Deborah Gaffney shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Deborah , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I absolutely would love to hire 10 of me. I could depend on passionate women who love all things creative. They would dive into new learning opportunities and come out with additional skills and abilities. I could get even more done in a day, than I do now; and sometimes I surprise myself with my daily accomplishments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Deborah Gaffney. I am an Actress, Author, singer/songwriter writer and lover of all things creative. I love showcasing other artists. I was re-elected as 2nd Vice President of the Houston-Austin Local of SAG-AFTRA. Our members are delighted that SB 22 is designed to grow the Texas economy by attracting and supporting the moving image industry, including film, television production, video games This bill allocates $500 million every two years to a new incentive fund managed by the Governor’s office, with the goal of supporting film, television and video games production in Texas.
My other project is the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre. As a Board Member of BAHBT.ORG we are delighted to be ushering in the 50th Anniversary of Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre. Our founder, Lynette Mason Gregg would be so proud of all our dancers and the organization has accomplished. We Jumpstarted our 50th Anniversary Year with a Fun Run on June 14, 2025 in Nassau Bay. Our kickoff is scheduled (date TBD) to be held at George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park. We are also planning a Birthday Park celebration with participating restaurants who create a special dessert or drink for BAHBT.org. This season’s productions include, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Oklahoma. The 50th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for January 2026.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My Father was my creative muse. He always took the time to create special moments. We would go outside and he would teach my the constellations. He taught me about the phases of the moon. We even wrote a story about the moon. I remember him telling me to “always remember this story and publish it when you are older” My Father was a kind and caring man. He died when I was nine years old. I grew up to be kind, caring and in love with the creative process.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My Father died when I was nine. My Mother died ten years later, when I was nineteen and a sophomore in college. I had never felt so alone. The only thing that kept me going was my promise to my Mother, on her death bed, to get an education. I returned to school and completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. I would have gone on for my Doctorate if I had not fallen in love.
Healing from the feeling of abandonment is a lifelong process. I have finally come to terms with my earlier experiences. The coping mechanisms you learn sometimes hide/bury, the pain that you feel. Exposing those triggers help you continue to grow and heal.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I hold my family near and dear. My children are my gold. I always wanted a big close family because being alone is not an enjoyable experience. I wanted my children to hold on to each other. Family should be close. Family should protect. Family should support. The adage blood is thicker than water holds true for me. I am happy to have 3 children, a bonus son and two grandsons whom I am absolutely in love with. I can’t wait to see how they conquer the world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop worrying and start traveling. I have always wanted to see the world, to experience other cultures, foods, places and traditions. We are all human, we all bleed, we all are born of a woman, we all die. I am not interested in defining our differences. We are all of earth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Deb_Gaffney
- Twitter: @deborahsfollies
- Facebook: Deborah Gaffney
- Youtube: Deb_Gaffney
- Other: Https://music.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-lover/1714934575?i=1714934576
