Meet Isabel Ermoli | Small Business Owner, Tartis LLC.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Ermoli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
As the proud owner of a small business specializing in Pizzicotti by Tartis®, my vision extends beyond my current status of baking locally. The end goal for me is not just a destination, but a continuous journey of growth and evolution filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. I envision a future where Pizzicotti by Tartis® is a recognized brand, synonymous with quality, elegance, and indulgence.

Our unique offering of gluten free and lactose free soft almond cookies, that are presented in a beautiful and elegant package, is not just a product but an experience – one that brings joy and a sense of happiness to our customers in every bite.

I view my career not as a race towards a definitive end but as an evolving Rather than seeing an end goal, I see a continuous process of evolution, where we will keep innovating and introducing new flavors to meet our customers’ needs and preferences, all while maintaining the high quality of our cookies.

My ultimate aspiration is to leave behind a legacy that my family can be proud of, a testament to the joy of indulge and the feeling of sharing good food with family and friends. This vision goes beyond mere business success; it’s about creating a lasting impact that resonates with our customers and celebrates the values and traditions that are at the heart of our family business, symbolizing a journey of passion, innovation, and heartfelt connections.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Tartis, a family-owned business, we specialize in Italian crostatas and Pizzicotti by Tartis® – our signature gluten-free, lactose-free soft almond cookies. What sets our Pizzicotti by Tartis® apart is their unique softness, delicacy, and elegance. Each cookie is individually wrapped and presented in a beautifully crafted box, available in a variety of flavors with a commitment to continually introduce new options for our beloved customers.

We take immense pride in the uniqueness and elegance of Pizzicotti by Tartis®. The consistent positive feedback and the love our clients express for these cookies are a source of great pride and motivation for us. We are excited to continue expanding our brand and introducing more people to our delightful gluten-free offerings.

Our journey as small business owners has been anything but easy. Starting from a very basic level, we faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and time management. Transitioning from corporate backgrounds to entrepreneurship, we embarked on a steep learning curve, greatly aided by the supportive vendor community. Overcoming these obstacles has been a journey of patience, learning from failures, extensive reading about similar businesses, networking, and staying focused on our main goal.

We want the world to know that Tartis is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of our family values. Every product we create is made with love and pride. Our vision for Pizzicotti by Tartis® is not just about indulging in a delicious cookie; it’s about creating relaxed, fun, and memorable moments. We aspire for our cookies to be a part of special occasions, shared among family and friends, helping to build new memories.

In essence, Tartis is a story of passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality and family values. We invite the world to experience the joy and special moments that Pizzicotti by Tartis® can bring to our customers’ lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fort Lauderdale, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and exciting nightlife, offers a variety of options to entertain my friend for a week-long trip. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Fort Lauderdale
Morning: Breakfast at any Cafe near the beach around A1A around commercial Blvd..
Afternoon: Visit the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park for some sunbathing and relaxation by the sea.
Evening: Dinner at Coconuts – renowned for its seafood and waterside views.

Day 2: Exploring the Arts and Nature
Morning: Explore the NSU Art Museum for a dose of contemporary art.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Foxy Brown, known for its American cuisine.
Late Afternoon: Stroll through the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
Evening: Enjoy live music and drinks at the Elbo Room, a classic beachside bar.

Day 3: Adventure and Shopping
Morning: Go on a thrilling Everglades Airboat Adventure.
Afternoon: Lunch at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse.
Evening: Explore Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and dining, maybe grab dinner at Louie Bossi’s Ristorante.

Day 4: A Day of Culture and History
Morning: Breakfast on any Cafe near Las Olas Blvd.
Day: Visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum and the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society.
Evening: Dinner at YOLO (You Only Live Once) – a chic, trendy spot on Las Olas.

Day 5: Relaxing and Unwinding
Day: Spend a leisurely day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – kayaking, picnicking, and exploring nature trails.
Evening: Sunset dinner cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Day 6: Exploring the Waterways
Morning: Start with a brunch near las Olas Blvd.
Afternoon: Relax at the Dania Beach.
Evening: Savor Italian cuisine at Casa D’Angelo or a more casual dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Day 7: Farewell Fun
Morning: Breakfast at Stork’s Bakery and Coffee House in Wilton Manors.
Day: Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts if there’s a show.
Evening: Farewell dinner at The Capital Grille or another fine dining spot.

Throughout the week, depending on your interests, you can also fit in a visit to the Lauderdale Yacht Club, the Butterfly World, or the FATVillage Arts District for their monthly art walk. With Fort Lauderdale’s diverse offerings, there’s no shortage of fun, interesting, and exciting experiences to make my best friend’s visit memorable!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Shoutout series offers a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge those who have been instrumental in our journeys. For me, the heart and soul behind Pizzicotti by Tartis® is my family, whose support and inspiration have been fundamental. This entire venture began as a collaborative dream with my father, my mentor and the backbone of this dream. Growing up surrounded by his love for cooking and his talent for inventing new recipes, I learned to appreciate the power of food in creating impactful connections and memorable moments. This passion for bringing joy through food is a legacy he has passed on to me.

My mother is the the star behind the scenes, constantly cheering us on and spreading positivity. Her relentless support, her laughter, and positive spirit, even in the face of challenges, have been the cornerstone of our journey.

I must also express my deepest gratitude to my husband and children, the loves of my life. My husband provides a grounding perspective, always seeking innovative ways to grow our brand. And my children, my ‘marketing ambassadors,’ inspire me daily. Their enthusiasm, positive feedback, and eagerness to share Pizzicotti by Tartis® with everyone they meet fuel my drive to move forward.

I am eternally grateful to my family; without them, none of this would have been possible. They deserve immense credit and recognition in the story of Pizzicotti by Tartis®.”

Website: www.pizzicotti.com

Instagram: @Tartis_weston