving me at a friend's house two weeks before Christmas. I never saw him again. I later learned he had taken his own life. 

The next few years of my life were spent in the care system, moving from one children's home to another. When I turned 16, I was released into the world with nothing but uncertainty. I found myself in a hostel, with no support, no job, no friends, and no family—surrounded by strangers who only added to my pain with their cruelty. The loneliness and despair became overwhelming, leading me to a point where I ended up in the hospital.

But amidst this darkness, a light emerged in the form of a wonderful woman named Enid. She became my foster mother and welcomed me into her home with open arms. For the first time in years, I felt safe, loved, and cared for. Enid provided me with a refuge, a place where I could finally begin to heal. Her kindness and warmth carried me through until I turned 18, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Enid’s love gave me the strength to keep going, and she will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As an adult, I was able to reconcile with my adopted mother, and we managed to form a relationship that held moments of love, despite the painful memories of the past. She has since passed away from stomach cancer, and while I miss her deeply, I hold close the love we were finally able to share.

Over the years, I’ve grown into someone who looks beyond the surface, who understands that the pain my parents caused was deeply wrong. But I’ve also come to see that people often battle their own demons, which shape them in ways that can cause harm to others. I’ve chosen to forgive—not because what happened was right, but because forgiveness is a gift I’ve given myself. I’ve learned that holding onto anger only weighs us down, and no one deserves to hold that kind of power over our hearts.

Forgiveness has been a healing journey for me, one that has brought me peace and strength. It’s not about forgetting or excusing the past, but about freeing myself from its hold. In forgiving, I’ve reclaimed my own happiness and well-being, knowing that I deserve to move forward without the burden of unresolved pain.

For many years, I wrestled with the heavy burden of depression and a deep sense of inadequacy. Building relationships or friendships felt almost impossible for me, as my life had been a revolving door of people who came and went, leaving nothing permanent behind. Even with counseling and therapy, I found it difficult to fully open up and begin the healing process.

But in 1994 and 1995, when I became a mother, almost everything changed. The moment I held my daughters in my arms, I knew I had discovered my true purpose. I was overwhelmed with a love and devotion I had never known before, and I was determined to create a safe, loving, and joyful home for them. Raising children has its challenges, but the pride I feel when I look at the strong, independent young women my daughters have become is immeasurable. My love for them deepens with every passing day, filling my heart with a warmth and gratitude that words can hardly express.

And then there were my soul kids (dogs) Hugo, Max, and Arnie—who have since crossed the rainbow bridge. These cherished companions taught me the true meaning of unconditional love, filling my life with joy and comfort in ways words can hardly describe. Their loss left a profound emptiness in my heart, a grief like no other. Yet, the love they gave me continues to live on, a tender reminder of the bond we shared that will forever remain in my soul. It was because of Arnie my business in keepsake began, many years ago now. 

I share my story not just to tell you about my past, but to connect with you on a deeper level. Life may not always be easy, but it’s filled with moments of love, hope, and connection. These moments are what drive me to pour my heart into everything I create, and I hope they inspire you to keep believing in yourself, no matter what challenges you face.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Together, we can create something beautiful, something lasting, something that warms the heart.

As we step into the heartwarming embrace of every New Year I wanted to share a little piece of my heart with you. As a woman and a small business owner, I understand how precious and vital it is to build connections that are not just about transactions but about genuine relationships that make life a little more comforting. 

Every keepsake I create is crafted with so much love and care, because I’m not just a business owner—I’m a person who pours her heart into every detail, thinking of you and how much joy it will bring. When you hold one of my creations, I hope you feel the warmth and passion that went into making it, because it’s made just for you.

Balancing professionalism with a personal touch can be a challenge, but for me, staying true to who I am means the world. I believe in being open, genuine, and letting you see the real me behind every email or every little “kiss” at the end of a message. I want you to feel like we’re in this journey together, hand in hand, creating something beautiful and lasting.

 I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others see the value of being authentic and genuine in their own business practices if they are a business or to believe in themselves regardless of if or not they are in business and let people realise that they can overcome anything.  Remember that your unique personality and perspective can be a powerful tool in building strong, lasting relationships.

I hope to inspire and encourage you to believe in the power of change and self-improvement. No matter where you come from or what challenges you may be facing, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. But it's up to you to make it happen.

I know this from personal experience, as I've had to overcome many obstacles and struggles throughout my life.

Here my story begins 

I was born in London in 1974 with a congenital heart defect and jaundice, weighing just 4 lb 7 oz. I was given up for adoption and eventually adopted by a strict Catholic family, where I was often subjected to physical and mental punishment and told children should be seen and not heard. 

But despite the challenges of my early life, I eventually came to realise that it was up to me to create a better future for myself. And that's what I want to encourage you to do as well. No matter what obstacles you may be facing, remember that you have the power to make positive changes in your life. It may not be easy, but it's worth it.

As a child, I always felt like an outsider in my own family. It wasn't until I was about  five or 6 years old that my mother told me she was pregnant and that this new baby would be "different" from me because it was her own child. At the time, I didn't fully understand the implications of what she was saying, but as I got older, those words began to weigh on me. (I felt second best) 

Tragically, my mother miscarried and I was left feeling even more isolated and alone as my mothers depression took over. To make matters worse, when I started school, I was bullied mercilessly because of my olive skin and mixed-race heritage. I remember being laughed at and ridiculed for the colour of my skin, and feeling like I had no place to belong, either at home or at school. It was a painful and difficult time.

And let's not forget my soul dogs Hugo, Max and Arnie who have now passed to the rainbow bridge, for me they taught me unconditional love and their passing was like nothing I had ever experienced. 

When did it all change and lead me to my own business?

About 11 years ago, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that would transform my life in ways I never imagined. This path wasn't easy, and it wasn't quick, but it was worth every moment. I had spent so much of my life feeling trapped by limiting beliefs and negative patterns that held me back, but I knew that if I wanted to find true happiness and fulfillment, I had to break free.

This journey led me to the wisdom of motivational speakers and personal development experts like Jay Shetty and Jack Canfield. Their words became a guiding light, helping me see that my past did not define me and that I had the power to create a better future. Meeting Jack Canfield in person at one of his seminars was a pivotal moment, solidifying my belief that change was possible.

Through this journey, I discovered the incredible power of gratitude. I learned to focus on the blessings in my life, no matter how small, and to cherish the things that were going right instead of dwelling on the negatives. I came to realise that we are all far more blessed than we often acknowledge—blessed with life, with the love of family and friends, and with the basic necessities of life that we so easily take for granted such as water food and shelter. 

But the most profound lesson I learned was to have faith in myself. I stopped letting the negative opinions of others dictate my worth. I went from being someone who believed I wasn’t smart or capable enough, someone shaped by a difficult past, to someone who embraces life with courage and determination. I proved the naysayers wrong by building Sentimental Keepsake from the ground up, with hardly any resources, qualifications knowledge, or capital—something I never would have believed possible just a few years earlier. This journey has been challenging, yes, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Every day, I am grateful for the growth, transformation, and newfound strength it has brought into my life.

As a small business owner, I know firsthand the doubts and challenges that come with entrepreneurship. But I also know that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, anyone can achieve their dreams. I want you to know that you are beautiful, smart, and capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Start small, build your confidence, and then reach for the stars. Don’t let anyone tell you that your ideas are foolish or that you can’t succeed. If I can do it, so can you.

When I first started my business, I had little experience or knowledge about the industry. But I was determined. I taught myself how to build a website by watching tutorials on Google and YouTube. It wasn’t perfect, it still isn't and I made mistakes along the way, but I’m proud of what I accomplished. With a little hard work and determination, I believe anyone can do the same.

I understand how tough it can be to start a business, especially in a competitive industry. It’s easy to feel discouraged, to doubt yourself, to wonder if you’re enough.  I’ve had my share of struggles and setbacks, but I never gave up. I remained enthusiastic and determined to succeed, and I’m so grateful to say that my perseverance has paid off. I love what I do, and I’m proud to be a woman doing it for myself. We’re all in this together, and we should lift each other up, not see each other as competition. That’s why, for many years, I taught memorial jewelry and breastmilk jewelry making, helping others grow and thrive in their own UK-based businesses. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with other keepsake artists who are as passionate and driven as I am, and I’m thankful to have found a community of like-minded women who support each other.

I’ve been incredibly blessed to have the most wonderful customers, whose kind and thoughtful feedback touches my heart more than words can express. As a small business owner, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that the love and care I put into my work is felt and appreciated by you. While I understand that I can’t always meet everyone’s expectations, I still worry deeply about the occasional unhappy customer. If you’ve ever felt that way, please know how truly sorry I am—your happiness with my work is everything to me, especially given the deeply personal nature of what I create.

The positive response I’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly heartwarming, filling me with gratitude and encouragement. I’ve been lucky enough to form genuine friendships from afar with some of my customers, and those connections are so incredibly precious to me. Knowing that my work has brought a bit of comfort into your lives is what keeps me going, and I am so thankful to each of you for your support and trust.

Through my journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I’ve learned that true happiness comes from within. We all have the power to cultivate a positive and peaceful mindset, no matter what challenges we face. I believe that anyone can strive for greatness, regardless of age, race, religion, or background. It is never too late to turn your life around, to reach for the stars, and to believe in yourself.

So, my heartfelt message to each of you is this: Embrace who you truly are, pursue what sets your soul on fire, and never let anyone make you feel unworthy or incapable. You are beautiful, you are deserving of joy, and you have the power to create the life you dream of. Be gentle with yourself, and lift others up as well. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Together, we can reach for greatness and build a future filled with love, warmth, and fulfillment.

If you have a personal story that might bring comfort or inspiration to someone else, I would be deeply honored to share it on my website. Be courageous. Your voice matters. Sharing our journeys allows us all to feel a little less alone, and together, we can inspire and uplift one another in ways that truly matter.

I

My Rainbow bridge fur kid and my human babies 

My warmest wishes to you all 

Debbie xxx