Dachell Davis slings books and specialty coffee through her business Double Chocolate Press. She’s a recent grad of the 6888 Kitchen Incubator’s Sharpen the Axe cohort with dreams for a brick-and-mortar space.

Read on to learn more about her journey

INTRODUCE YOURSELF — WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY?

My name is Dachell Davis and my company is Double Chocolate Press. I am a self published author of three devotional books, as well as several planners and custom lined journals. In addition, I have a specialty coffee business. Working with a local roaster, I am able to provide fresh, uniquely flavored coffee to my customers. My goal is to open a coffee shop and bookstore with an ambiance that draws patrons in to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a vibe that welcomes you and encourages you to stay a while to indulge in great coffee and read a good book. My space will be somewhere people want to come to network or just people watch and relax. The bookstore area will also carry various other products from local small businesses.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY START?

I had been writing my devotional books for years and had done nothing with them until COVID hit and gave me plenty of time to reflect. I was introduced to the right people at the right time that could help me with my book concept. So I self published the first book, “From Tears to Fearless” in 2021. The second that third books followed in the 2022 and 2023 respectively.

In October of 2022, I unexpectedly stopped working my full time job of 12 years. Being that I was an avid coffee drinker and maker for the office, my co-workers requested that I continue to mix coffee for them, and they offered to pay me for it! This began the search for a wholesale coffee distributor which I came upon relatively quickly at an outdoor market. From there, I started vending at craft markets and other events with my books AND coffee., eventually expanding to other coffee-related products as well. Recently I added a specialty tea to the mix upon the request of a few friends and customers!

WHY THIS IDEA?

Double Chocolate Press was born out of my love of books and coffee! When I was just writing and collecting my devotional messages, I knew that I couldn’t NOT do something more with them. God told me to tell my story many years ago, so I knew this would be the beginning. And the coffee fell in so naturally, that I knew it was destined to be part of my business plans as well.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

YES! I wanted to build a business with my sisters when I was younger. We all had very distinctive talents that I just knew would work well together in a business. It never seemed we could get on one accord, as life took us all into different places and work spaces. Double Chocolate Press is actually my second attempt at a small business. But this one is sticking. The way doors are opening and opportunities are presenting themselves, I know I am on the right path now.

THE LAUNCH DAYTON COMMUNITY VALUES ARE: 1. BE BOLD 2. ALL ARE WELCOME 3. PEOPLE FIRST 4. GIVE FIRST 5. REMOVE BARRIERS. HOW DO YOU EMBODY ONE OR MORE OF THESE VALUES?

People first has always been a part of who I am. I love to help others and solve problems. Even to something as small as making the perfect cup of coffee. When a customer walks away smiling and sipping on their brew, it makes my day!

Removing barriers to me is a way of life. I will find a way! I also believe in collaborating for greater impact and outside-the-box solutions.

WHAT IDENTITIES OR LIFE EXPERIENCES DO YOU BRING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR THIS LIFESTYLE?

My first business trained me to understand that finding your niche is one of the most important parts of entrepreneurship. Once you find your customers and lock in, it is easier to cater to their specific wants and needs.

And on a more personal note, my life has been on the job training for the entrepreneur lifestyle. I have been learning to pivot and reposition myself for many years. As a teen mother, I worked several jobs while I went to college to provide for myself and my son. I had to embody the spirit of “never give up” so that we could live a decent life. There is always something that will come to try and drag you down, but at the end of the day you have to GET UP. Make changes where needed and more forward. Stay focused. Stay Positive.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER YOU’VE FACED ON YOUR ENTREPRENEUR JOURNEY?

I think my biggest barrier on this journey is finances. I have such grand ideas and they cost! But I know that my time is coming and help is on the way. I keep getting confirmation from random people and situations that let me know, I am on the way to my dreams!

WHY DO YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO?

I love what I do because it is where my passion lies. I love to encourage and inspire people to find their greatness and define the life they want to live and go for it! I am a problem solver so every conversation I have with a customer, is a chance for me to make an impact. Sometimes a good word from a stranger can make a real difference in someone’s day. And I choose to make others happy with really great products and good conversation.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER FELLOW OR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?

My advice for fellow entrepreneurs is to find that thing that makes your heart sing! What do you do or think about each day that you are excited about? Find that. Follow that. Figure out how to monetize it. Educate yourself about it more. Find a mentor. And make a good plan. Then you will never work. You will live your dreams while earning your living!

Connect with Dachell @doublechocolatepress on IG.

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