We were lucky to catch up with Tamela Todd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In the vibrant city of Detroit, I found myself immersed in my two great loves: writing and promoting mental health. As an author, mental health coach, and passionate advocate for literacy, I often sought solace in the pages of a good book, accompanied by a comforting cup of coffee or a delightful glass of wine. After visiting bookbars in various cities and experiencing their unique charm and cultural significance, I felt a deep inspiration to bring this concept to my beloved city of Detroit. The vibrant energy and thriving literary community of Detroit were the perfect backdrop for a bookbar that would not only celebrate literature but also contribute to the city’s revitalization. With each visit, I witnessed how bookbars fostered a sense of community, sparked intellectual conversations, and provided a haven for creativity to flourish. Motivated by the desire to enrich Detroit’s cultural landscape and provide a space where fellow residents could indulge in the pleasures of reading, I embarked on a mission to establish a bookbar that would be a literary sanctuary and a gathering place for book enthusiasts, writers, and individuals seeking respite

Tamela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tamela C. Todd is a bestselling author, certified mental health coach, and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to promoting mental health and self-care. As a women-owned and minority-owned business owner, Tamela brings decades of experience in healthcare and a profound understanding of the effects of physical, mental, and emotional trauma. Through her work, she creates valuable resources that foster mental health, self-esteem, and empowerment.

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Tamela serves as a board member with the Michigan Wine Collaborative, where she combines her love for wine with her dedication to community building. Her involvement in the wine industry allows her to contribute to the growth and development of Michigan’s wine scene, supporting local wineries and promoting the region’s unique wine offerings.

Tamela’s mission revolves around empowering entrepreneurs, especially women, to prioritize their mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, build confidence, and take control of their overall well-being. By challenging the stigmas associated with mental health, she aims to raise awareness and provide the necessary tools for others to thrive. Her expertise and dedication make her the perfect choice to lead self-care workshops tailored specifically for entrepreneurs.

Tamela’s work has been recognized and featured in various media outlets, including Rolling Out Magazine, Metro Parent, She Leads Podcast and more. Her commitment to empowering others has earned her prestigious accolades, including an International Women’s Day of Detroit Award, a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Detroit, and a Spirit of Detroit Award. Furthermore, Tamela has honed her business acumen through programs like Retail Boot Camp at Tech Town Detroit, Build Basics at Build Institute, and Scale Your Business Like a Boss at Operations School. Notably, she is a three-time Motor City Match awardee, demonstrating her entrepreneurial prowess and success.

As a member of Bamboo of Detroit and a sought-after media presence, including appearances on Detroit’s Hot 107.5, Michigan Chronicle, Metro Parent, and more, Tamela continues to make significant contributions to the field of mental health and self-care. Her dedication and expertise make her the ideal individual to guide entrepreneurs through self-care workshops, helping them achieve holistic well-being and sustainable success.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Books:

“The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together: How to Run Your Business Without Letting It Run You” by Sherry Walling and Rob Walling
“Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek
“The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich” by Timothy Ferriss
“The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerbe

Podcasts:

“The Tim Ferriss Show” – Hosted by Timothy Ferriss
“How I Built This” – Hosted by Guy Raz
“The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast” – Hosted by Pat Flynn
“The Life Coach School Podcast” – Hosted by Brooke Castillo
“The Tony Robbins Podcast” – Hosted by Tony Robbins
“The Mind Your Business Podcast” – Hosted by James Wedmore

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Persistence Pays Off: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Entrepreneurs learn to persevere through challenges, setbacks, and rejections. They stay determined, maintain focus on their goals, and keep pushing forward.

Networking plays a crucial role in the success of entrepreneurs. I highly recommend
Building Connections: Networking events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, potential clients, and collaborators. Building a strong network allows entrepreneurs to tap into valuable resources, gain insights, and create mutually beneficial relationships. Networking also gives you access to opportunities, Attending events exposes entrepreneurs to a wide range of opportunities. They may come across potential investors, business partnerships, speaking engagements, media coverage, or new markets for their products or services. Networking opens doors to opportunities that may not be readily available through other channels.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: sipandreadbookbar
• Other: @tamelactodd- instagram

Image Credits
Photos @leosage_images Photos and logos by @The Stylish Shutter