Starting Up Tastefully Simple
In 1995, Jill began Tastefully Simple in a 1,200 square-foot shed with no running water. Using a pool table as a packing station, she bootstrapped the business with her own savings, an investment from silent partner Joani Nielson and a $20,000 Small Business Administration loan.
Despite financial hardship and personal tragedies during the infancy of the company – including the deaths of her husband and brother – Jill persevered with grace and determination.
Moving Onward & Upward
Today it’s easy to see how Jill Blashack Strahan’s vision has paid off. Tastefully Simple has become an award-winning company with more than 300 team members and tens of thousands of independent consultants nationwide. Thanks to her outstanding leadership and spirit, Jill has also been personally recognized with many honors, such as:
- Minneapolis/St Paul Women in Business Industry Leader Honoree (2008)
- Minnesota Entrepreneurs, Inc. Entrepreneur of the Year (2007)
- Twin Cities Business Hall of Fame (2006)
- Inc. magazine’s list of CEO All-Stars (2005)
- Fast Company magazine’s 25 Top Women Business Builders (2005)
- Small Business Administration Entrepreneurial Success Award (2004)
- Ernst & Young® Entrepreneur of the Year National Finalist (2003)
- Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year for Minnesota & the Dakotas (2000)
Inspiring Others to Shine
In 2007, Jill Blashack Strahan also became a published author with Simply Shine: Stories That Stirred the Fire - a collection of inspirational stories about her life and journey with Tastefully Simple. Learn more about Jill’s book!