Deborah Shemesh (nee Schultz) was born to a blue collar family in Chicago, Illinois, and is one of six children. During her youth she was raised on the South Side of Chicago, or the back of the yards (the slaughter house area of Chicago) and attended Holy Cross Catholic School. In 1967, her family moved to the South West suburbs when her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She graduated Carl Sandburg High School, and pursued higher education at Brooks College for Women in California. It was there that Deborah rediscovered her passionate, creative side. Education was fun, challenging, and sparked her desire to understand the many layers of fashion, from textiles to product development and presentation. Her love of fashion took off as she became a sought after photographers model, and fashion stylist. She worked with some of the most talented photographers, and artists of her day.
When she was 26, she was diagnosed with the severest form of malignant melanoma. Changing her life style, she shifted her perspective from WHY ME, to WHY NOT ME. She became a TV spokesmodel for The Wellness Community while working behind the scenes at ABC – TV Entertainment. Moving up North in 1997, Deborah began to share her eclectic mix of talents with her community. Pioneered the First American Cancer Society Relay Rally in Sebastopol, and started First Impressions Fitness and Fashion Program that is the gem in her crown of life. First Impressions is a series of workshops that offers others a chance to develop and showcase their talents. Watching the transformation of mind, body is a rewarding, life affirming never ending pool of discovery.
Deborah is a Chopra Center University Instructor of Primordial Sound Meditation and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. Deborah teaches fitness, and fashion in between journeying on the teacher’s path and shares her passions with people of all ages, and physical condition. Deborah considers herself an artist, student and teacher and is currently re-writing her autobiography with the intention to provide hope and inspiration. Authoring, sharing and teaching is her passion and is available for speaking engagements through hospitals, schools and corporations.
Deborah is immersed in the belief of building community and is testimony that community builds immunity. Whether you want fashion tips, a unique presentation, fitness tips, or learn how to meditate, Deborah will open her doors, and heart to all who are willing to turn over the stone, change perspective and find the gift of life in each experience. Ever fluid, fiercely independent, Deborah’s mission is to create community, sharing peace, gratitude, and creativity while merging talents with other like minded individuals. Deborah’s lives and breathes with passion, embracing a willingness to step in the field of all possibilities, unbounded and unlimited in her desire to explore the uncertainty of life.
Deborah is the proud parent of a grown son Adam, who mirrors and shares her enthusiasm toward passionate living. Deborah continues to share her stories of transformation, and is encouraged by her family, friends, and community. Currently, Deborah is rooted in Sebastopol a Northern California epicenter of holistic practices, creative expression, authenticating easy, natural and simple living.
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