Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recently recognized By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse of Davis County, Iowa, as her Small Business of the Week. The honor is part of Senator Ernst’s ongoing effort to highlight exceptional local businesses across all 99 Iowa counties that embody the entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen their communities.
Founded in 2024 by Joshua and Kerry Williams after relocating to Iowa, By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse has quickly become a cornerstone of community life. The Williams created a space where residents and visitors alike can gather for coffee, conversation, and connection, while also supporting a love of reading and learning.
The business hosts a variety of events, including weekly children’s story times, book clubs, and tutoring sessions, as well as providing an event center used for weddings and local gatherings. Through these activities, the shop fosters meaningful engagement and promotes literacy, creativity, and community building.
Senator Ernst praised the Williams for their entrepreneurial dedication and community leadership, noting how their vision has enriched Davis County both culturally and economically. Their work reflects the core values of small business owners across Iowa, including hard work, service, and a genuine commitment to bringing people together.
Ernst’s Small Business of the Week series continues to spotlight Iowa entrepreneurs whose innovation and community focus make them integral to the state’s economic vitality. By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse stands as a shining example of how small businesses can inspire connection and growth at the heart of local communities.