Meet Deb Ginn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Ginn. 

Hi Deb, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I was always the creative type. Loved to draw, made scrapbooks to tell my story, I even think I was the first one who invented self-tanner when in high school I used powdered bronzer in the little terra cotta pot and mixed it with baby oil! I could have made millions…. 

In my 20’s, I started creating Mop Dolls, quirky dolls made out of mop heads, I sold a lot of them…mostly to little old ladies who loved that sort of thing. 

In my early 30’s, when my children were babies, I needed to fill the little time I had with something creative so I started Primitive Pickins and hand-crafted dolls and such. I decided to take it a step further and started to host shows out of my home. I wasn’t sure of myself, who would come? Would they like my work? To my surprise, I began to have a following so I started to do shows at local rec centers and street markets. Years later, my company name seemed to be a little “cutesy” so I changed it to The Vintage Crow. From springtime bunnies and flowers to life-size Santa’s (which I am known for), I hauled my antique display pieces and my hand-crafted product from show to show. Realizing how much work it was (as did my Saint of a husband who did most of the schlepping), I decided I needed to scale down but what would I do? My sister-in-law, who is a talented and known artist in her own right, taught me how to solder. I found my other passion. From there, I launched Raven Rocks Jewelry and Design. The name came from my husband who thought keeping the crow theme would keep my following. 

For the last 25 years, I have soldered and hot glued and sewed my way to where I am now, doing it all- raised a beautiful family and loving my friends who have always been my biggest supporters. How happy I have been, finally believing in my abilities and seeing that people love and believe in me, too. 

On a side note, I love expressing myself through art, having people appreciate what it takes to create something from nothing. The art of the hand-made product seems to get lost in our fast pace, instant gratification world. I am in awe of people who take what they love to do with their hands and bring it to the public. Support them, we all need to stick together… 

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?
My road has been a difficult one for me, physically. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis at the ripe old age of 54 it and has affected my body. 18 surgeries due to 2 car accidents and injuries through the years, my Osteoporosis has done much damage. Doing art shows has been difficult, the physical work on my body is tough! My hands have been affected, having my 18th surgery and the second surgery on my dominant hand from a torn ligament is my next hurdle next week. But my passion for creating will not stop me! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was in the medical field as a procedural coder for 10 years with an orthopedic office, once I had children, I had the pleasure of being a stay-at-home Mom! Once my children were grown, I got into the insurance industry until I had my second car accident in May of 2020. Covid happened and I decided to stay home and heal. 

I am most proud of pushing myself despite my injuries. I refuse to let it define me or interfere with what I love to do and that is create. I push myself and look past what I can’t do and figure a way to do what I want; resilience is what I am most proud of. Mind over matter. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t sell yourself short! Artists know that you never get paid what your creations are truly worth, but stand for what you deserve. 

Contact Info:

• Email: thevintagecrow@comcast.net
• Website: www.ravenrocksdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenrocksjewelryanddesign
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ravenrocksjewelryanddesign
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebGinn