Tenia Davis has been an executive in human resources for years. Harpo Productions, Johnson Publishing Company, and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago are but a few of the places she’s worked.
The Flossmoor resident is a leadership development expert who’s authored books on the topic to help organizations’ success. With an MBA from Loyola University, a master’s and doctorate of philosophy in values-driven leadership from Benedictine University, Davis decided to segue away from the C-suite to retail with her own bookstore, Beyond the Book, A Literary Experience.
The business opened in downtown Homewood (18063 Dixie Highway) this October. Davis smiles when she shares that the new endeavor is an item she can now mark off her bucket list.
Liz Agbarah comments during the first book club meeting at Beyond the Book on Nov. 19, 2025, in Homewood. (James C. Svehla/for the Chicago Tribune)
“The landscape of corporate is changing,” she said. “I thought this would be the perfect time to leap out on faith and do something that I get excited about. I wanted to pursue my dream, and thought now was the perfect time to do that.”
Davis wants to cultivate community with Beyond the Book. As a writer herself, she plans to host writing workshops. She is looking forward to launching a summer boot camp for students in junior high to high school. She envisions her spot as a place where networking happens, podcasts are done (yes, there is a podcast studio onsite), and other literacy programs grow.
Initiatives that have already begun include a monthly book club (next meeting Jan. 21, 2026) and a chess club for kids. Davis is also working on a subscription service for the elderly (where books are shipped, if travel to the store proves difficult) and a poetry slam for February. She wants to collaborate with schools, libraries, businesses, nonprofits and neighboring bookstores to help with anything related to literacy and education.
People gather for the first book club held at Beyond the Book on Nov. 19, 2025, in Homewood. (James C. Svehla/for the Chicago Tribune)
“Having a voice in terms of writing, illustration and podcasting — that’s what I want to offer here,” Davis said. “I want to open the doors for everything voice. I want to cultivate the next generation of writers, do events and set a platform for up-and-coming authors. Additional offerings will evolve as we continue to grow with the community.”
The Homewood-Flossmoor location of Beyond the Book was intentional. Having raised her children in the south suburb, she has a connection to it. The area lost a bookstore when Bookie’s shuttered in 2022. Davis saw the community in need of a bookstore and she filled that void. She’s always seen herself as being of service, being impactful. She wants Beyond the Book to be “Cheers” for books — where everybody knows your name.
For somebody who likes curious writing styles, writing that takes one into the details, writing that takes one outside of your comfort zone, Davis is intrigued to see how the next generation of authors continues to evolve the writing landscape.
“This has been my dream,” Davis said. “I’ve helped businesses thrive. I wanted to launch one of my dreams-launch a business and make it thrive.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/25/homewood-bookstore-beyond-the-book/
