Our Temporary Move to Redding, CA, Resulted in a Permanent Address Change
While many people move to Redding, CA, to plant roots and build a life they love, others don’t have such permanent plans in mind. Some intend to “try it on” for a bit to experience something different, but, as you’ll soon see, Redding ends up becoming a place they never want to leave.
Meet Amy Brown and Damon Magaña, a married couple who are also business partners. The tennis and pickleball coaches own DNA Club, which they started at Riverview Country Club in Redding, offering lessons, clinics, pickleball leagues and socials. They met in San Francisco at a tennis club, where Amy was the director of junior tennis, and Damon was a teaching pro. When the pandemic upended their lives, they chose to move from the Bay Area to Redding, CA, where Amy grew up.
Share some background on your move to Redding, CA?
Damon: We just felt like it was time to make a change. I kind of viewed Redding as temporary while we figured things out. We took time off, went on a three-month road trip across the U.S. and got married. We thought we might find a place we liked on our trip and move there, but nothing stuck. We saw an opportunity to teach tennis (and later pickleball) at Riverview Golf & Country Club in Redding and wanted to see if we could make it work.
How have you seen DNA Club flourish since you started?
Damon: I’m most proud of taking a club that was not using their courts at all and turning it into a lively, energetic place where people come to socialize and play. Because of the success we were having out there, the club built four more permanent pickleball courts.
A major part of your business is pickleball, but you are tennis pros, right?
Damon: Tennis is still around, but it has nowhere near the growth spurt of pickleball at the moment. We didn’t hear about pickleball until our 2021 road trip after our move to Redding, CA. If you play tennis at a relatively high level, you can play pickleball immediately, but there are still some skills you’ll have to develop if you want to be a top player. I believe tennis is a much harder sport, and it takes years to learn how to play well, but one of the things I love about pickleball is it has a low barrier to entry. Most people who are reasonably athletic can pick it up quickly and have a blast.
What resources did you use to start DNA Club after your move to Redding, CA?
Amy: I used any tools I could find. I know that being an entrepreneur is about being resourceful and having a lot of grit. I listened to books on business and growth mindset. I went to the Women’s Business Center, meetups, chamber of commerce meetings, conferences and asked a lot of successful people questions.
Tell us about your involvement with Startup Redding.
Damon: Startup Redding is a meetup for entrepreneurs who are trying to grow their businesses or get a business started. We use it as a networking tool, an idea resource and to make friends. The support system they’ve created is amazing.
Why would you recommend Redding to other budding entrepreneurs?
Amy: I love being a business owner here. You don’t feel like you’re competing with corporations. I think people appreciate more of a balanced work life. Our community cares about your success in all areas.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs?
Damon: If you really want it, don’t give up. Be adaptable. It’s not going to come easily. Nothing goes as planned, but at the end of the day, it’s better to work for yourself than someone else. Realize that you’re not alone in this endeavor, and there are resources to help.
How did you feel about your move to Redding, CA, and launching a business?
Amy: Growing up, Redding always felt small and isolated. As I’ve gotten older, the exclusion is what I love. It’s like a hidden secret. We have lakes, mountains and hiking in every direction. Living in San Francisco, I missed seeing the stars, going to a real pumpkin patch, watching fall leaves turn and how much safer I felt here. When we first moved back, I didn’t plan on coaching again. My parents were both entrepreneurs. I had been an entrepreneur before moving to the city as a DJ. I know it’s a lot of risk, but I love working with Damon, so I wanted to create something where we could do what we love together.
Redding offers a lifestyle you can’t find in other communities – one that feels like home and yet is full of opportunities and excitement. The best way to experience it is to come check it out for yourself. Find more about Redding at visitredding.com and shastaedc.org.
This article was sponsored by the Shasta Economic Development Corporation.