Rising Stars: Meet Tiffany Donham of Amsterdam Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Donham.

Hi Tiffany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Rustic Rebel: Where Grit, Grace, and a Dash of Sarcasm Meet

When the world was shutting down, I was opening a door—literally and figuratively. Rustic Rebel was born right before COVID hit, at a time when I was navigating one of the hardest seasons of my life: a divorce. In the middle of chaos, I found a new kind of strength, healing through creativity—and yes, a healthy dose of humor.

My first creations? Snarky signs, witty apparel, and offbeat gifts that said what everyone else was thinking but didn’t dare say out loud. Humor became her way of coping, connecting, and letting people know they weren’t alone in the messiness of life. If you can’t laugh about it, you’ll probably cry in the grocery store parking lot—and I’ve done both.

But what started as a personal creative outlet quickly became a mission. I sought out other small mom-and-pop makers, businesses with a cause, and veteran-owned brands—people who, like me, created something genuine, something you couldn’t find in the aisles of Target or Walmart. Every item inside Rustic Rebel has a story, a heartbeat, and often, a bit of sass.

Rustic Rebel isn’t just a store—it’s a safe space, I created an environment where people can come as they are, whether they’re riding high or barely holding it together. I began hosting events that bring entrepreneurs under one roof to share their creations, their stories, and sometimes, their survival laughs.

Step inside Rustic Rebel and you’ll find more than unique treasures—you’ll find conversation, connection, and the freedom to just be yourself. It’s proof that sometimes the best way to get through the trenches is with a little grit, a lot of heart, and the perfect sarcastic coffee mug.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Not even close—more like a dirt road full of potholes.

After COVID, things were incredibly unstable. So many stores didn’t survive, and honestly, there were moments I wasn’t sure I would either. At one point, I was the only store open on Main Street—it felt a little like being the last light on in the whole neighborhood. But I kept showing up, one day at a time, because closing wasn’t in my plan.

Today, I’m happy to say Main Street has mostly recovered, with new businesses breathing life back into our town. That doesn’t mean it’s all easy—our small rural area still faces its fair share of challenges. But we’re on the rise, and there’s a real sense of hope and momentum again. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience is a muscle—you build it by refusing to quit.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before Rustic Rebel, I was in the medical field.

I went into it with a heart for helping people—that was my “why.” But over time, the work shifted into something my soul just couldn’t take anymore. It wasn’t what I went to school for, and it started to go against my heart’s true purpose and any good reason I had for being there.

Then COVID hit, and it changed everything. The medical field became heavier than ever, and I realized I was losing the part of me that made me want to do it in the first place. I don’t miss the job itself, but I do miss the reason I was there—the human connection, the chance to truly make someone’s day better.

In a way, Rustic Rebel became my new way of helping people—just in a completely different form. Now, instead of healing bodies, I get to create a space that heals spirits.

What’s next?
Oh, we’ve got BIG… and I mean BIG plans.

You’ll just have to come see for yourself and keep following along on social media to watch it all unfold. We’re always cooking up something new—events, collaborations, products you won’t find anywhere else—and I promise, we’re only just getting started. Rustic Rebel’s story is still being written, and trust me, you’re going to want a front-row seat.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @RusticRebel.64723
• Facebook: @RusticRebel.64723