Celebrating Purpose, Place, and Community Impact
The Heber Valley Chamber Business of the Month is an award that honors values in action. Businesses are selected for making meaningful, measurable , and lasting contributions to Wasatch County. For April 2026, the Heber Valley Chamber is proud to recognize Haven Haus Co. and its owner, Diane Nelson, for exemplifying what this award stands for.

Diane has worked tirelessly to build a local business that supports residents, fosters economic vitality, and gives back in ways that create big impact. These distinctions highlight more than just her successful business. Diane actively helps shape a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community. 

Rooted in History, Built with Intention
Opened at its former Heber City location in fall 2023, Haven Haus Co. quickly outgrew its space and accepted an invitation and opportunity to relocate within the valley. Now located within the historic Springer Farm House in Midway, Utah, the business is thriving and was one of the early boutique shops to call Midway home.

The name “Haven” itself is deeply personal to Diane. Through family history research, she discovered that her maternal grandparents lived in this valley in the early 1800s. At that time, Heber Valley served as a true haven where families could build safe, sustainable lives, raise children, tend to land and livestock, and establish roots.

That legacy is important to Diane and so many of the area residents. It serves as the foundation for everything Haven Haus represents today. This special boutique shop is built on place, memory, and meaning.

More Than A Store; It's A Curated Experience
Haven Haus specializes in thoughtful selections and seasonal offerings that span generations and interests. From front door to back of store, the stunning displays and special items bring together a perfect blend of:

• Home décor
• Children’s clothing, books, and toys
• Women’s apparel
• Kitchenware and gift items
• A signature Swedish candy wall that adds a sense of nostalgia and delight
• Partnerships with local Ballerina Farm Store and Twisted Sugar
• And so much more!

But the product mix is only part of the story. Diane and her talented team have intentionally designed an environment that feels like stepping into something familiar and special. Being in her store is an experience rooted in hospitality and genuine warmth. Customers frequently describe a sense of feeling welcome and connected. Haven Haus is a place where people do more than shop; customers gather inspiration, engage with friendly staff, and feel a part of something exceptional.

That emotional connection is also intentional. It reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s consumers and communities are seeking—authenticity, belonging, and a unique experience.

Leadership That Elevates Others
The Business of the Month award places strong emphasis on community contribution and this is where Diane's leadership becomes especially noteworthy.

As Interim Chair of the Midway Business Alliance, Diane operates with a mindset that challenges the typical small-business dynamic. In a period of rapid growth for Midway, where new and legacy businesses are increasingly intersecting, competition could easily dominate.

Instead, Diane is actively shaping a different outcome. She has made a deliberate effort to foster collaboration over competition, encouraging businesses to work together, cross-promote, and support one another. Her approach is grounded in a simple but often overlooked truth: a thriving business community is built collectively.

One particularly telling example is the inaugural Midway Fall Festival. As Chair of the Midway Business Alliance, Diane worked with fellow business owners to solve a shared challenge — slower foot traffic during the fall season. What started as an idea at a chapter meeting became a true community collaboration: local businesses each building their own scarecrow for families to hunt down across town, hay rides with Rocky Mountain Outfitters, and a festive atmosphere that gave visitors a reason to explore all of Midway. A collective effort by the whole business community, it was a first-year success that has everyone looking forward to making it an annual tradition.

A Partnership That Drives Progress
Diane also highlights her relationship with the Heber Valley Chamber as a key factor in the growth and success for Haven Haus.

As a recent Chamber grant recipient, Haven Haus was able to invest in operational improvements to enhance its efficiency, scalability, and long-term sustainability. Beyond funding support, Diane emphasizes something more important. The continued collaboration and support offered by the staff at the Heber Valley Chamber.

In her experience, the Heber Valley Chamber has provided a level of partnership that is not always present in other communities, serving as a resource and an active advocate for local business success. This relationship underscores a broader point. When businesses and community organizations such as the Chamber connect and align, the impact multiplies exponentially.

Growth with Purpose
Haven Haus' growth trajectory is impressive. What began with a team of five has expanded to 40 employees in just a few years' time. This local job creation and economic contribution have been a positive impact for the area.

Diane is quick to credit this success to her team. An “all-star” group of women who drive the day-to-day operations of the business. As a female-owned and operated company, Haven Haus stands as a strong example of leadership, empowerment, and opportunity. Behind the scenes, Diane's husband supports the business as CFO, while Diane leads as CEO. This structure has allowed Haven Haus to scale without losing its identity.

Well-Deserved Recognition
The Heber Valley Chamber Business of the Month award highlights businesses that are investing in our community, creating opportunities, and helping preserve what makes Heber Valley unique.

As Heber Valley continues to grow, one challenge is how that change will be guided. Businesses like Haven Haus provide a compelling model, demonstrating that retail can be authentic, experiential, and meaningful. And that leadership can prioritize collaboration without sacrificing success. Also, understanding that honoring the past can be a powerful way to shape the future.

The Heber Valley Chamber is proud to recognize Diane Nelson and Haven Haus Co. as the April 2026 Business of the Month. Their impact extends far beyond their special shop. They are helping ensure that Heber Valley remains what it has always been at its core—a haven for all.