West Olive Mom And Family Growing Small Business

Grand Haven Tribune:

For business owner Tiffany Balk, Blueberry Haven truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

What started out as an idea for giving gifts to relatives turned into a family business of blueberry products across the state and a reminder of what West Michigan has to offer.

Balk, along with her husband and three sons, thought of the idea to give blueberries to distant relatives as a symbol of the area. When they soon realized that blueberries were just as prominent as other Michigan fruits, she decided to exploit the “hidden secret,” Balk said — and Blueberry Haven was born.

On what Balk describes as a “magical mid-2007 evening,” the family started planning its venture. Visions of jams, pancake mixes, chocolates and other blueberry goodies came into the minds of the Balk family. Within nine months, the visions turned into products in 14 stores and several farmers markets across the state.

Among the most popular products are blueberry jam, a snack mix which includes nuts and spices, and a pancake mix.

While Balk gets the bulk of the credit, she is quick to establish that her family has just as much input as she does.

“My job is just organizing it and getting things done on time,” she admits.