In this edition of ‘Off the Clock: The Personal Side of Leadership,’ we uncover the unique story of Debra Donegan, a dynamic leader at ESASD/Nanny Arlene’s Candles & More. From transforming a casual hobby into a thriving business to mentoring educators nationwide, Debra’s journey is a testament to the power of pursuing passions beyond the boardroom. Her insights reveal how diving into personal interests not only rejuvenates her leadership style but also inspires and empowers those she mentors. Join us as we explore Debra’s inspiring narrative and the remarkable intersection of personal growth and professional achievement.
Interviewee Name: Debra Donegan
Company: ESASD/Nanny Arlene’s Candles & More
The Interview
What inspired you to start your journey in this field, and how did it all begin?
Debra Donegan : I started teaching special education because I have a deep sense of empathy and a heart for helping others. My natural loyalty and communicative nature made me a strong advocate for students who need individualized support. Over the years, I saw the importance of ensuring that every child has access to education that meets their unique needs, and I took on the responsibility of creating student profiles and working with teachers to differentiate instruction. My passion for making a real difference in students’ lives kept me dedicated for 27 years.
My small business was born from a combination of creativity, a love for natural products, and a desire to bring something meaningful into the world. After years of working in education, I sought a new way to express myself while still helping others—this time through handmade candles, soaps, tallow-based skincare, perfumes, and colognes. Perhaps my interest in high-quality, nourishing ingredients like calendula-infused tallow was sparked by a desire to create products that are both beneficial and enjoyable to use. Ultimately I started my business, which is named after my mother who passed away from breast cancer and she was never able to afford the quality products she needed.
Basically both paths reflect my personality: I am a giver, someone who loves to connect, support, and uplift others—whether in the classroom or through your handcrafted creations.
What’s a hobby or passion project you pursue outside of work that influences your leadership style?
Debra Donegan : My business began as a hobby but I started to love challenging myself to learn more about other products and I haven’t been able to stop. However, my love of helping others in the field of education was a no brainer. I love mentoring others and helping them become the best versions of themself in and outside of the classroom. I then took my skills to LinkedIn and started mentoring educators all over the country.
If you could switch industries for a day, what would you choose and why?
Debra Donegan : I have such an amazing career and business that I would never want to switch!
What’s one non-business-related skill you’ve mastered that has surprisingly helped in your career?
Debra Donegan : One business skill I’ve mastered that has helped my career is communication. Whether in teaching or running my small business, my ability to clearly express ideas, connect with others, and advocate for what matters has been essential.
In education, strong communication has allowed me to collaborate effectively with teachers, ensure my students’ needs are met, and explain modifications in a way that truly makes a difference. In my business, it has helped me market my products, build relationships with customers, and create a brand that feels authentic and engaging. Being able to communicate with warmth and clarity has played a huge role in both my professional success and the loyalty of those who support me.
What does your ideal weekend look like??
Debra Donegan : My ideal weekend is spent creating and crafting new products.
If you could host a dinner with any three historical figures, who would they be and why?
Debra Donegan : If I could host a dinner party with three historical figures, I would invite Helen Keller, Leonardo da Vinci, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Helen Keller would be at the top of my list because of her resilience, intelligence, and advocacy for people with disabilities. As someone who worked in special education, I’d love to hear her perspective on how far we’ve come and what still needs to change. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of great teachers, which I deeply admire.
Leonardo da Vinci would be fascinating to have at the table because of his boundless creativity and genius. His ability to excel in so many different fields…art, science, engineering and would make for incredible conversation. I’d love to know what he thinks of today’s world and how his ideas might translate into modern times.
Theodore Roosevelt was a leader full of energy, vision, and an unstoppable drive for progress. He was passionate about conservation, personal growth, and living life to the fullest, which aligns with how I approach my own work and interests. I think he’d bring an exciting and inspiring energy to the table.
Together, these three would create a dinner party filled with deep discussions, inspiration, and maybe even a few unexpected ideas that could change the way I see the world.
Leaders Perception magazine would like to thank Debra Donegan and “ESASD/Nanny Arlene’s Candles & More” for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
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