Meet Tiffany Balk

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tiffany Balk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tiffany, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My confidence and self-esteem blossomed from two key sources: the healthy examples provided by my parents, and a rich tapestry of life experiences. My father’s international business career took our family across the globe. We lived in Brussels, Belgium, for five years, an opportunity my parents maximized by showing us a vast array of European sights. Later, in Tokyo, Japan, they again made sure my siblings and I experienced a great deal of the Orient. These extensive travels meant that by college age, I had seen and done far more than most of my peers, which greatly fueled my confidence.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Blueberry Haven was born from a simple desire: to send a heartfelt thank you. On the drive home from a wonderful vacation, I wanted to gift our generous hosts something authentically local. When my husband idly mentioned a cherry company, my gaze drifted to the passing landscape—fields upon fields of vibrant blueberry bushes. The idea hit me with an instant “We need…Blueberry Haven!” and from that moment, my vision began to unfold.
My professional life before becoming a mom was a whirlwind in retail. I honed my skills at Gantos, a prominent women’s clothing chain. My journey started in their rigorous store management program, taking me from New Hampshire to New York, and eventually back to Grand Rapids, where I managed a downtown store. I then transitioned into their buyer training program for accessories, advancing to assistant buyer, and finally, a dress buyer. I cherished that role for several years until my first son turned one. The intense travel—monthly week trips to New York City, and every other month weekly stints in New York and Los Angeles—became unsustainable with a young child. I often say I attended the ‘Gantos School of Retail,’ and truly, the knowledge and experience gained from their systems and people were immeasurable.
Over the past two years, Blueberry Haven has grown, and I’m thrilled to have partners like Jeremy Paquin. Jeremy, the son of one of my long-time employees, is a renowned West Michigan chef who was ready to trade the demanding kitchen life for a new challenge. He has become the welcoming face of Blueberry Haven, giving me valuable time to spend with my family. We recently expanded, opening a second location in downtown Grand Rapids within another storefront. This new location will be a key focus as our Grand Haven summer business winds down. We’re excited to host cooking demonstrations and offer samples there during ArtPrize, with both Jeremy and me on hand to connect with the community and promote our brand.
Our product line is constantly evolving, thanks in large part to Jeremy’s culinary expertise. He’s developed popular new offerings such as our blueberry fig jam and berry cherry jam. Beyond product development, he’s been instrumental in building partnerships with local organizations and restaurants that proudly feature our jams on their menus. We warmly invite you to experience Blueberry Haven at our Grand Rapids location, 40 Monroe Center, or our Grand Haven store at 213 Washington.”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back at my journey, three qualities stand out as most impactful: Kindness, Adaptability, and Self-Trust.

Kindness: I’ve increasingly learned that kindness truly always wins. You achieve far more with a sweet and collaborative approach than with bitterness or aggression.

Advice for development: For those early in their journey, my advice is to consciously practice empathy in all interactions. Listen actively, offer help when you can, and always assume good intent. Even in challenging situations, choose your words carefully and aim for understanding rather than conflict. A reputation for kindness will open more doors and build stronger relationships than any other quality.
Adaptability: My ability to observe my surroundings and anticipate what people want or need, sometimes even before they realize it themselves, has always been a valuable gift. In the food industry, this is a particular strength that Jeremy also possesses.

Advice for development: To cultivate adaptability, I recommend staying curious and open-minded. Don’t get too attached to a single plan. Regularly assess your environment, seek feedback, and be willing to pivot when necessary. The world changes constantly, and those who can adjust quickly will thrive. Attend industry events, read widely, and talk to people outside your immediate circle to broaden your perspective.
Self-Trust: This encompasses the courage to put yourself and your ideas out there. There’s immense satisfaction in taking an idea from a mere concept in your mind, seeing it come to fruition, opening one storefront, then another, and building a brand with products that began as your personal vision.

Advice for development: Building self-trust starts with taking small, calculated risks and learning from both successes and failures. Don’t wait for perfection; iterate and improve as you go. Start by articulating your ideas, even if they’re not fully formed. Seek mentors who believe in you and can offer constructive criticism. Celebrate your small victories, as these build confidence. The more you act on your intuition and see positive results, the stronger your self-trust will become.”

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal client understands the thoughtful gesture of bringing a gift when visiting someone’s home, whether it’s for a casual card game night or a weekend stay. A small token of genuine appreciation can make a significant impact. In a world where empathy often feels lacking, we believe that a simple gift paired with a heartfelt note is a powerful way to show care and put others first.”

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