Meet Debor’rah Franklin | Nursing Mentor, Entrepreneur, Nurse

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debor’rah Franklin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debor’rah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it started from struggle. I was in nursing school, overwhelmed, questioning myself, and trying to survive exams that felt impossible. I remember thinking “There has to be a better way to learn this”. So I started creating the exact resources I wished I had. I unintentionally created things that actually& made senseand helped me think like a nurse, not just memorize.

At first, it was just to help myself. But over time, I realized I wasn’t the only one drowning. So many students were smart, hardworking, and still feeling defeated. That’s when it clicked,what if I could build something that made this journey less confusing for others? That became the heart of my business; creating tools that not only teach, but transform;how students study, think, and show up.

Starting my own business wasn’t just about making money, it was about creating impact, building freedom, and doing things in a way that aligned with my purpose.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Nursing School Jewels, was born out of a very real struggle. I created it during a time when I felt overwhelmed, confused, and like I was barely surviving nursing school. I didn’t feel “lazy” or “unmotivated” I just didn’t know how to study the right way. I was smart, but I was drowning. So i started creating my own version on resources such as templates to help me study. Soon I realized I wasn’t alone. That’s when the idea hit me: what if I shared these tools with other students. From there i started creating tools and resources I wish I had when I was a student such as study guides, practice questions, real-life case studies, virtual patient scenarios, and digital and phtysical notebooks that actually helped students focus on key informaion while teaching them to think like a nurse, not just memorize content. What sets my business apart is the heart behind it. I’m not just selling information, I’m offering transformation. I know what it’s like to cry after every test, to question if you’re cut out for this, and to feel like no one really understands how hard nursing school can be. My brand is here to bridge that gap , to make students feel supported, seen, and empowered. Getting here was far from easy. I had no business background. I built everything from scratch while being in nursing school and then while working as a nurse pouring everything I had into my dream. I’ve failed, I’ve pivoted, I’ve questioned myself. But I’ve kept going because I know the impact this work has. Every DM from a student saying, “your practice questions are so helpful,” or “your notebooks helped me pass med surg” reminds me why I started.

I’ve learned a few big lessons along the way as well. But the ones that truly created shifts in my life after embracing them inlcude:

Perfection is the enemy of progress. Done is better than perfect.
Your story is your power. The very things I thought made me “behind” are what now make my brand relatable.
You can’t skip mindset. Strategy is important, but how you think will shape how far you go.
What I want the world to know is that Nursing School Jewels isn’t just a study resource,

To students it’s a community. Its a place where they feel seen, supported, and reminded that they’re not alone. It’s built for the students who cry after exams but still get up and try again. For the ones who are smart but just need the right tools. For the ones who want to stop second-guessing themselves and finally feel like they know what they’re doing.
To future and current business owners It’s proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just need heart, vision, and a willingness to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit me in Atlanta for the week, I’d make sure every day we did something different because why not give the full experience? Atlanta has so much to offer, and I’d want her to leave feeling like she tapped into it all from grounded and soft to glam and grown.

Day 1: We’re easing in with a classic ATL brunch day with good food, cute outfits, and plenty of girl talk. Im thinkin Breakfast at Barney’s or Toast on Lenox. I want places where the mimosas stay flowing and the vibes are unmatched. Afterward, we’d take a light stroll through Ponce or maybe even hop on the BeltLine for some fresh air. Later that evening, we’d head to Spaceman for small bites, rooftop views, and great music to kick off the trip right.

Day 2: Nature girl era. We’re waking up early, grabbing smoothies, and getting outside before it gets too hot. Maybe a peaceful stroll at Piedmont Park or even a more lowkey park like Paces Mill or Cascade Springs Park. I love combining movement with mindfulness, and the views always hit different in the morning. Then it’s brunch (again, of course) maybe Grits and Eggs for something cozy and cute.That afternoon? Nap time. That evening? We’re getting dressed and heading to MICs Karaoke. I’m a karaoke girl for real and no one does it like MICs. To close the night, we’re eating at Rock Steady, then heading upstairs to the lounge for a late-night vibe.

Day 3: Full soft life unlocked. We’re booking a spa day at the Waldorf Astoria massages, facials, the whole nine. That night we’re stepping out for dinner at Capital Grille, followed by drinks and rooftop views at Tesserae in Midtown. And if the energy’s still high? We’re heading to one of my late night hidden gems, but I’m keeping that spot a secret for now. 😉

Day 4:BeltLine takeover. We’re outside from noon until. Were eating, drinking, walking, and meeting people. The Atlanta BeltLine is a whole experience in itself, with pop-up shops, live music, street art, and some of the best people-watching in the city. It’s one of my favorite ways to just be in the moment and enjoy the city with no strict plan.

Day 5: Her departure day has to be chill and nourishing. Im thinking slow morning wiht us just catching up on the fun that occured and then grabbing lunch at my favorite taco spot Rreal Tacos, because it’s just that good. If we have time (and remember a change of shoes), maybe one last stroll on the BeltLine before I drop her off at the airport, full of memories and leftovers

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
MY MOM! She has been with me through every single step of this journey. I don’t say that lightly. Nursing school broke me down in ways I wasn’t prepared for mentally, emotionally, and financially. I cried almost every single day, and without fail, she was the one who answered the phone. She listened to me cry, vent, question myself, and spiral and never once made me feel like a burden. Instead, she poured love and encouragement into me, even when I had nothing left in my own cup. She gave me her last dollar more times than I can count. I mean that literally, she would take the last of the money she had weekly and give it to me just so I could make it through another week. She never made me feel guilty for needing help, and never once questioned whether I was worth the investment. The truth is, I wouldn’t have made it through nursing school without her. I wouldn’t be where I am now building a business, mentoring students, walking in my purpose, if she hadn’t been that steady voice reminding me I could keep going. Her sacrifices, her strength, her unconditional love, they are the foundation of everything I’ve built. I’m eternally grateful. This journey isn’t just mine, it’s ours. And she deserves every bit of recognition.

Website: https://www.nursingschooljewels.com

Instagram: @nursingschooljewels

Facebook: @nursingschooljewelsco

Youtube: @nursingschooljewels

Other: TikTok: @nursingschooljewels

Image Credits
image credit to Creatively Olivia and Crew ( for first 3 photos only)