The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Debra Wood, owner of Loving Paperwhites, in our “Community Proud” series, sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

Debra describes herself as a wife, mother, sister, nana, gardener, business owner, and friend. Each of these roles is an important part of who she is and challenges her to bring more joy and happiness into the lives of those around her. It is also why she has always been drawn to flowers.

“Flowers are the universal language of love,” Debra says. “In a time of joy, sorrow, or just because, flowers speak to each of us in a personal way.”

Through Loving Paperwhites, Debra transforms paper into delicate, handmade flowers, plants, butterflies, and other creations. Some are wonderfully whimsical, such as artichokes shaded with fuchsia pastels, while others, including her orchids and butterflies, capture the beauty and detail of nature with remarkable realism.

Every petal and leaf is cut and assembled by hand. “I want a client to feel the joy in the simple act of owning, displaying, or giving a floral gift,” she says. “While I’m doing this work, I think of the client and what it means for them. This makes my products a true labor of love.”

Before launching Loving Paperwhites, Debra spent 40 years working in information technology. While computer systems and paper flowers may appear to belong to completely different worlds, Debra sees a clear connection between them. Designing systems requires creativity, curiosity, and the ability to solve problems, all qualities she now applies to her art.

Debra had explored the arts since she was young, but making paper flowers allowed her to discover a new passion. She became fascinated not only by the happiness her work brought to others, but also by the process of constructing each flower and improving her technique.

That creative curiosity continues to guide Loving Paperwhites today. Debra loves challenging herself to develop new products and explore what she can create with paper, wire, pastels, and paint. Even choosing the name of her business required considerable thought, but a decade later, Loving Paperwhites still feels like the perfect fit.

Over the years, Debra has learned that a successful business does not need to be everything to everyone. Loving Paperwhites has evolved into a specialized business serving customers who value the care, time, and artistry behind each piece.

“I’m most proud to be able to say to myself, ‘This niche is enough for me,’” Debra says.

Still, her creative mind is rarely quiet. She admits there is often “a mouse on a wheel” in her head, constantly suggesting new ideas for expanding the business. Every so often, she has to remind that mouse to calm down and pedal a little slower.

Debra’s connection to Mystic began long before she became a permanent resident. She and her husband boated in the area for 25 years, and her children grew up making fond memories within Mystic’s boating community. The couple always dreamed of moving here after her husband retired, and five years ago, they made that dream a reality.

Although leaving close friends in Glastonbury was difficult, Mystic already felt familiar. Debra and her husband had established friendships through boating, knew the area well, and found a welcoming neighborhood.

“Home is when your dreams come to fruition,” she says.

For Debra, Mystic offers an inspiring combination of natural beauty, creativity, and community. She appreciates being surrounded by the water, having opportunities to spend time outdoors throughout the year, and living in a place that welcomes art and beautiful things.

One of her greatest sources of inspiration is the sunlight sparkling across the water.

“It’s maybe the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” she says. “Nature is magnificent, and I think she smiles on me for trying to share it.”

Debra has also found meaningful opportunities to form new relationships through local organizations. In addition to her involvement with the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, she is a member of Fresh Connections for Women. During her two years with the group, she has developed a deep respect and admiration for its diverse community of local businesswomen.

Stone Acres Farm and the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center have also played an important role in helping Debra introduce Loving Paperwhites to more people throughout the Mystic area. They have hosted her workshops and displayed her creations in their store, giving community members the opportunity to experience her work firsthand.

“It has been a privilege to work with them,” Debra says. “I honor their cause.”

When Debra is not creating, she treasures time with her two grandchildren, ages three and one. Their open and unconditional love has brought her an entirely new kind of joy.

“To have them in my life and experience the way they love unabashedly is the greatest blessing I have ever received,” she says.

Despite being friendly and outgoing, Debra is also a self-described homebody. She is perfectly happy staying close to home with a good book and a cozy pair of pajamas. After all, everything she loves is already here.

Even her free time often leads her back to her studio. Debra enjoys cleaning and reorganizing the space because it signals a fresh start and the promise of a new project. That order rarely lasts long. Soon, scraps of paper, wires, pastels, and paints begin taking over until she is left with only a small section of her worktable.

She would not have it any other way. Surrounded by rolls of colorful crepe paper, Debra sees endless possibilities waiting to become something beautiful.

Being selected for the Community Proud series came as a genuine surprise to Debra. She is quick to recognize the many people throughout the region who are doing admirable work and making a difference.

“Here I am in my studio trying to bring a little happiness one flower at a time,” she says. “To be recognized for that, I’m speechless, for once!”

Through Loving Paperwhites, Debra reminds us that community contributions do not have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes they begin quietly, with a sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and the intention to create something that makes another person feel loved.