Deborah Fessenden on Turning Foraged Beauty into Purpose-Driven Jewelry and Advocacy

Deborah Fessenden is redefining sustainable fashion through her handcrafted jewelry, blending foraged flowers with repurposed materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces rooted in intention and authenticity. Guided by a deep love for nature and a commitment to inclusivity, her work goes beyond aesthetics — serving as a platform for self-love, individuality, and social awareness. As she continues to grow her brand while staying true to slow, meaningful creation, Deborah’s journey reflects both resilience and purpose, proving that beauty, advocacy, and personal transformation can coexist in powerful ways.

Deborah, your work is deeply rooted in sustainability and intention. What first inspired you to create jewelry using foraged flowers and repurposed materials?
I was first inspired to create eco-conscious jewelry from foraged flowers due to my love for nature and my desire to preserve their beauty for decades to come. I am a nature lover by heart who is deeply inspired by the complexity of flowers and fauna, as no two petals are alike. For years before making jewelry, I used my pressed flowers to create framed wall art. Yet as my art evolved, I began exploring new ways to incorporate pressed flowers into more functional and personalized art pieces. As I experimented with my pressed flowers and taught myself how to make jewelry, I learned a unique technique to make my earring designs look like flower portraits, using only flowers to make each piece colorful with no artificial dyes or mica powder – all the color you see is from the flowers! I am intentional about repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded – it’s an opportunity to breathe beauty into old items and create something new.

You emphasize slow, meaningful fashion and one-of-a-kind pieces. How does that philosophy shape both your creative process and your connection with customers?
My philosophy influences my art and self-expression with customers through encouraging others to embody themselves for exactly who they are – like apples and oranges, we cannot be compared to each other, and nor should we try to be like anyone except ourselves! Likewise, I create each necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings with individuality in mind; each piece is completely unique from the next. I want others to see themselves in my art, and to be reminded of their own beauty each time they wear handcrafted jewelry designed by Apples & Oranges Jewelry and Apothecary.

Your brand strongly promotes inclusivity and self-love. How do you translate those values into your designs and overall messaging?
My doctoral-level background in sociology shapes how I design my pieces and promote my handcrafted jewelry to the public through the lens of inclusivity and self-love. First, it’s important to state that I’m doing things differently with purposeful intention. It’s a common (and toxic) advertising tactic to prey upon insecurities so customers feel obligated to buy products to fix an “issue” with their weight, appearance, or lifestyle. I wish to go against the grain and remind customers that they’re already beautiful, complete, and appreciated by using my jewelry as a tool to uplift customer’s confidence. Second, I refuse to be silent in the face of injustice. My brand will always speak out against inhumane actions in the U.S. and across the globe. Local and big businesses alike should not ignore the racist conditions of Black and Brown people, ICE raids that lock undocumented in U.S. funded concentration camps, and the countless atrocities committed against vulnerable populations. I believe it is important to acknowledge and push back against policies that cause life-long harm. This message is present in my branding – I recently designed a sticker that states “Press Flowers, Crush ICE” over the backdrop of a colorful garden.

As you expand with your new blog and prepare for larger markets like Arts Goggle, how are you approaching growth while staying true to your authenticity?
As I grow my business, I will continue to seek connections with other business owners who are aligned with my philosophy and stance on injustice. Advocacy is a cornerstone of my work, no matter how big my business becomes. I will stay true to my technique by crafting handmade items from flowers I forage and press myself, creating each piece with quality, attention to detail, and individuality in lieu of manufacturing on a large scale. In this way, I may foster a supportive environment that welcomes individuality and inspires others to be their most authentic selves.

With your 2-year anniversary approaching, what has been the most meaningful lesson or milestone in your journey so far?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is when we grow, our lives change, and with this transformation often invites necessary growing pains. You will find out who truly supports you, and who doesn’t. I didn’t expect my partner of one year to abruptly end our relationship after attending my first-ever farmer’s market. (Un)ironically, a major relationship ended right as I started my business. Although it was painful, I’ve accepted that we must let go of people, places, and things holding us back if we want to advance to the next level. In hindsight, I see now how endings are just beginnings in disguise.

Link:

• https://applesandorangesflowerjewelry.com/