Getting to Know Nana and Company's Debra Dingman

She's a familiar face around Dixon who has been involved in numerous local organizations and has done a lot of good things for the community -- everything from raising funds for worthy causes as the president of the Dixon Kiwanis Club, to promoting local businesses through her public relations company The Write Mind and writing stories for the Patch, to her work on Dixon's Transportation Advisory Committee.

Now, Debra Dingman has embarked on a new adventure by opening up a new children's resale boutique in Downtown Dixon that specializes in items for children and toddlers and also offers a wide variety of classes and fun activities for the kids.

Dingman's Nana and Company opened its doors back in March and ever since then has been a valuable resource for mothers - both expecting and not - who are looking to learn about natural childbirth, parenting, or who are looking for something fun to do with the children such as storytime.

Dingman is no lightweight when it comes to raising children. Aside the knowledge she has acquired by raising three children, Dingman worked as a childbirth and parent educator, assistant midwife, a journalist covering family issues, and a children's minister.

What is the story behind the name of your store?

I wanted a name that emulated a love for babies and children. I had mulled over using the same name we had in our Davis store but decided to just use the same silhouetted children in our logo after the name came to me in the middle of the night. I woke up with a very firm affirmation that this was the name I was supposed to use—so I did but I also added “Children’s Boutique” to identify the business type.

What do you like most about your job?

I love that I am my own boss so I get to set my own limits—and I set my limits pretty high. I truly enjoy just about everything related to this store but I’d have to say teaching childbirth classes is the best. It is an opportunity to give starting families what they seek: the necessary tools—all the way down to keeping their marriage intact—to help them enjoy parenting.

Why did you choose Dixon as a store location? In particular, Downtown Dixon?

I chose downtown Dixon because I’ve worked down here and I believed it was full of opportunity and also because the landlord offered me affordable rent for the type of business I have. I love that everything I need is right here—the restaurants for any meal whenever I’m working, the printers for all the publications and posters I use, the bank, my hairdresser, and even the ! I do believe it is time again for downtown Dixon to thrive and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!

Who is your hero?

I have always held Dr. James Dobson is highest regard. He has a PhD in Child Development and I have read all his books. I feel I have been the best parent I can be because of his books, lectures, radio talks, etc. He has held up his religious convictions through public attacks because he is Christian yet all of his work continues to be proven best for families. He has never given up the mission to improve American families grow stronger despite an ever-increasing lack-of-morals society. 

If you could have dinner with anyone - famous or not, deceased or living - who would it be with and why?

My mother—I felt I never got enough time with her. I had five siblings.

What is your most popular product?

Clothing. We have the best brands at great prices. Our average price for clothing is $3.99.

From where do you get the store's inventory?

I buy from our customers (we don’t take donations to keep the quality up) and that also helps build in foot traffic for sales.

What are your hobbies?

I’m living them! Actually love writing and swimming.

Any hidden talents? If so, what?

I love to sew and decorate cakes but have little time to do it.

What is your favorite genre of music, and who is your favorite artist and why?

I listen to children’s music all day and particularly love Raffi but for grown up times, I listen to my Christian Praise Bands (and in my car I sing along!)

What special message would you like to give the community?

Stay married—your children need you to work as a couple. It actually hurts my heart when I hear customers say their marriage is in trouble or over. I’ve been to hell and back. Believe me, anything in marriage can work if you try. Once you choose to have children, it really is not about you—it is about your children. The world will be a much better place when EVERYONE gets how true this is.

What makes Dixon a great place to live?

That people know each other. You can’t really disappear too easily here so you have to stay nice, you have to keep your yard nice, you have to care or you just don’t fit in a small town.

has a wide variety of children's items including clothing, toys, books, and children's furniture. Visit them at their store location, 141 North First Street, or online at nanaandcompany.com

If you are a business owner who would like to be featured on the Patch, please contact the editor at carlos.villatoro@patch to set it up.

Here are other Getting to Know columns:

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