Roanna Gingrich

For this single mom and business owner, life is to be lived with creativity, adventure and a commitment to community.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours.

I have one amazing son who is 12 years old. He is a maker and innovator in all things and knows how to fix my electronics better than I do. He will also research anything until he gets all the information he needs or wants. We have two crazy cats who are both very needy and very different. Churro is our 7-year-old cat that likes to eat paper and run and hide when people come over (unless she knows you, then she might say hi). Chip is our 3-year-old table dweller who you’ll find sprawled out chilling on any table or flat surface he can find (that isn’t the floor). He thinks he is one of us and will come over to “help” with whatever you are doing.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

We like to scoot downtown or around town on our electric scooters. It gets us out adventuring and enjoying the weather when it’s not rainy. Strolling around downtown then ending the adventure with a tart from Sewell Sweets or the creme brulee from Archive tops off the adventuring.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do?

Drive my kiddo to school in my pajamas — culturally, that is just not something that you do. My mother is from Peru and even in college, I did NOT go out anywhere without being ready for the day, so leaving the house in pajamas was just never even a consideration.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different?

My kiddo is interested in learning new things. He likes to make things and do hands-on activities. He likes to travel and see new places, but he is also much more of a homebody than I am. Also, I am very much a people person — being around people gives me energy. My son has taught me that it’s also okay to chill at home and relax. We have found a lovely balance.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…

Stop bouncing the ball in the house!

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks?

I try to remember what actually matters. Of course there are things that have to be done — we have to pay bills and we have responsibilities, but there are also a lot of things that can wait. It’s always been important for me to be present with the people I am with, and that includes my son. It also means there are things that used to be important to me, that have now fallen from their previous pedestal.

My house has definitely fallen through the cracks. The dishes, laundry and general housework are last on my list. I would rather spend time with my son when we have it, than scour the house. But let’s be real, it’s gotta get done somehow, too. Let’s just say my dream would be to have someone come and organize my house and then for a deep clean to happen. And maybe we can throw the yard in there too? Ha!

Even with everything, I also still try to have time for fun. Thankfully, my business is fun for me, and I am able to be creative and see friends and people in the community when I am at my store. Dancing is a good way for me to let off steam as well. I love salsa and bachata — as long as the Latin tunes are playing, I can get a little energy to get up and dance.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home.

I own CreativiTee in downtown Salem. It is a creative space like no other, where anyone can walk in and create their own Tshirt. It’s an activity: you have to sit down and draw and cut designs out. We recently opened a second location in McMinnville in a cooperative space called Mac Market, and that has been lovely.

I have been selling my own artwork and designs on apparel as well, for over 15 years at the Saturday Market. I have a little teal trailer that was my first mobile storefront before I opened the brick and mortar downtown almost seven years ago. My goal was to create a community space where people could gather, get creative and get connected.

I am also a special education teacher and work part-time for the Salem-Keizer School District as a teacher on special assignment. I started with the school district in 2002 as a bilingual fourth grade teacher and had the most amazing class of students. They most definitely still hold a very special place in my heart. I also taught in the Marshall Islands for two years in my 20s — that was an incredible experience. I still want to go back and take my son to see the beautiful atoll that was home for those years.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.

I am an artist and an activist. I have been using my art more and more to support the causes that

I believe in. When there is meaning behind what I create, it matters to me and to the current state that we are all living in. I believe it is important to stand up for what is right and to stand up for others. One of those ways is through art and creativity.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today?

My parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. I am so lucky to have them close and have their support in everything that I do. They are my encouragers and cheerleaders, and my right and left hands when I need extras. They both have a huge influence on who I am and how I am as a mother. I like to tell people I am half Peruvian and half Mennonite — and that I embrace both of those cultures, but maybe not the dogma of either. Being a social activist and standing up for those who don’t have a voice, and then finding joy in life through dance and art — these are things that have come from each side. Building and living in a community runs deep through both and that is what I strive to do with my business and what I hope to bring to any group or team that I work with in any capacity.

I work to instill all these things in my kiddo. To think about why he believes certain things — and to determine what he believes is correct or not correct, instead of just going with the status quo. It’s also important to me that we enjoy life together, and that means doing as many activities as possible that don't involve a screen. Quality time is harder and harder to find as screens take over our lives in every and all capacities, so I make an effort to really have “hang time” with my son where we can discover new things, go new places and where he can choose the adventure of the day.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you?

I grew up in Portland. But I traveled a lot when I was very young — visiting family in Peru and in Norway on a somewhat regular basis. I also lived in Venezuela for 6 months when I was in second grade. I think growing up and attending a diverse school in Portland, along with extensive early travel, really made me appreciate other cultures and other perspectives. I have always been excited about visiting a place I have never been, seeing things I have never seen and doing things I have never done. Life is an adventure, and we can all learn from each other. There is such a beauty in our differences and in each and every culture.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Every day we do things for the first time, because we haven’t lived that day ever yet. Nobody has. But if you want something more specific, I guess this summer, my son and I stayed in a teepee in Crescent City. My kiddo will tell you he “does not recommend” — but I call it another adventure we will never forget. We heard a pack of coyotes nearby in the middle of the night, and also had to use an outhouse in the middle of the night — coming face-to-face with so many little bunny rabbits when we got up and out of the teepee. I was just glad that the coyotes seemed to have left the area!

What’s your superpower?

Reading the room or reading the vibe that comes off of people.

Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you.

My kindergarten goal was to visit all seven continents — I have made it to five. Still on my list to check off the last two.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Sit and listen to an audiobook. Maybe paint something or make something. I mean, in all reality, I should be doing chores…

What keeps you sane?

My friends. All my girlfriends — you all know who you are. You are amazing and wonderful, and I love you.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book?

Life is a Trip

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most?

I think I thought it would just be clear what you would need to do in most every situation — like you are a parent, and now you know? Totally not true. Who was to know what my child was going to be like and how he would respond. No one. So, the fact that the hypothetical can be so different from reality was surprising. It’s also surprising how much people without kids know (sarcasm) about how to best raise them.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Cliché, but that time really flies. I was told that when he was little, but it actually was not helpful during that time. Maybe that there is no perfect parenting — that it’s okay to make mistakes — and it’s okay to share time and space with other moms who are also journeying through being a parent for the first time.

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MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Monopoly Deal

…words to live by: The only constant in life is change.

…place to find some peace & quiet: My living room by the fire.

…way to get out of making dinner: Eating locally

…inspirational quote: Creativity is resistance.

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MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift: My store! Also the Art Department and Book Bin

…coffee spot: Gov Cup

…spot to get a good workout: Yoga Escape

…restaurant to take the kids: Azul’s Tacos

…take—out, food truck or quick bite: Blue Thai BBQ

…meetup spot for happy hour: Archive

…local parks: Bush Park, Geer Park

…event in your community: Salem Saturday Market

…any other local places you love: Bike Peddler

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