Introducing Debbie Svay Savage, Founder of Baby Emi Jewelry

By Crystal | Published January 13, 2010

I first met Debbie Savage from our mutual friend, Heather Ledeboer of Mom4Life.com about
Debbie Svay Savage 3 1/2 years ago.  Debbie was just starting her jewelry business and was excited to network and learn everything about business and how to distribute her product.  Debbie’s been a constant friend and supporter of Startup Princess.  I’ll never forget how she helped us get our Orange County Chapter off the ground in 2009 with some other top notch ladies I adore. And above all it’s been a pleasure to watch Debbie soar with Baby Emi Jewelry and share her love for her Cambodian culture.  Just 3 years ago she was struggling to get her first boutique and now she’s sharing her jewelry with Celebrities galore, been featured in dozens of magazines, and is being featured this month in the Sundance Film Festival gift baskets.

I love hearing what celeb baby is wearing her Cambodian ankle bracelets and how that has translated into massive sales for her company. Way to go Debbie! Enjoy her story here… she is truly a Startup Princess who understands what it means to “Make a Wish, Make it Happen.”

Hometown: Sandy, UT

Current Residence: Laguna Niguel, CA

Education: B.S. Brigham Young University, M.S. Utah State University

Professional Background: Cancer Control Specialist for the American Cancer Society, Sherman Oaks, CA.  I loved this job because everyday I went into schools to teach children how to live a life being cancer free through sound nutrition, regular exercise and staying smoke-free.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:  Miss USA

What you are: A happy mommy, blessed wife and successful entrepreneur.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Baby Emi Jewelry launched in 2006 just a few weeks before my second daughter was born.  Thank goodness!  My online home business is named after my first daughter Emi.  Baby Emi Jewelry celebrates the love of motherhood and family through our Jingle Bells Jewelry.

Company Website? www.babyemijewelry.com

What inspired you? The birth of my daughter Emi and my Cambodian culture of jewelry gifting inspired me to start a business that honors a tradition that has been passed on for generations within my family.

How long have you been in business? 3 years.

How did you fund it? We funded our business with personal money.  Thanks honey!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Yes, so many and I wish I could name them all!  The two that stand out to me and that I admire greatly and know will be there for me at any given moment are Kelly Anderson and Heather Ledeboer at www.mom4life.com

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Yes, Startup Princess Orange County Chapter.  I do enjoy networking and wished I had time for me.  Networking within Facebook and Twitter has proved to be beneficial as well (especially for stay at home moms like me who are often in their PJs!).

Current Business Challenge? Wow, I could go on forever!  My two are finances and lack of time.

What are you doing about it? I am praying!  This is what I do in times of challenge and blessing.  I am praying to be inspired to get new ideas, contacts, and leads to increase my sales.  In addition, I am praying and actively searching for a virtual assistant to help me with social media/marketing.  I have fantastic things happening with Baby Emi Jewelry (celeb/press for example) but lack the time and skill set to adequately promote and share the sweet successes.

Favorite motivational quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Marianne Williamson

Family? Husband, Albert of 7 years and going strong, Emi who just turned 6 on Christmas day and Chloe who is 3 ½ years old.

If so, how do you balance family and business? It is not really balancing for me.  I look at it a different way and it works for me.  I have tried to “balance” that and failed miserably.  When I evaluated my role as mother, wife and business woman, and started to frame my life around those priorities coupled with prayer, I find that I am much happier and at peace.  It’s a good thing!

Favorite book? Umm…It is the Twilight series!

What do you do to relax? Exercise and watch kids shows with the girls snuggling on our couch.

What do you want to change most about your world? Honestly, it is me.  Don’t misunderstand me this is not a self-hate thing but an empowering proactive realization that my world becomes a better place through me first.  I want to be a more loving, patient, easy going mother to my girls and a more cheerful, helpful, kind wife.  I find that if I want to see change in the world – I need to start with me.

What are you most proud of? Just recently, we have been invited to participate in Park City TV’s Celebrity Swag Bag for the Sundance Film Festival 2010 and we are so excited!  It was stressful to figure out how Baby Emi Jewelry would gift 300 celebrities but we figured out a method and I’m so proud of the result. Thank you Start Up Princess for the connection! Also, my relationship with my sweet husband and our beautiful daughters are the things I am so proud of.  I am so blessed!

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Believe in Yourself.  Never Give Up. Surround Yourself with exceptional people.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My mentors and my support network.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Lots and lots of diamonds!

Visit Baby Emi Jewelry and use coupon code SUP15 to save 15% on your purchases when you checkout!

Thank you Debbie for the wonderful interview!

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8 Responses to “Introducing Debbie Svay Savage, Founder of Baby Emi Jewelry”

  1. Ros on January 14th, 2010 4:37 pm

    I like Debbie’s perspective about changing oneself to change the world around us. Completely believe this too – to continually evolve to the best you. Heartwarming & uplifting post. Thank you.

  2. Debbie Savage on January 14th, 2010 8:12 pm

    Hi Kelly! Thank you so much for the feature and for reminding me how far I have come. :) Ros, what a sweet comment you made. Thank you! BTW, love Crystal Miller. She is a gem – do you have another one like her for me?
    .-= Debbie Savage´s last blog ..Sterling Silver Jingle Bells Anklet Child =-.

  3. Kimberly Grisham on January 14th, 2010 8:33 pm

    Yay, Debbie! :)

  4. Nikki Romero on January 14th, 2010 9:54 pm

    What an inspiring interview! And I love the quote about your playing small does not serve the world. We all have so much potential! It’s really just up to us if we want to be great. :-)

    I also read that Debbie’s looking for a VA. We would love to help her with her social media and marketing. She may want to try us out: http://www.peppervirtualassistant.com.

    Thank you and all the best to Debbie!

  5. Tweets that mention Introducing Debbie Svay Savage, Founder of Baby Emi Jewelry : StartupPrincess.com -- Topsy.com on January 15th, 2010 1:46 am

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelly King Anderson, Kelly King Anderson, Karen Demmery, EZF_TopMoms, EZF_TopMoms and others. EZF_TopMoms said: RT @startupprincess: Introducing Debbie Svay Savage, Founder of Baby Emi Jewelry http://ow.ly/1n1M2I [...]

  6. James Pond on January 15th, 2010 7:51 am

    Debbie is evidence that you can connect to your passions and make a difference in the world. She has juggled being a wife, mother, and business entrepreneur. Play big and change lives!

  7. Heather Ledeboer on January 18th, 2010 10:04 am

    Yeah Debbie, I am so proud of you girl. Your honest approach to do things the best that you possibly can and never being afraid to ask questions is awesome. I love how you have created a unique business that truly reflects you. Keep up the good work!

  8. Heather Allard on January 18th, 2010 4:10 pm

    Debbie,
    Your story is so honest and inspiring. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you better on Facebook and now, through reading your story. Keep up the great work as a mom AND an entrepreneur.

    Heather
    .-= Heather Allard´s last blog ..5 Ways To Start A Business For Under $1000 =-.

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