Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Davis.
Hi Kathleen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for teaching and helping children learn. Before becoming an author, I spent more than a decade as an elementary school teacher and instructional coach, and I earned my Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Working with children every day gave me a firsthand look at the challenges they face and the importance of giving them tools to build confidence, resilience, and strong character.
My journey as an author began after I became a mom. My son started experiencing nighttime fears, and I searched everywhere for a children’s book that could comfort him while also pointing him toward faith and courage. When I couldn’t find the book I was looking for, I decided to write it myself. That book became BRAVE, and it changed the course of my life.
What started as one story for my own child has grown into Kathleen Davis Books, an award-winning collection of inspirational children’s books that help families navigate real childhood experiences through engaging stories and meaningful messages. Today, our books are represented by national sales groups, have been carried by retailers such as Cracker Barrel and Dollywood, and can be found in gift shops, bookstores, hospitals, and specialty retailers across the country.
Although the business has grown far beyond what I ever imagined, my mission has never changed. Every book begins with a real need that children and families experience, and my goal is to create stories that encourage kids, spark important conversations, and remind every child that they are loved, valued, and capable of doing amazing things.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business from the ground up means you’re constantly learning, and I still run into new challenges almost every day. Whether it’s printing, distribution, marketing, technology, or retail relationships, there’s always something new to figure out. It can be incredibly time-consuming, but I actually enjoy the process because every problem teaches me something that makes the business stronger.
The biggest challenge by far has been marketing and selling the books. Writing the book is only the beginning. Once it’s published, you have to become the salesperson, marketer, publicist, social media manager, and business owner all at once. It’s something you have to work on every single day.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that no one will ever care about your brand as much as you do. Whether you’re selling books or any other product, your passion and persistence are what move the business forward. You have to keep showing up, building relationships, telling your story, and believing in what you’re creating, even when it feels difficult. That’s been one of the hardest parts of the journey, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a children’s book author and the founder of Kathleen Davis Books, where I create inspirational, faith-based stories that help children navigate real-life emotions and experiences. As a former elementary school teacher and instructional coach, I draw on my years in the classroom to write books that are not only engaging and fun to read, but also meaningful for both children and the adults who read with them.
I specialize in writing stories that build confidence, courage, kindness, empathy, and faith. Every book starts with a real need that I’ve seen in children, whether it’s overcoming fear, understanding emotions, celebrating differences, or finding comfort during difficult moments. My goal is to create stories that spark conversations and leave children feeling encouraged and empowered.
What I’m most proud of is knowing that these books are making a difference in families’ lives. Hearing from parents, teachers, and grandparents that one of my books helped a child overcome a fear or start an important conversation is incredibly rewarding. That’s always been my definition of success.
I also take pride in building this business from the ground up. What began as one book written for my own son has grown into an award-winning collection carried by retailers such as Cracker Barrel and Dollywood, along with gift shops, bookstores, hospitals, and specialty retailers across the country.
I think what sets me apart is that I bring together the perspective of an educator, a parent, and an entrepreneur. Every story is rooted in real childhood experiences, backed by years of teaching, and written with the hope that children will not only enjoy the book in the moment but carry its message with them long after they turn the last page.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you simply can’t quit. If you’re passionate about something, you have to make the time and keep showing up, even when it’s hard. There will always be obstacles, setbacks, and moments when you question yourself, but success usually comes to the people who keep going.
I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection. Small steps taken every day eventually add up to something much bigger. Whether you’re writing a book, starting a business, or pursuing any dream, no one else can believe in it as much as you do. You have to be willing to put in the work, stay patient, and trust the process.
My advice is simple: if there’s something you’re passionate about, don’t wait for the perfect time. Start where you are, keep learning, and don’t give up. You never know where one idea, or one act of perseverance might lead.
Pricing:
- 17.99 for hardcovers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kathleendavisbooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleendavisbooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BRAVEtheBook.kd
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-davis-ab3034209/
