We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emma Mannino. Check out our conversation below.
Emma, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Most mornings start around 6:30 a.m. when I wake up and nurse my son. It’s slow and quiet, the sweetest way to ease into the day. After that, I head to the kitchen to make a French press of Colectivo coffee (my favorite – it’s from Milwaukee). Since it’s summertime, I take my mug outside to the back patio, where my husband and I sit together with the baby while my two older girls are still waking up.
The peaceful moment doesn’t last long, though—because school mornings are officially here. My oldest just started kindergarten, which means our routine has shifted into full mom mode: helping her brush her teeth, get dressed, pack her lunch, and sit down for breakfast before we rush out the door. By 8 a.m., we’re loading into the car for school drop-off, coffee in hand and a little chaos in the mix—but it feels like the start of a sweet new season for our family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Emma Mannino, the artist and founder behind Saint Tattoos—a brand built around high-quality, hand-drawn temporary tattoos that are safe, fun, and designed to bring joy to both kids and adults. What makes Saint Tattoos special is that we aren’t just about cute designs (though we have plenty of those!); we also operate on a 1-for-1 donation model—for every tattoo purchased, we donate one to a children’s hospital or children’s charity. You can learn more about our giving program here: sainttattoos.com/giving-back
I’ve always loved creating art, but I wanted it to live beyond the frame. When I became a mom, I designed my first temporary tattoo, and my kids were instantly obsessed. Watching them wear my art and proudly show it off to friends sparked the idea for Saint Tattoos. Today, our tattoos are carried in over 600 shops across the U.S., and I’m excited to keep expanding with new collections—like our upcoming Tat Packs. At the heart of it all, my hope is that each tattoo delivers a spark of joy while connecting people to something bigger.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that’s shaped me most is definitely with my husband. As an MBA, he’s incredibly passionate about business, and his encouragement pushed me to see myself not just as an artist, but as a businesswoman. Without him, I probably would’ve stayed in my 9-to-5 and never taken the leap to build Saint Tattoos. His belief in me helped me believe in myself, and that changed everything.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Every winter, I’ve felt the pull to give up. Retail slows down, and I’ve definitely caught myself scrolling job boards, wondering what it would be like to have something more stable. But then I remember what this business gives me—freedom. I’ve had three kids while growing Saint Tattoos, and even without a traditional maternity leave, I’ve been able to create my own schedule. While most of my friends are at work during the day, I get to be at the park or the library with my kids, soaking up this season of life while also running a business I love. That perspective always reminds me it’s worth it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ll always be committed to our 1-for-1 donation model. Giving back is deeply rooted in who I am—I earned my Master’s in Public Health in 2016, and I’ve carried that passion into my business. Since our tattoos are so kid-friendly, it feels natural for our mission to focus on children’s hospitals and charities. I may not know exactly what the program will look like in a year or even five years, but my vision is for Saint Tattoos to be known not just for its playful designs, but for the joy we bring to kids who need it most. No matter how long it takes, generosity will always be at the heart of what we do.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This question hits close to home—I actually had a stroke at the end of July, and now I’m facing a heart surgery along with some other health questions that are still up in the air. It’s all very wild because I’m 33, active, and overall very healthy. It’s given me this very “live like you’re dying” perspective, and I’m really taking it to heart. One of the first things I let go of was custom commission work. While I love creating portraits for people, the time and energy it requires just isn’t worth it anymore—I’d rather pour that into growing Saint Tattoos and being present with my family. And honestly, I’ve always struggled with anxiety, but since the stroke, so much of it has lifted. It’s like my body suddenly knows what is and isn’t worth worrying about. It’s been a huge shift, and it’s made me want to spend my time in ways that feel truly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sainttattoos.com
- Instagram: @wearsainttattoos
Image Credits
Allie Coldiron, Coldiron Photography
