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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Welcome to our Meet the Team page. This is a space where we proudly introduce our team along with the talented individuals that bring their exceptional products and services to our store. Discover a vibrant community of passionate artisans, innovative entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who embody our commitment to quality and diversity. Explore their stories, browse their offerings, and support their remarkable work as you connect with the creative minds behind the unique experiences that make our marketplace thrive.

Tiffany | owner

Hello! My name is Tiffany Downing and I'm excited to share a bit about myself. I am a proud mother of two amazing daughters, Liliana and Isabella, who are 9 and 7 years old respectively. We also have a furry family member, Hershel, who is a rescue dog and brings us so much joy. We live in Ham Lake, a beautiful area in Minnesota.
Growing up, I spent most of my childhood in Hugo and attended White Bear Lake High School. After completing my high school education, I pursued my Associates degree in Advertising & Design and then went on to earn my Bachelors degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing.

I most recently worked as the Marketing and Office Manager for a local tool and safety supply company. Prior to that, I spent nine years as a Marketing Coordinator for a local restaurant franchise. My journey into the boutique industry began with a side business I launched called The Gathering Pine—a crafting venture that started as a personal hobby but quickly grew into a meaningful passion.

This passion led me to A Home Enhanced, a charming boutique in Centerville, where I discovered my true calling. During my time there, I had the privilege of learning from Laurel, the owner, whose expertise, creativity, and guidance profoundly shaped my understanding of the boutique industry. Her mentorship was a gift, and I remain deeply grateful for the knowledge and insight she shared.

The name "Humble Roots" is a reflection of this journey. It honors the invaluable lessons I learned from Laurel while also symbolizing my connection to the Centerville community. Staying in the same location where A Home Enhanced thrived for nine years, Humble Roots carries forward a legacy of creativity, community, and inspiration.

In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors. During the warmer months I love to go camping, light hiking, lake fun, and sitting by a bonfire. During the Winter months I love to downhill ski and snowmobile. If I'm not out exploring our great state, you'll likely find me in my garden or my craft room creating new pieces for my boutique. I've loved crafting my entire life, as a kid if I wasn't outside playing with friends you'd find me at my craft table putting glitter & glue on anything I could get my hands on. And, not much has changed today!
I LOVE to travel! from summer months in northern MN and northern WI (my dream is to have a cabin of my own one day) to escaping the cold weather for a warm sandy beach in the Winter. I've been fortunate enough to travel to Germany, France, Mexico, and several US states, but I would love to travel more in the future. 
I have a wonderful partner named Rob, who has been incredibly supportive of my  venture with Humble Roots. He also has two children who are 15 and 13, and we all get along really well. It's not the norm, but my ex-husband, his fiancé, Rob, and myself all work together to create a collaborative effort for my girls. We often have dinner and do things together as a group, and they have even helped out with the boutique when needed, they will even be helping us at the parade in July!
I have a weakness for Taco Tuesdays, family spaghetti night, lots of coffee and I absolutely love ice cream. My daughters learned my phone number from hearing me say it for my rewards at Caribou Coffee a few too many times.
Lastly, even though I'm an introvert, I love meeting and chatting with shoppers in the boutique. I love to visit new places and try new things, and I believe that life is all about making connections and enjoying the journey.

Humble Roots Vendors - Lori


Lori | vendor

Lori has been a boutique vendor for since 2018 starting with us while it was A Home Enhanced.
Here's some fun facts.... & be sure to say "Hi" when you see her in the boutique:

  • Fall is my favorite season; warm days, cool nights, the colors, cozy clothes, hats, soup, baking to warm the house, hot chocolate (made only with milk no water) & the wood stove.
  • Humid Summer days are my least favorite; makes my natural curly hair frizzy.
  • Scott, my sweetheart, and I are 1 time Axe Throwing Champions.
  • Local honey or Maple syrup for my coffee.
  • Time spent outdoors fills my soul: fishing any season, leisure boating tour around the lake, kayaking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, repurposing treasure for Humble Roots, walks in the rain or snow and just sitting.
  • I enjoy Mexican food even though I am allergic to jalapeños.
  • My son is a photographer and my daughter an artist who paints & draws. Each of them have sold their work in the twin cities area.
  • The scent Japanese Cherry Blossom (Jergens lotion back in the old days) lotion reminds me of sitting beside my Grandpa during church. He always smelled good, even when he came in from the barn.
  • What I enjoy most about Humble Roots: the name & philosophy. Small business, our eclectic group of staff/vendors, meeting new customers, the support and loyalty of the Centerville & surrounding community.
  • Torvi, my rescued from Tennessee, cat loves to ride along with us on ride trips. She sits on the center console to look out the front window.
  • Some of my favorite days are spent commuting across the MN/WI country side from a job I love to our 660 sq ft house on the lake that I share with my sweetheart Scott & our cat and dog.

Some of Lori's items in the store include refurbished decor & furniture, Laser Engraved city maps, Pajamas, Naked Bee & more! 

 

Humble Roots Vendors - Nicole

Nicole | vendor

Nicole brings her fashion from DaniMae Boutique. She's been a vendor since the opening of Humble Roots in 2023. 

Facts about Nicole:

  • Shopping/fashion has been in my blood since I was 2. I used to pick out my outfits when I was a wee tot.
  • One of my favorite sayings is: Here is to high heels, heads held high, & high goals.
  • I have a husband of almost 6 years.
  • My mom & my friends are my life & a big reason that I started my small business.
  • I love to empower other women, it is a big deal for me to make each & everyone of us recognize how beautiful & important we are.
  • I love to help/buy from small local businesses (we need to stick together).


Fun Facts about DaniMae:

  • DaniMae the name in itself carries a whole lot of meaning. The first portion of the name "Dani" is based off of my middle name Danielle. The second part "Mae" is my grandmother's middle name. Mush them together and they make an ideal pair (like just the right jeans with that comfy T).
  • The style of DaniMae is fashion forward with a little bit of flair.
  • DaniMae sells women’s clothing & accessories. All things from tops to bottoms, and earrings to purses.
  • Having DaniMae has helped me in my closet spending, I love placing my focus on others' clothing & having the best pieces to sell.
  • Have been up & running for a year now (May was my 1 year!)! To see repeat customers is so exciting to see.
  • Do a lot of pop up shows/vendor markets.
  • Do love to do at home parties, but with being at the shop, we will also be able to do parties in the back room.

Nicole brings in many of our fashion area including jeans, tops, purses & jewelry.