Hey Everyone, meet Tiffany. She’s an amazing woman and we are honored to know her. Tiffany is a phenomenal artist and it makes us smile every time she visits us at the shop. We sat down and asked her a few questions.

Describe yourself in two sentences

I am a creative, laid-back, mid-western, half native girl. I love Jesus, tattoos, DIY culture, people, plants, and my cat. (And I love my little sister Jackie.)

If there was advice you could give your younger self, what would it be?

Stop crying. Don’t worry about what other people think about you. Keep going after what you love. That’s what I did essentially, but I cried a lot.

What does joy mean to you? What is something that brings you joy?

I have joy when I’m content with where I’m at in life and grateful for what I have. Something that brings me joy would be the people in my life. I gain a lot of joy by just being around them and in their presence.  

Who or what inspires you?

Artistically, the world around me. I’ll see stuff and take pictures and that inspires my work. All my artistic friends, no matter their medium, are inspiring. Whether it’s their work ethic or their style or just who they are. Specifically April Ban inspires me. She’s my “Shero”. Just the way she carries herself and the way she lives her life and how wise and kind she is. Becky Smith inspires me with who she is as a woman and a mother and a teacher and a friend; just someone who is so passionate about everything their life. Jackie David-Martinez inspires me with her work and your passion for people and how you interact with people. My brother, Tyler Elmergreen, he inspires me a lot. In his music and how creative he is, but more so as a person in how caring he is and how quiet and wise his. My mom is the same, Val Elmergreen. Just how she lives her life; pure and wholesome.

What is your profession?

I’m a tattoo artist.

Why did you choose your profession?

It was my dream since I was in high school to be a tattoo artist and it really was just a dream. It wasn’t one I thought was attainable. I chose it because it’s fulfilling. It’s not wholly fulfilling, but it is when it comes to work. It allows me to have an artistic job that allows me to pay the bills. I get to work in such a people business and make connections and have bonding moments. So I love it and chose it for a lot of different reasons.

Who is your favorite [musical] artist and why?

David Bazan, who had a famous project called Pedro the Lion. I just like anything he has to say and his voice is pretty. He is very honest when it comes to faith related stuff.

What is your most bizarre talent?

Flipping a pringle in my mouth vertically without breaking it. That’s always my go-to bizarre talent answer.

What is your strongest personal quality?

In the past, I would have said a “good listener”, but as I’ve learned more about myself I don’t think I’m as good a listener as I thought I was. It’s still up there, but I don’t think it’s my strongest. Maybe I bring the calmness to a room; I’ve been told I have a calming presence.

What is your favorite thing about Roots?

Always a friendly face when I walk in and good coffee and bagels of course. But I think it’s more so the people of Roots that make it. Not just a friendly barista but also everyone else. I usually know somebody here. I had long conversation on the couch the other day. And it’s a nice atmosphere; it’s a place where I can get work done or just bring my mom and play cards. It’s all of the above.