

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Headley.
Hi Debbie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In July 2018, I retired from the New York City Police Department after 20 years. On March 1, 2019, my husband and I relocated to NC. Shortly after, I knew I wanted to return to the community, meeting and interacting with people. And I wanted it to be in a different capacity from law enforcement. I always loved cooking and decided upon street food, which was a long-time dream. After months of research, I decided to get a hotdog pushcart, and in June of 2021, DeeVine Dogs was born. Although I’m still in the rookie stage, business grows daily. The journey from the start to where I am today was not easy, but with persistence and dedication, I continue to strive.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road here was filled with potholes and plenty of uneven tarmacs. However, every letdown pushed me to go even harder. Sometimes I would be out vending for hours to make no single sale. At other times a decent dollar amount. I usually compare it to fishing. Some days you get plenty and other days, nothing at all. I’ve also had plenty of no’s when it came down to finding a location. But I never let that stand in my way. I just knocked on another door.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
DeeVine dogs specialize in offering gourmet hot dogs. We offer Nathan’s all-Beef hot dog, a Carolina Packers, and a Georgia smoked Sausage, with complimentary toppings for our customers. We have an amazing homemade chili and a Coleslaw that our family recipe cannot be replicated, which sets our hotdogs apart from others.
Just a side note:
I was born on a little island in the Caribbean called Barbados. I came to the USA in 1981 at the age of 12. Later, I served time in the US Army. And after that, I completed 20 years with the finest Police Department in the country, the NYPD. I am most proud of all my accomplishments. Mainly how far I’ve come to this point in my life, fulfilling my dream of owning DeeVine Dogs and putting it on the map. My favorite quote is, ‘little island girl making dreams in a big world’ 🇧🇧 246, on the map.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Yes, please do your research and your due diligence. Get out there and shadow other vendors. Learn from season veterans. Ask plenty of questions. And never jump in with both feet. Always test the water first.
Pricing:
- $4 – $12
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://deevinedogsllc.business.site
- Instagram: @DeeVine Dogs
- Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/Abitelikenoother
- Other: Https://streetfoodfinder.com/DeevineDogs
Vincent Caminero
March 14, 2023 at 1:19 am
She was a go getter back in the rookie Yrs, and a heart of gold as a supervisor. I will be definitely visiting her to try her variety of her delicious plates.