The New 'Book Worm' on the Block: Julia R. Davis
Julia R. Davis in front of Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, GA.
It’s been on my heart recently to beginning reading to my 6-week-old daughter Sorai; the only thing missing was a few children’s books.
One afternoon we found ourselves in historic downtown Powder Springs and stumbled upon a small bookstore called “Book Worm”.
We were greeted by a nice young lady who welcomed us into the store and showed us to the children’s books. In the front of the store I noticed a rack of black literature from James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others and inquired whether this was a black owned establishment.
Ownership was changing hands and soon-to-be owner, Julia R. Davis walked in the store. With Sorai in hand, we stood and spoke about the importance of reading, Davis’ children book series, entrepreneurship and her acquisition of the bookstore.
Photo: Geneley Childress/Flatline Cinema
“I’m blessed, it’s amazing to be an entrepreneur, it’s amazing to be able to give back and support my community and to make books for young (children).”
Davis fell in love with reading after picking up her first book at the age of two.
“It’s always about learning, knowledge is power.”
Throughout our conversation she stressed the importance of reading different genres of books, especially for children of color.
“We can’t just learn from things that look like us, that’s a huge step, but we still need to educate ourselves in other areas as well,” she said adding, “If you can’t learn about your surroundings, you can’t fix anything that needs to be fixed.”
Davis was born and raised in a New York suburb. She began her career in the legal profession, climbing the corporate latter until she decided to embark on a different journey; writing children’s books.
She moved to Austell, Georgia 15 years ago and published her first book in 2014, “I Love me because…I’m DIFFERENT.”
Davis currently has nine published books, with each book’s title containing the phrase, “I Love Me”.
“It’s a way to influence our children, to make them realize no matter what their differences are and what they look like, they’re special and can conquer the world.”
Davis has now shifted her focus to conquering a new task; owning a bookstore.
After stumbling upon the intimate downtown bookstore to find a new read, she met current owner Susan Smelser.
Little did she know Smelser had plans to retire and was ready to groom her successor to communities landmark bookstore.
“I think it was destine, I clearly wasn’t brought here by chance,” Davis said.
The two began building a friendship which has now turned into a mentorship of sorts.
“It’s been a blessing to learn the backend of the business before actually taking over the business,” said Davis, as Smelser has taken her under her wing during the transition since February.
Davis has already experienced the “very challenging” hardships of business during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she says it’s ultimately been a great experience because of the customers, the location and now her ability to impact the next generation.
Photo: Julien Virgin
Bookworm employs local youth and Davis is happy “to be able to not only put them in position where they can earn a salary, but learn as well.”
Davis learned many entrepreneurship and life skills by stocking shelves for her mother, who owned Deli in New York. Her mother taught her the importance of marketing, appearance and how to interact with her employees.
“Treat the person on the bottom the same way you treat the person at the top,” she said and now prides herself on never asking one of her employees to do something she’s unwilling to do.
Photo: Julien Virgin
I decided to #supportahustla and buy two of Davis’ books for Sorai. She was kind enough to sign the books but before we parted ways she left me with a lasting jewel.
“Follow your dreams, follow your aspirations, to instill your goals in not only you but to support your young one in whatever she wants to do,” said Davis, reminding me that, “Leading with passion makes the dollars and cents follow later.”
Discover Book Worm Bookstore at 4451 Marietta St Powder Springs, GA 30127 or visit them online at thebookwormonline.com.
Photo: Geneley Childress/Flatline Cinema