My name is Deborah Long, but most people call me Dede. I’m a Christian, a wife, and a proud mom of a large blended family. I am also a Breast Cancer survivor. After my journey with cancer I went back to school to become an esthetician as a way to give back and pour into other women. After working for others, but still wanting to do more, I opened and founded Arabella Aesthetics in Buford. My faith and my journey inspired me to open a business where I could pour into others, give back to my community, and help people feel confident and cared for. This year our team hosted a free facial day for teachers in Hall county and Buford, and this month we held a breast cancer awareness facial day where all proceeds were donated to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer. Although my business has only been open for two years, we are continuing to grow and build strong community connections.
I currently hold the title of Mrs. Buford 2025 and will be competing in Mrs. Georgia America in June of 2026. My platform focuses on breast cancer awareness and women’s health advocacy, encouraging women to listen and advocate for their own health. I was nearly misdiagnosed myself and had I not trusted my instincts my story could of been very different. My hope is to help women find their voice, take charge of their health and never ignore the signs their body gives them.
I have a large blended family. Five daughters ad one son and three amazing grandchildren. There is never a dull moment in our home. We are a close knit family that still treasures our traditions from summer vacations at the beach to birthday dinners for each and every one of us. My family is my pride and joy and I thank God every day for the blessings he gives us.Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the owner of Arabella Aesthetics in Buford. I opened my business rooted in my faith, with the mission to provide ethical aesthetics and pour into others. My goal has always been to also give back, whether its helpoing women walking through breast cancer, men or teenagers who need a little boost of confidence or just help out in my community. I love what I do because it allows me to combine my passion for wellness and skincare with my desire to uplift others.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bare Bones We love the rooftop seating.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here in 2020
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Sean Wilborn. Owner of Cloudland Winery. He is amazing, kind and has a passion for people and community. We met him as he was building the winery. He gave our daughter a job for 3 years on and off. He is a great person and business owner.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
To a far away beach with my husband for a honeymoon we never got to take.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love the new show Rainmaker. I also love old movies like Pretty Woman
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I’d say: Live with purpose, and put God first. When you do that, everything else begins to fall into place. Life won’t always be easy — we’ll face struggles, disappointments, and seasons of uncertainty — but those moments aren’t wasted. Our struggles become part of our story, and that story becomes our testimony. Through it, we gain the strength, empathy, and wisdom to help others walking through similar challenges.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to Europe with my husband. Having a family compound with lots of land.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Praise and Worship
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
All the old buildings in downtown buford.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My best friend Amanda because she lifts me up, inspires me and supports me. Erika Kirk. I love her faith her passion and would love to be able to sit down and hear her story. We would eat at Aqua Tera.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
With my beautiful growing family on a compound with some land. Running a thriving business and being able to do more in my community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an open book so my family knows eveverything about me. Other people may not know that I was adopted. I have 2 borthers and a sister and all 4 of use were adopted together to the same family. My parents also adopted tow others and I grew up in a household with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Full circle moment I now have 6 in my own family.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The grand canyon
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October, my birthday month, breast cancer awarness month and the first taste of fall. Christmas is my favorite Holiday. There is no single day on the calendar that stands out to me. There are many. The day each of my children were born, and the day I married my husband.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
God he is the only true thing that is perfect. Next my family. Nothing else everyone has flaws. We are perfectly imperfect.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Christ, and my family. All of them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cinnamon apple, pumpkin spice
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Family, Safety