Lessons from Local Leaders:
Tiffany Ball
A Journey from Hospitality to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship
Tiffany’s professional roots lie in managing Hilton and Marriott hotels across the country. But when motherhood entered her life in Albuquerque, she realized the long hours and demanding lifestyle of hospitality were no longer sustainable.
A move to Virginia sparked a new entrepreneurial chapter, but the road was anything but smooth. After experiencing job loss—a moment she describes as “devastating”—Tiffany reevaluated her life. Determined never to work for anyone else again, she sold most of her possessions, bought a travel trailer, and set out to homeschool her son while traveling the country.
Ultimately, Tiffany recognized she wasn’t running toward her purpose—she was running away. Choosing to stay and rebuild, she turned her attention to a skill she had long excelled at: creating meaningful connections.
Building Grow Networking: A Different Kind of Community
While supporting her son’s father’s business through networking, Tiffany noticed a problem. Too many networking events felt “icky”—transactional and impersonal. Entrepreneurs often left these events feeling drained instead of inspired.
“I wanted to create a space where people could show up as themselves,” Tiffany explains. “Not just pitch their business cards, but genuinely connect.”
Grow Networking was born out of that vision: a community designed to nurture authentic relationships. From warm icebreakers to intentional conversation games, every detail of Grow’s events encourages participants to be vulnerable and connect as people first.
The Power of Authenticity
Tiffany’s approach to networking is deeply influenced by her personal transformation. A decade ago, she got sober—a milestone that taught her the importance of removing the masks we wear and showing up as our true selves.
“When you’re authentic, people connect with you. They remember you. They want you to succeed,” she says. “That’s the foundation of meaningful networking.”
This belief underpins every Grow Networking event. Whether you’re an introvert standing on the sidelines or a seasoned professional, Tiffany and her team focus on creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
From Local Meetups to a Nationwide Platform
While in-person events remain at the heart of Grow Networking, Tiffany envisions expanding far beyond local meetups. In October, she launched an online membership platform designed for entrepreneurs who want to learn, connect, and grow—anytime, anywhere.
“People who pay, pay attention,” Tiffany notes. “We’re building a community that supports each other’s success, even for those who can’t make it to in-person events.”
Her five-year goal is bold: to make Grow Networking a nationwide movement, transforming how entrepreneurs connect and collaborate across the country.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those hesitant to put themselves out there, Tiffany offers simple but powerful advice:
“Do it anyway. Success often comes from getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Networking is a muscle—use it, and it grows.”
Her journey proves that even in moments of fear and uncertainty, perseverance and authenticity can lead to remarkable growth.
Tiffany Ball’s mission is bigger than business. It’s about restoring humanity to the way we connect, network, and grow as entrepreneurs. “The more you give, the more you receive,” she says—a principle that’s shaping a new era of networking, one meaningful connection at a time.
Reach Tiffany Ball Below

Website:
https://theegrownetworking.com/
Listen on the Podcast: Podcast Episode
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