Build Smarter, Grow Confidently
Are you ready to grow your business with confidence?
As a Business Strategist, Speaker, and Author, I help business leaders build a legacy without sacrificing their health, family, or joy. You don't have to choose between growing your business and having a life you actually want to live. Let's figure out what that looks like for you.
AS SEEN ON
The legacy you're building shouldn't cost you the life you're building it for.
hey there!
My Name is
Tamela C. Todd
Bestselling author, business strategist, speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Sip N Read Book Bar located in Detroit, Michigan.
With over 25 years in healthcare and business leadership, I've spent my career learning what actually holds a legacy together, and it's rarely the strategy. I help business leaders build something that lasts without sacrificing their health, family, or joy to get there.
A Different Approach to Success
As a woman owned and minority owned business owner, I've lived the launch, the growth, and every hard decision in between. I'm not coaching from the sidelines. I'm still in it, asking myself the same questions I ask my clients, and that's exactly why this work hits different.
If you're a founder planning your exit, a family business leader navigating succession, or an executive who's checked every box and still feels the weight of it all, this is where we start. I help you build a legacy that's actually felt by the people who matter most, not just funded by the business you built for them.
Built on Experience. Backed by Proof.
I'm a three-time Motor City Match awardee and the winemaker and owner of Sip N Read Wine Collection. My work has been featured in Crain's Detroit, Fox 2 Detroit, WDIV-TV, CBS Detroit, the Michigan Chronicle, Wine Country, and Michigan Uncorked.
I'm also the bestselling author of Emotions of the Mind and am currently writing my next book, set for release in 2027 with a book tour to follow.
- International Women’s Day of Detroit Award
- Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Detroit
- The Spirit of Detroit Award
- Graduate of Retail Boot Camp at TechTown Detroit
- Build Basics alum at Build Institute
- Scale Your Business Like a Boss — Operations School
- 3x Motor City Match awardee
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Here's where I come in
Ways to Work With Me
I help business leaders protect what matters while they build what's next, a legacy that's organized, sustainable, and actually theirs.
If you're planning an exit, leading a multi-generational business through succession, or you've hit the milestone you thought would feel like enough and it doesn't, I'm your person. Together, we focus on what matters: your direction, your health, and the legacy you're actually building, not just the one you're too exhausted to enjoy.
Whether you want a quick conversation to get answers, a dedicated monthly strategy partner, or me on stage in front of your organization, there's a path for you.
Consulting
Join me for an engaging, one hour virtual session over Zoom. During our time together, you'll get real answers to your questions, helpful resources, and actionable steps to move forward with clarity. Think of it as your dedicated space to pause, breathe, and get honest about what you're actually building, and why
1:1 Business Strategy Sessions
Private monthly strategy sessions tailored to your business, your goals, and the legacy you're building. Together, we work through clarity, direction, succession, and sustainable growth. You'll leave with everything you need to build a business without sacrificing your health, family, or joy, with intention, not guesswork.
I only accept four clients per month, ensuring you get focused, high level support.
Speaking Engagements
Want me at your next conference or panel discussion? I speak to business leaders, executives, and organizations navigating succession, second acts, and legacy stage decisions, delivering talks that meet your audience right where they are. I cover topics like legacy overload, exit and succession planning, leading without burning out, and building something your loved ones would actually want to inherit. If there's a specific topic you'd like covered, I'm open to customizing the conversation for your audience.
Impact Statements
from entrepreneurs
It was a pleasure working with Tamela with our OSchool programming. Her dedication and coaching style made a real impact on our participants, and she was a valued member of the team. We aim to have experts who are leading within the ecosystem and community, and her business coaching paired effortlessly with her lived experience as an entrepreneur and business owner.
Tamela spoke at the BTS 2026 Women's HerStory Month Founders Takeover, where she contributed to a rich conversation about the role third spaces, like Sip N Read Book Bar, play in building healthy, connected communities and creating economic growth opportunities. Her perspective and lived experience as a community-centered business owner added meaningful depth to the conversation, and she was a wonderful asset to the panel
Having Tamela as a panelist at Creator Con 2025 was an absolute pleasure. She brought genuine energy, authenticity, and valuable insights that really connected with our audience. Her willingness to openly share her experiences and knowledge made for an engaging conversation, and attendees walked away feeling inspired and empowered. We're grateful she was part of Creator Con 2025 and truly appreciate the impact she made on our event.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Todd on numerous occasions, specifically in supporting small businesses in Detroit, Michigan. Her passion for empowering others to reach their full potential is evident in all that she does, including running a non-profit that encourages girls to read. As someone who has been both a student and a teacher, I understand what is needed to excel in training and coaching roles. Mrs. Todd possesses all the necessary skills and more. I highly recommend her as a coach for entrepreneurs.
If I had to pick five individuals to coach entrepreneurs, Mrs. Todd would be my top choice. Her extensive knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur make her an invaluable asset to any company. I highly recommend her as a coach for other entrepreneurs. I am confident that you will not be disappointed, and I guarantee that she will assist in developing successful entrepreneurs.
Stories that inspire. Strategies that deliver.
Shop the Collection
Books for Leaders Building Something That Lasts
Discover
Sip N Read Book Bar
founded by Tamela
Tamela C. Todd isn’t just an award-winning author—she’s also a creator of community. As the founder of Sip N Read Book Bar in Detroit, she’s cultivated a cozy, welcoming space where readers can unwind, connect, discover their next favorite book, and savor thoughtfully curated drinks, including her exclusive signature wine, The Library of Rosé, available only at Sip N Read.
Explore the website to learn more about the book bar, shop her signature wine, and join the Publish & Pour series, a six-month in-person author cohort guiding writers from idea to publication with expert insight, creative community, and a focus on follow-through.
connect
Let's make things happen
Let's Chat
I’d love to hear about your business goals, challenges, or ideas. Whether you’re looking for guidance, strategy, or just a conversation to get clarity, I’m here to help you take the next step. Let’s connect and explore how we can turn your vision into action.