We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debra Fenner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debra below.

Debra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

How I began my childcare business: It was late 2016, I found out I was pregnant with my 1st child (I had been trying for years). At the time I was a parole officer for the state of NY.
I was so excited to start my new journey of motherhood, but as my bulletproof vest stopped fitting over my bump and my mobility decreased I realized this baby was coming and I needed to start planning.
One of the first lines of order was to find a suitable caretaker in my absence. I researched and visited quiet a few different spaces for childcare. And by the 6th or 7th place I visited I knew it was hopeless.
What was missing from all of these centers you ask?… Diversity! As a black woman seeking a place where my child will be safe and feel comfortable, diversity is very important to me. I had so many concerns about if my child would be seen, heard, if they would understand his needs, and even fears of him being treated poorly because of his race.
Then is dawned on me… I can’t be the only mom that feels this way. So I decided to open a daycare of my own.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the industry out of necessity… and stayed because of overwhelming love and sense of community that comes with it. I provide a service to families of caring for the most vulnerable parts of them… their children, and I do not take that lightly.
Families have entrusted us to care for, instill, and educate their little ones. And when you get into this field you don’t realize the level of presence and self-reflection it requires, because each interaction must be intentional and purposeful. Children are so receptive to mood, tone, body language, etc. because if you think about it that is how they communicate to us before they have mastered speech.
For this reason I prioritize mental health with myself and staff. It sounds crazy but I encourage breaks, time off, and buy lunch and coffee occasionally as a treat to try and offset some of the craziness of the job and life in general.
I always think to myself, I want for all who walk through my doors to feel loved, at peace, safe, seen, and have their needs met. This goes for parents, children, and staff included.
Tiny Dreamers was birthed out of the love I have for my children and the desire to share that and what I believe they deserve with other families.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As you know, the pandemic was the “make or break” for a lot of businesses. Tiny Dreamers was no exception, we had no clients…. Zero. So I thought to myself 🤔 “What am I going to do?” “Is this the end?” “Should I have left my job?” “Am I doing the right thing?”
I had so many questions. But the one thing I did know was that I would rather be in the position of choosing which direction to go, than being told I’m out of a job. So I knew I was in the right place.
I took a much needed break. Then I pushed forward with marketing as soon as “outside was open.“

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source of clients are my current and past clients. Pour into you clients and they will pour into you. They become your tribe and walking/talking billboards!
1 satisfied client is worth a million more.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.tinydreamersdaycare.com
• Instagram: TinyDreamersdaycare