Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Davis.
Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a writer and reader since I was a little girl. Studying education at TCU (Go Frogs!) gave me an even greater appreciation for the power of literacy. As a teacher, I saw how students connected with books and characters to remember messages that lasted long after the pages were closed.
A challenging season, my faith, and my dog, Hope, inspired me to take an idea and turn it into a message that could inspire others. Hope the Dog is a children’s book about a dog, an adventure, and the power of having HOPE in all circumstances.
Hope the Dog was released in October 2020, but the process began almost two years earlier. I self-published my story and took on all aspects of production, from sourcing an illustrator the phenomenal Leah Rowe, learn more at https://astoryaday.net/ to building a business, establishing wholesale channels, and launching e-commerce sales. Hope the Dog is now in the hands of thousands of readers in almost all 50 states and 4 countries, plus 40+ retailers nationwide along with online sales and Amazon. Growing this business has been the greatest joy of my life– I’m learning something new every single day! Take the leap of faith! You never know what might happen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The process continues to be exciting, challenging, and packed with learning! Some moments feel like smooth roads while others are bumpy, but those “pothole moments” have ended up being some of the best things to help Hope the Dog grow. Establishing wholesale accounts was challenging at first because I knew nothing about the process. I took a chance and exhibited at Dallas Market Center for two weeks, which led to amazing new accounts with boutiques across the country. This gave me the confidence to continue participating in shows and events to reach new readers. I’m grateful for other small business owners who shared sales and visual display techniques to help me improve!
I’ve also come to appreciate that it is okay and often necessary to grow slow, while still planning and dreaming big. A business can’t jump from A-Z instantly; I’m learning to enjoy the challenges, joys, and many exciting “firsts” found in these in-between moments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hope the Dog?
Learn more about Hope the Dog or purchase a copy at www.hopethedog.com. The story is also available on Amazon.
Written by: Allison Davis. Illustrated by: Leah Rowe ISBN: 978-1-7349656-0-5
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I enjoy writing all sorts of things, not just children’s books! I’d love to publish adult fiction books someday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hopethedog.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hifromhope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopethedogbooks
Image Credits
Allison Davis
MaggShotsPhotograhy
