Founder Stories: Tenia Davis
- Chelsey Reynolds
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
How Tenia Davis Left the Boardroom to Build a Bookstore Café That Connects a Community
When most people finish a corporate career, they picture rest or maybe a consulting project. Tenia Davis, PhD, imagined something far more vibrant. She traded meetings for meaningful conversations and turned her passion for books and people into a Chicago-based bookstore café filled with connection, creativity, and purpose.
In this episode of the Growth Department podcast, host Chelsey Reynolds sits down with Tenia to explore how she transformed decades of executive leadership into a new kind of business rooted in community and belonging.
From Executive Suite to Everyday Connection
For years, Tenia thrived as a Chief People Officer, leading HR and DEI strategies for major organizations such as Harpo Productions (The Oprah Winfrey Show), Johnson Publishing Company, and NORC at the University of Chicago. Her professional path was impressive and impactful, yet she felt ready to create something more personal—something that reflected her values and love of community.
“I’ve always wanted purpose-driven work,” Tenia shares. “The world feels ready for spaces that bring people together, and I wanted to be part of that shift.”
That vision grew into a bookstore café and podcast studio, designed to serve as part literary hub and part neighborhood living room. Readers, creatives, and curious minds can gather for coffee, book signings, workshops, and conversations that inspire.
“It’s kind of like Cheers,” she laughs. “But instead of beer, we have books.”
Building Purpose Through Passion
Creating this business was never about leaving corporate life behind. It was about bringing her leadership, structure, and creativity forward in a new way. Tenia blended years of experience in operations, people strategy, and culture building into a business that feels both grounded and full of heart.
Her transition began with research, planning, and focus groups that shaped every detail of the concept. “You’ve got to trust your gut,” she says, “and also prepare thoughtfully for the road ahead.”
For Tenia, this project became more than a business launch. It became a living example of how leadership can look when purpose leads the way.
Lessons from Corporate Life That Still Apply
Even though she now spends more time with books than board reports, Tenia carries her executive lessons with her every day.
Authentic leadership creates trust.“People follow you when they see your humanity and your story,” she says. “Authenticity builds loyalty and connection.”
Operational skills translate across industries.Years of managing budgets, teams, and systems helped her build a bookstore café that runs efficiently and sustainably.
Communication is everything.The ability to bridge personalities and perspectives—honed through years of leading teams—now helps her collaborate with contractors, designers, and community partners.
Today, she combines corporate precision with creative warmth to lead her new venture with confidence.
The Power of Small Stories
At the heart of Tenia’s vision is her belief in what she calls small stories—the quiet moments that connect people.
“If words can hurt, then words can also heal,” she explains. “When we share even a small story—a memory, a lesson, or a laugh—we create belonging.”
Her bookstore café is built to spark those small stories through book clubs, author events, and simple coffee conversations that remind people how connected we really are.
Finding Courage and Community
Starting something new always brings uncertainty, yet Tenia discovered strength through connection. As an introvert, she hesitated at first to share her idea widely. Once she did, the support was immediate.
“It felt like a domino effect,” she says. “Every person I told introduced me to someone who could help.”
What she calls her “village effect” grew quickly. Conversations at furniture stores turned into partnerships, and new friends offered help and resources.
“When you share your passion with honesty, people feel it,” she says. “That’s when doors open.”
Real Advice for Founders Ready to Pivot
Tenia’s story offers practical lessons for anyone considering a new chapter.
Form a focus group of trusted voices to refine your idea and reveal blind spots.Create a clear, realistic plan for the first 12 to 18 months.And most importantly, define success by your own values.
“Trust your gut,” she says. “And stay true to your vision, even when others can’t see it yet.”
A Legacy of Connection
Tenia’s bookstore café will open this September with a soft launch and community celebration. But the opening is only the beginning.
“I want this to be my legacy,” she says. “A space where people feel safe, inspired, and connected. A place that brings people together.”
For founders, her journey is a reminder that growth isn’t always about scaling up—it’s about building something that reflects who you are. Tenia Davis shows that leadership can thrive anywhere, whether in a corner office or a cozy bookstore filled with light, laughter, and coffee.
You can follow Tenia's Bookstore here:
For her HR consulting website and books visit:
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