Meet Cara Davis | author and marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cara Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to “pick yourself,” as Seth Godin said. (“No one is going to pick you. Pick yourself.”) I use that to give myself permission to do things I’m passionate about, even if I’m not being asked to. In 2024, I self-published a memoir and two children’s books because I had a vision for them and wanted to share them with the world. And I’m proud of those accomplishments. Success, for me, wasn’t about sales numbers or building a platform. It was about creating something authentic that might help others feel less alone in their struggles. It was about leaving behind a legacy piece that speaks to the universal human experience of facing our fears and finding our way through them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe creativity is problem-solving. It’s maximized with a limitation of resources and works best within constraints. It creates a point of view.

There’s also nothing new under the sun. Creativity involves the process of evolution and iteration. When someone labels or identifies something as being “creative,” It’s usually because it has a sense of familiarity and yet feels new and different.

When I began to write books, I feared I didn’t have anything worthy to say or share. That’s simply not sure. To produce a creative work, I have to identify a problem, focus the writing around resolving it, and create limitations and constraints to work within. Then the ideas and production of the piece flow better.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question, and I actually have a note saved in my phone of recommendations.

Tour the historic Ryman Auditorium and have a drink at Assembly Food Hall
Walk across John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for the best skyline and river views
Shop at Serendipity in 12 South for Nashville-themed gifts and jewelry
Try BBQ at Edley’s or Jack’s BBQ or sample Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s or the original Prince’s
Visit Cheekwood for botanical gardens
Hike Radnor Lake’s trails for nature and scenic views
Explore Centennial Park and the Parthenon replica
Visit Merridee’s Bread Basket in nearby Franklin
Stop at the new Paris Baguette downtown for a sweet treat
Browse Parnassus Books, owned by author Ann Patchett
Dine at RH Courtyard Restaurant then browse the floors of expensive furniture
Experience Jefferson Street Sound Museum then support Alkebu-Lan Images, Tennessee’s only Black-owned bookstore
In East Nashville, try Mas Tacos, Rosepepper Cantina, and my favorite, Sip Cafe!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom is my hero. In 2020, I had to place her in a memory care facility and sell her house to add to her pension and social security. Her dedication to her teaching career and wise investments helped cover her costly care, despite being a widow and now living with a disability. She achieved this by hard work and sacrifice during my formative years, occasionally working part-time, and managing a creative arts side business. She’s an inspiration — but I can’t help but think, should it be this hard for women?

Website: https://papertiger.store/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carabakerdavis/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carabakerdavis/

Image Credits
Photos by Lauren Napier Photography