Debra grew up on Long Island and dreamed of moving to the “city” and working in the fashion industry, but somehow wound up a face and body artist. After a brief stint at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, she “stumbled” into acting, and then went on to get her BA in Theatre from FSU focusing on Costume Design. 

It was in Orlando that Debra began her career as a face and body artist.  By working at the  Disney and Universal parks 8 hours a day, 5 days a week she honed her craft, and feels fortunate to have worked with many of the most amazing artists in her field.

Today Debra can be found most Saturdays painting at RAM which she thinks is the best thing to happen to her….and Jacksonville!  She absolutely loves painting at the market and her favorite days are when she gets to paint face after face…not just because it is a good day for business, but it is when she really gets in the “mode” and paints her best.   The face and body art world has exploded in the last 10 years since Debra first discovered it.  It is huge in Orlando and especially Europe.  Debra feels passionate about opening Jacksonville’s eyes to the fact that face and body painting are respected art forms in and of themselves. 

    Debra has also rediscovered her love of fashion and is in the early stages of launching her other business “Patti Fabulous.”  Named after her mom, and inspired by her two beautiful daughters, Debra has fallen in love with designing clothes for girls. At RAM, she brings as many hand-made dresses, hair clips and tutus she can find the time to make….,which usually occurs after 10 pm!  

Her design aesthetic is vintage inspired with a funky twist (think Shirley Temple meets Punky Brewster!).  Her goal is to come back to RAM in the 2010 season with a new line of super-cute little frocks and accessories.