Debbi Fields
Founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, pioneering female entrepreneur
Debbi Fields was born Debbi Sivyer on September 29, 1956, in Oakland, California. At just 20 years old, with no formal business experience, she founded Mrs. Fields Cookies with $6,000 in 1977, armed with her grandmother's cookie recipes and an ambitious vision to create a gourmet cookie company. Her innovative approach to baking and business—emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and warm customer service—transformed the cookie into a premium product. She opened her first retail store in Palo Alto and quickly expanded, becoming the first cookie company to operate stores across the United States and eventually worldwide. At the height of her company's success, Mrs. Fields operated over 1,000 locations globally. Debbi's entrepreneurial success made her a pioneering figure in women's business leadership during the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond business, she has been involved in philanthropy and authored bestselling books about entrepreneurship and success. Her legacy demonstrated that innovative thinking, quality focus, and determination could transform a simple idea into a global brand, inspiring countless entrepreneurs.
Business & Industry
American
1956
Thinking about the name
Debbi
Hebrew origin
“A short, energetic form of Deborah with a casual, friendly sound that became popular in mid-20th century America. Debbi conveys approachability and youthfulness while maintaining a connection to the strong biblical meaning 'bee' from its Hebrew root.”