Debbi Fields

Debbi Fields – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring story of Debbi Fields (born September 18, 1956), the American businesswoman behind Mrs. Fields Cookies: how she turned a passion for baking into an international brand, her philosophy, memorable quotes, and lessons for entrepreneurs.

Introduction

Debbi Fields (née Debra Jane Sivyer) is an American entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies. Starting with just a recipe and dream, she built a globally recognized cookie brand, becoming a prominent figure in the food industry and entrepreneurship. Her journey exemplifies how vision, persistence, and authenticity can shape lasting brands.

In this article, we’ll explore her early life and influences, how she launched her cookie empire, her challenges and pivots, her personal values and style, famous quotes, and the lessons her path offers.

Early Life and Family

Debbi Fields was born on September 18, 1956, in Oakland, California. Debra Jane Sivyer.

She was the youngest of five daughters.

From a young age, she had an affinity for baking and experimenting with cookie recipes.

During her teenage years, she became one of the first “ball girls” for the Oakland Athletics baseball team.

She graduated from Alameda High School in 1974, where she was also voted homecoming queen. Foothill College (a community college in California) for two years.

These early experiences created a foundation of resourcefulness, self-reliance, and a belief in turning small means into creative ventures.

Founding Mrs. Fields Cookies

The Vision & Early Steps

In 1977, Debbi Fields launched her first cookie shop in Palo Alto, California. Mrs. Fields’ Chocolate Chippery and sold freshly baked giant chocolate chip cookies served warm.

Her pitch was simple: fresh, soft, warm cookies that felt homemade. Because many bakers then sold dry or packaged cookies, this concept felt novel.

She convinced a bank to lend her funds to open the shop, despite skepticism about the business model.

Growth, Franchising & Challenges

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mrs. Fields had expanded domestically and internationally, with hundreds of retail locations and franchises.

At its peak, the brand had over 650 retail bakeries in the U.S. and more than 80 in other countries.

However, the expansion wasn’t without pitfalls. In the early 1990s, Mrs. Fields faced debt pressures. Some accounts say that she lost 80% of her stake due to debts reaching over $94 million.

Despite challenges, she continued to contribute in branding, product development, and public relations.

Over time, she also authored cookbooks and an autobiography.

Personal Life & Values

Debbi married Randall Keith Fields in 1976 (he was about 29 at the time). five daughters: Jessica, Jenessa, Jennifer, Ashley, and McKenzie.

Later in 1997, she married Michael Rose, former CEO/Chairman of Holiday Corporation and Harrah’s Entertainment.

Debbi has also been involved in philanthropy: early on, she established the Mrs. Fields Children’s Health Foundation (1986) supporting research into diseases like cystic fibrosis.

Her reputation is often described as personable, optimistic, and driven by love for her product rather than sheer profit.

Famous Quotes

Here are a selection of memorable quotes from Debbi Fields, reflecting her mindset, values, and philosophy:

“The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it.”

“Good enough never is.”

“I’ve never felt like I was in the cookie business. I’ve always been in a feel good feeling business. My job is to sell joy. My job is to sell happiness. My job is to sell an experience.”

“If you're going to be at a job environment, you should love it. You shouldn't do it just for money. You should do it because you love it. And the money comes naturally.”

“You do not have to be superhuman to do what you believe in.”

These quotes highlight how Debbi viewed entrepreneurship not just as commerce, but as an opportunity to delight, uplift, and connect.

Legacy and Influence

• Debbi Fields turned a homemade recipe into a brand with global reach, making “Mrs. Fields” a household name in cookies.

• She became a symbol of women-led entrepreneurship, especially in an era when many doubted women’s capacity in business.

• Her branding philosophy—warmth, emotion, experience—helped shape the modern notion of food as an experience rather than mere commodity.

• Through her foundation and public persona, she contributed to giving back and used her platform to support children’s health.

• Even after corporate shifts, she maintained her voice and presence in the brand, demonstrating that founders can continue to influence culture and identity beyond ownership changes.

Lessons from Debbi Fields

1. Start with passion and product excellence.
   Her initial success hinged on her love for baking and developing a superior cookie recipe.

2. Don’t wait for perfect conditions.
   She began with small capital and calculated risk, rather than waiting for an ideal moment.

3. Emotion and experience matter.
   She emphasized selling joy, not just cookies—emotional resonance can distinguish a brand.

4. Adapt and persist through challenges.
   Even when financial pressures forced changes, she stayed involved and resilient.

5. Leadership is more than control—it’s vision and voice.
   Being the public face, storyteller, and consistent advocate for her brand sustained its authenticity.