Frequently
Asked Questions
About DebraBack
to FAQ Home How
did you get interested in antique dolls?
I attended high school at the Friends
School in Mullica Hill, NJ during the 1980's. There are many antiques shops
located on mile-long Main Street in historic Mullica Hill. Students at Friends
with a high grade point average were allowed to go downtown for lunch, and I often
squeezed in a visit to an antique shop during my lunch breaks. I often admired
antique dolls at one particular shop in Mullica Hill, which has long since closed. (Top
of page) When did
you start collecting dolls?
I was about 13 years old when I purchased
my first antique doll, a small German bisque child in provincial costume, from
a shop in Delaware. I saved my money for a year to buy that doll, & I still
own her. I also would attend the NADDA Antique Doll Show in Wilmington, DE every
October, and purchase one doll per year at that show. At that time, I was mostly
buying German all-bisque dolls. (Top
of page) When did
you start selling dolls?
I started Debra's Dolls in 1990 at age 18, and
sold dolls part-time at doll shows and through mail order while attending college
and graduate school. My goal at that time was to become a professor of religion
& art, and actually was just beginning work on my thesis when I was terminated
from the doctoral studies program at Temple University, in spite of my 3.53 GPA,
due to cutbacks. Not knowing what to do with two master's degrees, and enjoying
the doll business more than anything else, I decided to try selling dolls full
time. I opened Debra's Dolls in Mullica Hill, NJ in February 1995, and to my delight,
the shop was an immediate success. (Top
of page) Where
do you live?
I live in Mullica Hill with my husband and 2 children. Our third child is due in May 2008. For 7 ½ years, we enjoyed living above the shop. However,
due to space constraints, we purchased a second historic home in Mullica Hill
in late 2003 and now live around the corner from the shop. Currently four rooms
of the shop showcase dolls for sale, and the remainder of the building houses
additional inventory, dolls on layaway, and dolls that are here for restoration
services. Our relatives and close friends (and clients) also use the building
as a guest house when they visit. The historic building is occasionally available
for private tours. (Contact Debra for
details).
(Top
of page)
What are
your Credentials?
Debra Gulea is a member of NADDA, a UFDC Judge, and
an author who has written about antique dolls for numerous publications. She has
over 15 years of experience buying, selling, appraising and researching antique
dolls. (Top
of page)
Is selling dolls the only thing that you do for a living?
Yes. Debra's
Dolls has been my full-time job since 1995.
(Top
of page) Do you
enjoy being an antique doll dealer?
Absolutely! I love being able to buy
dolls of the highest quality, enjoy them while they're in inventory, and then
place them in collections where they will be cherished for years to come. I value
the many friends I have made through this business. I enjoy reading and researching
antique dolls, and writing for doll publications. I like the convenience of having
a shop attached to my home, and I really appreciate the fact that I am my own
boss. I would not want to be anything else but an antique doll dealer.
Are you available
to speak about antique dolls at my doll club or organization?
Occasionally,
Debra Gulea gives lectures at UFDC affiliated clubs. A favorite topic is antique
wax dolls. Debra also hosts Doll Club Meetings at the shop, free of charge. Debra
Gulea provides the program and refreshments. Contact
Debra if your club is interested.
Still have a question? Email Debra.
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