Deborah Ann Bamboo
By Jessica Luther

When Debbie Sheridan’s son moved to another continent, she began thinking of the new possibilities for herself and her career. After being a stay-at-home mom for 23 years, it was Debbie’s maternal instincts that really catapulted her into the role of business owner.  She formed a relationship with a young woman she now thinks of as a daughter, and it pushed her to create a company that would benefit them both.
           
Debbie received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at Ohio State University and taught elementary school for six years before her son was born in 1987.  When he graduated with a degree in Chinese and economics and moved to China, Debbie and her husband visited him often in Shanghai.  They stayed at the same hotel each time and it was there that they met Pei, a waitress in the hotel’s restaurant.  Debbie’s husband was practicing his Chinese and Pei her English, and a friendship was formed.
           
“I thought she had a lot of potential,” Debbie explained.  “That was what really propelled me to start my business.  I thought, ‘What can I do to boost her up?’”
           
Debbie and her husband, who has owned his dental business for 30 years, decided that an import business would work well for their situation.  Debbie’s plan was to grow the business so that eventually there would be a place for Pei.  She knew she wanted to work with a product that was unique and not just a trinket imported from overseas; when she came across bamboo towels and blankets, she knew she had found the right product.
           
Deborah Ann Bamboo officially opened in April 2008, but they didn’t get their first products until the next year.  Debbie works with a small family-owned factory in China; the husband and wife-run company only opened five years ago, so there is a trust and understanding between the two business owners.
           
“We both have very small businesses, and I’m helping their business grow and their helping mine,” she said.
           
Deborah Ann Bamboo sells 100% bamboo towels, hooded baby towels, throws and bed blankets, as well as silk comforters.  Debbie’s website has a store where they can be purchased, but her products are also sold at Ecotastic in Arlington and Mukhas Salon.  The product, she described, is eco-friendly, antibacterial and antimicrobial, and extremely soft and comfortable.  She said they are often purchased as gifts, with the giver returning for more.
           
“I have lots of return customers because they buy it for a gift and then say they have to have some for themselves,” Debbie chuckled.
           
As she expands the business, Debbie is planning more trips to China and a continued effort to network locally as well.  Through networking, she met a woman who is working on a project called Universal Design Living Laboratory: it is a home she and her husband will live in that is environmentally sound throughout, from utilities to aesthetic touches, including Debbie’s towels.  The project will be open to the public for a month after it’s finished before the couple moves in. 
           
When her son moved to China, Debbie found not only the impetus to start a new business, but lasting relationships like those with Pei and her family and with the couple who own the factory that makes her products.  She truly believes in the products, both their environmental benefits and the luxury they provide; she also believes in the people that she is working with to make this business successful.  As the business grows, she will need more help from Pei as a liaison in China and also to serve as an interpreter as they expand their production.  A place for Pei in the company was, after all, part of the catalyst for the business in the first place.
           
“I have developed some great friendships through starting this business,” Debbie offered.  “I’ve been very fortunate in my life, and I wanted to start something that would not only help myself, but provide others with opportunities.”

If you found this story interesting, informative or inspiring please let Debbie know! You may contact Deborah Ann Bamboo at 614-371-8575, email deborahannbamboo@sbcglobal.net or visit their website at www.deborahannbamboo.com.