Owning a local, independent, specialty toy store wasn't necessarily where Deb saw herself during her "when I grow up years" – but she is grateful that life has brought her to this opportunity and serving the community in this capacity. Her business started as a part-time side hustle in a small space near a rural farming community. This is how her business received its name: Nature's Nook Children's Boutique. She opened in 2015 in Bottineau, ND, inside of a quilt shop's storage space of 300sq ft. A few months later, she was offered a backroom in the same space, and she said, "YES!" to this 500 sqft space expansion. Deb then added books to her selections.
For this rural community, there was only one toy option within a 100 mile radius, and it was a big box store.
Deb and Dave, her husband, entered another season of life, a retirement for Dave, which led them to consolidate their lives to Minot, ND. This new season meant being able to open up her storefront in a brand new building in a space designed for her growing business! Thanks to this move, she was able to add additional display spaces as well as a creative area for messy play! By the way, the people of the small rural community still shop her store when they "come to town."
Being creative was a large part of Deb's childhood and has played a prominent role in the different offerings available at her recently expanded space in Minot, ND. Deb was raised by a professional artist, Magdalena Burger, who used an array of materials for her artwork: pen and ink, watercolors, oils, and even acrylic paint. With an entire art studio at her disposal, Deb was encouraged to create and design! Her mother taught her how to sketch, paint, do handi-crafts, and sew. Playing outside, climbing trees, finger painting, swimming, and being free to run wild in her environment fostered a love of creating within Deb. Thanks to this exposure, Deb has been able to learn so many fantastic creative techniques that she shares with her students who take classes with her at Nature's Nook Children's Toys & Books.
After growing up in a creative environment, Deb became a teacher. She taught in California for ten years while raising her children. Her teaching position has allowed her to bring her experience from those years into her classes at the store. In addition to having an undergraduate degree in psychology focusing on child development, Deb's graduate degree is from seminary, and she has a Masters in Divinity. She is a fully ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church USA.
Deb is exceptionally passionate about family and children. Deb is one of the most unique and well-rounded art instructors in the area. If you are ever in the area, come and get messy with Nature's Nook Children's Toys & Books during your visit!
