We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Cargol and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been crafty since I was little. I was always making felt ornaments with sequins for family members at Christmas when I was in elementary school. I would also cross stitch and make my Nana things. I have almost always had a job since I was 16. I am not good at sitting still. HA! I have always loved clothes and shopping so a degree in Fashion Merchandising came easy to me. While in college I worked in retail and moved up into management upon graduating. After a good 7 years in retail I moved into commercial banking for another 7 years. I have always wanted to be a mother since I was little. After three years of marriage I had my first born Cole. I had just turned in my notice to not return to the work force when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic syndrome called Cri Du Chat. He was considered failure to thrive and I poured my entire life into him with my husband to have him be able to reach all the milestones he may or may not achieve. I lost a large part of me during this and my therapeutic outlet was embroidery. I had purchased a used machine off eBay to tinker on two years prior to having him. When I wasn’t working with Cole, or sitting at a hospital all day with him in therapy sessions, I would make things for family and friends. I felt human again. It helped heal me in ways nothing else could.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Tagged By Tiff is simply a mom doing embroidery in her spare time as I wear my mom hat first of three little boys. I pour my creativity, heart and time into each individual piece I make. I do custom orders, therefore each and every single order is unique. I don’t mass produce items with a specific design. That actually would bore me. HA! It’s taken me years to perfect what I do and I am always still learning. I have learned along the way that I have to say ‘no’ at times. Even though I do embroidery, there are things I prefer to do and items I am better at. I enjoy making shirts for holidays for littles, gifts for babies and my newest obsession are bags for traveling and everyday!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my husband Kyle. I will say that at first he thought this would be a hobby that would turn south and I would tire of. I have been doing this now 13 years and he realized a while back it was worthwhile and he knew how much joy it brought me. I do credit encouragement of strangers on social media – turned friends. Without them cheering me on, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Website: taggedbytiff.com
Instagram: @taggedbytiff
Image Credits
Amanda Green Photography Bri Costello Photography