Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple Founder & CEO, is a top female entrepreneur and an inspiration to women across the nation.

Blashack Strahan grew up on her family’s farm in rural Minnesota during the 1960s, where she was inspired by her father’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Following her high school graduation, Blashack Strahan set off to college, but after an unsettled year at the University of Minnesota-Morris, she moved back home and enrolled at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC), uncertain of her career and life direction. However, this would soon change.

As an ATCC project, Blashack Strahan developed a state award-winning business plan, leading her to discover her passion: business – more specifically, entrepreneurship. After graduating from ATCC in 1979, Blashack Strahan began managing her father’s local café and in 1989 opened her first entrepreneurial effort: a retail gift basket shop.

In 1993, she liquidated her retail business but continued to sell gift baskets to corporate and direct-mail clients. Blashack Strahan then got an opportunity to promote these baskets in a holiday crafters’ home tour. She set out samples of gourmet food items and experienced remarkable sales. When the same results occurred later, she realized the power of sampling and the idea for Tastefully Simple was born.

The Show of Strength Style Show features beautiful clothing and women of all ages with amazing stories of strength. Join us to see the latest in fashions offered at your favorite Grand Rapids retail establishments, and get ready to laugh and cry by the courageous journeys of these remarkable women and girls.