Morphing glass art and aromatherapy jewelry into a lucrative business, one piece at a time! A Bucks County-based, woman-owned small business whose artisan-made products are sold at retailers across North America is celebrating its 20th year in-business!
Thriving through financial crashes, a global pandemic, trials not mentioned here, and tribulations of operating a small business is an incredible feat! Now consider that this woman-owned company produces a majority of the inventory in-house as opposed to importing and distributing finished goods, is beautifully astounding!
This is AAOTE, which is an acronym for Aspiring Artists of the Earth. Founded in 2004 by Doylestown-born creative entrepreneur, Tari Zarka.
Zarka is driven by vision to add a new level of truly unique, superbly well crafted, yet still affordable gifting options to our marketplace. She does so while giving back, supporting non-profits like NOVA Bucks, the VIA of Doylestown, Penn Foundation, and independent community leaders working towards a more healthy and stable society.
AAOTE’s wearable TZ Glass art, aromatherapy and gemstone jewelry, ornaments, and home decor items can be purchased at stellar retailers across North America. https://aaotetz.com/aaote-retailers
Locals can shop AAOTE’s home base, AAOTE Gallery, a hidden treasure of a USA-made gift gallery located in Zarka’s family’s old hosiery mill in Dublin, PA. https://aaotetz.com/showroom-shopping/
AAOTE’s Bucks County made goods are also available on aaote.com, and Zarka often takes AAOTE out to showcase the work at area events like the Bucks County Designer House, art festivals like Doylestown Arts Festival, and Farmer’s Markets like Doylestown, Horsham, and Saucon Valley.
Those seeking to learn from AAOTE’s founder, Tari Zarka, can check out her class offerings involving flamework glass making and basic beaded jewelry. Class, team build, and party offerings are listed on aaote.com.