Canton business owner Tammy Haggerty knows firsthand how much work goes into owning and operating a small business, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Founding a successful business requires not only a strong work ethic but also a positive mindset and more perseverance than you’d expect.

Starting a business seems out of reach for many people with the desire, but Haggerty said you don’t need to come from wealth to make your dreams come true.

Haggerty came from modest means and has been working since she was 14 years old. She grew up on a farm, ate government cheese and only had one pair of pants in middle school. Her humble upbringing helped her focus on building a better future for her and her family.

“I didn’t have a family fortune to help me with my store, I had to do it on my own,” Haggerty said.

After opening the doors of Jacob Matthew Jewelers in January 2017, Haggerty said that the first four years of operation required huge sacrifices and risks for her to keep her store afloat, whether it was taking out different loans, not taking a paycheck for herself or even selling her own jewelry to make payroll.

“I had a vision and I believed in myself and said we’ll make it work,” she said.

Haggerty said the behind-the-scenes stress and sacrifices business owners make tend to go unnoticed by the outside world but have real effects, both mentally and physically.

“I don’t want it to sound bad because it’s definitely worth it in the end when you can see what you’ve dreamed about and watch it grow,” she said.

The combination of almost four decades of experience in the jewelry industry plus the faith that Haggerty had in herself and her ability to succeed are what led her to where she is today.

“I knew we would do well, I just didn’t realize how hard it would be and how long it would take,” Haggerty said.

Today, Jacob Matthew Jewelers offers one of the largest collections of jewelry in Metro Detroit and is committed to providing customers with the best possible experience. Haggerty isn’t just focused on satisfying customers, she truly invests in both her staff and the community.

Haggerty pays 100 percent of her employees’ benefits and said they will never need financial assistance.

“I don’t want my staff to have to worry when they’re not here,” Haggerty said, “If I can’t provide for them then I’m not successful.”

She also makes it a point to give back to the community and has donated almost $350,000 to local charities and organizations since her store opened.

Haggerty measures success not by money but how she will be remembered.

“It’s more than just about you, it’s about everyone you’re reaching,” she said.

Helping others, embracing compassion and empathy, learning and growing from failures and maintaining a positive mindset are all building blocks of the legacy she wants to leave.

For more information, visit www.jacobmatthewjewelers.com.