Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAnn Waggoner.
Hi DeAnn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path has always been rooted in communication, community, and service. With a professional background in Deaf Education and Interpreting, (my Masters Degree is in Deaf Education and I am also a certified ASL interpreter) and years spent homeschooling my children, my life’s work centered on breaking down barriers so others could connect.
That commitment naturally expanded into founding a nonprofit parrot rescue, which I ran for over two decades, and launching a nonprofit called Repurposed Treasures, Inc., alongside my home business, GiGi’s Treasure Garden.
In recent years, my journey shifted profoundly as I navigated significant hearing loss. Adding this to my vision loss since childhood things became challenging.
Adapting to this new reality presented unexpected hurdles, but it also opened the door to a life-changing new chapter: acquiring Dakota, a six-month-old Maltese and Cavapoo mix currently in training to become my dedicated service dog. He is now 9 months old.
Today, my focus is twofold: embracing independence through my service dog journey and continuing to give back. To make this next chapter possible, I am actively raising funds to cover Dakota’s specialized training expenses so we can safely navigate the world side by side.
Support the Journey:
Www.gofundme.com/Help-DeAnn-Get a-service-dog-for-independence
Any donations to my fundraiser will help with my training process.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many- but mostly just the financial problems. Being on Social Security (a fixed limited income) makes it difficult to pay for extras above and beyond daily living.
You may not realize it but most service dogs cost between $40,000-$80,000. This DOES NOT INCLUDE the health care, health checks or continued day to day care.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Creativity has always been the heartbeat of both my personal life and my professional ventures. Long before I began crafting custom paper beads, crocheting multi-strand chain-stitch necklaces from wrapping paper, or designing specialized communication buttons, I viewed art and visual expression as a vital bridge for connection. As a former Deaf Education teacher and certified American Sign Language interpreter, my artistic life is deeply tied to visual storytelling—whether I am translating songs into expressive ASL performances or transforming magazines, children’s book pages, and wallpaper scraps into intricate, wearable art through my home business, GiGi’s Treasure Garden, Inc.
That passion for hands-on creation naturally expanded into community impact. Through founding the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Repurposed Treasures, Inc., I’ve been able to turn donated costume jewelry and crafting supplies into sustainable funding avenues for the community needs while sharing the joy of making. Whether I’m at the farmers market with handmade pet accessories, designing custom service dog vests, or exploring texture through fabric and paper arts, creativity is my favorite way to keep building communities where everyone feels included.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my biggest focus is on completing Dakota’s training so we can achieve full partnership, giving me greater independence as I navigate life with hearing and vision loss. I am also continuing to grow my daily Random Thankfulness project (an online Facebook project where I focus on being Thankful in all things) and building momentum for my service dog fundraiser so we can cover his specialized expenses.
On the creative side, I’m keeping busy crafting custom paper beads and handmade accessories for GiGi’s Treasure Garden, and I’m excited to keep expanding the community impact of Repurposed Treasures, Inc. Closer to home, I have a fun trip coming up in October to attend a conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, which I am very much looking forward to. It is to an ALDA Convention- Association of Late Deafened Adults. Here I will meet a whole new group of people who are navigating this hearing loss journey in various stages. The workshops are geared to train us all about new Apps and technical devices that will help us on our journey.
Below see a few pictures of me.
1. Dakota and I set up at a craft fair
2. One of my recent jewelry creations called Bohemian Confetti
3. A picture of me in Renaissance attire performing a song in ASL.
Pricing:
- All of my items in my shop are priced as marked.
- My Trash to Treasure classes where people learn to make beautiful art from Trash vary according to the item being made and the time involved.
- I do my testimony at l9cal churches. Most are set up on a LOVE OFFERING basis. I ask too that they allow me to set up a small table to sell my art. During my Testimony they see a few songs performed in ASL.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: DeAndreaO’NealWaggoner
