Canton business owner Tammy Haggerty knows firsthand what it takes to have a dream, transform it into a vision and ultimately make it happen. It requires a strong work ethic, a positive mindset and perseverance, as well as passion for what you do.

Starting a business may seem out of reach to many with the desire but Haggerty said you don’t need to come from wealth to make your dream come true. She came from modest means and has been working since she was 14 years old. She grew up on a farm, had only one pair of pants in middle school and began living on her own at 17. Her humble upbringing helped her focus on building a strong 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. “There are so many opportunities and means to get you started and many people don’t know how to navigate them. They just need a focus and persistence for everything to pay off.”

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

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.

“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 four decades of experience in the jewelry industry plus the courage and determination that Haggerty had, both in herself and her vision, are what led to her success today.

“I knew we would do well, I just didn’t realize how difficult the journey would be and how long it would take to get here,” Haggerty said. “We’ve made it through moving locations, two major road construction projects, a pandemic, and flood. I think we are ready for anything and here for the long haul.”

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.

“What sets us apart is not just our inventory but our warm and friendly demeanor,” Haggerty said. “We want to ensure you love your jewelry but that it also suits your lifestyle and budget. We aren’t going to sell you something you don’t want. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident that you made the perfect choice.”

Haggerty isn’t just focused on satisfying customers as 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 am not successful.”

She also makes it a point to give back to the community and has donated almost $370,000 to local charities and organizations since her store opened.

Haggerty measures success not by money but how she affects her community.

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

Helping others, embracing compassion and empathy, learning and growing from failures and maintaining a positive outlook are all building blocks of the legacy she wants to leave for her family, store and community. For more information and current happenings, visit www.jacobmatthewjewelers.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.