Deborah loves to give recommendations to fellow Black mothers. Among her favourites are the books I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Braithwaite, Natives by Akala, and the apps Peanut and Mush. "Apps are a great way to mix and socialise and find other people with similar interests to you, irrespective of race and ethnicity."
Starling for business owners
Starling is also counted among her favourite apps. "It's hands down the best thing I've done for my business finances," she says. "I signed up in minutes and within 24 hours, my account was open."
The features she finds most useful are real-time notifications for money moving in or out of her account and Spending Insights, the tool that automatically categorises and analyses monthly outgoings.
"The proactivity of Starling is breathtaking - the bank supports you end to end and it feels like a proper community," she says. "I really love banking with Starling."
Passion and purpose
What with raising two children, managing a full-time role and growing Colour Celebrations in her spare time, Deborah has her hands full. She recently launched a range of toddler t-shirts, which quickly sold out, and is now expanding the range and working on a Christmas shop.
"I'm a one woman band," she says. "But because it's something I'm so passionate about, it doesn't feel like an extra hassle."
Deborah gave birth to her second child in January 2020. "I loved being able to use my own milestone cards to document my daughter's development," she says. "It's a full circle moment."