Debra first studied Politics and Economics at the University of Manchester 1988 – 1991 and initially pursued a career in advertising, before enrolling at Central St Martins School of Art (2002-2005) and creating Artbag.
Raised by an art teacher and an international handbag fittings agent for the luxury brands market, Debra herself was exposed to a unique outlook on art and fashion from a young age, which helped develop her intriguing style. As a student, she caught the eyes of the tutors with her handbag casting. The handbag rapidly became her canvas and the medium to express her unique style and aesthetics of intimacy
In 2010 after recovering from Cancer she was advised by a close friend to spread the joy of art to children and it was at this point that she established Mini Monets from her canal side studio in Harefield. She then went on to head up the Art and Design department at Newlands College Diploma (now known as Chalfont Independent Grammar in High Wycombe) in 2015 – 2018 where she trained in International Baccalaureate syllabus which influences her teaching approach in an an organic multi disciplinary way.