VoyageMIA | Meet Isabel Ermoli of Pizzicotti by Tartis

Pizzicotti by Tartis Co-founder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Ermoli.

Hi Isabel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pizzicotti by Tartis started as a family passion for creating memorable experiences through food, specifically focusing on gluten-free and lactose-free sweet almond cookies. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality cookies that catered to dietary restrictions without compromising taste, freshness, or quality, we identified the opportunity to meet that need.

Our journey began with the unwavering support of our family, who each contributed with their unique skills to the venture. My father’s love for Italian cuisine and my mother’s positive attitude laid the foundation for our brand. My young children eagerly stepped into the roles of marketing ambassadors, while my husband tackled challenges as our in-house problem-solver.

We basically started by launching the first Pizzicotti version called Pizzicotti Original, which is an old Sicilian recipe. After a few months of testing and selling the product we discovered that additional flavors could be also very appealing so we came up with Pizzicotti Pistachio, then Pizzicotti Orange, and finally Pizzicotti Coffee, in addition to seasonal flavors like Pizzicotti Autumn Spice.

Starting a business is a rollercoaster ride of challenges and opportunities, but armed with determination, patience, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our family, friends, and loyal customers, we try to continuously overcome those obstacles. Our distinctive selling proposition lies in our dedication to delivering not just quality and taste, but also sweetening people’s lives, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Today, Pizzicotti by Tartis continues to expand, always looking for new flavors to add to our options so our customers can delight their palates with our unique and delicious cookies. We can proudly say that our business is built on passion and love, with our cookies reflecting that dedication.

Our journey has taught us the importance of a strong support system and always believing in your vision and working hard for your dreams. Pizzicotti by Tartis has made us enjoy the ride and every step along the way with our one-of-a-kind cookie.

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?
The road to success for Pizzicotti by Tartis has not been entirely smooth. As with any business venture, we have faced various struggles and challenges along the way. Breaking into the market and standing out from other cookies is not an easy task, but our focus on a gluten-free and lactose-free sweet option, different from other cookies in the market, definitely opened a sea of opportunities.

Building a recognizable and trusted brand means putting in the time and effort to develop effective marketing strategies, leveraging social media, and engaging with customers to gain their trust and loyalty. And, like any other business, we constantly face financial hurdles, including managing cash flow, securing funding, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

But, despite these challenges, we continue to persevere and rely on the support of our family, friends, and beloved customers. It’s our determination and commitment to our vision that continuously help us overcome these obstacles and establish Pizzicotti by Tartis as a brand-oriented to provide a sweet and unique delicacy.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pizzicotti by Tartis is more than just a business offering gluten-free and lactose-free cookies; it’s a family affair rooted in a love for creating memorable food experiences. Our commitment to providing deliciously fresh, high-quality cookies sets us apart in a market with few options for those with dietary restrictions.

The simplicity of our ingredients combined with the quality, freshness, and different flavors that we offered are key elements that make our cookies unique and exceptional. The incredible acceptance of our cookies, with over 93% of first-time customers coming back for more, speaks volumes about our cookies.

We are known for our commitment to using only the finest ingredients and carefully crafting each batch ensuring a delightful taste that sets us apart from other cookie brands in the market. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of a delicious cookie, and our products reflect that sentiment.

We currently offer different flavors: Pizzicotti Original, Pizzicotti Pistachio, Pizzicotti Orange, and Pizzicotti Coffee, in addition to our seasonal Pizzicotti Autumn Spice. We are always looking to add new flavors and expand our options for our beloved customers. Our cookies do not have any artificial ingredients and can be shipped within the United States.

We want our readers to know that when they choose Pizzicotti by Tartis, they are not just buying a gluten-free/lactose-free delicious cookie; they are traveling through their senses to the Southern part of Italy; they are creating their own memories with every bite. Our cookies come elegantly packaged in a beautiful box, perfect for savoring on your own or sharing with others at your next social gathering. Experience the taste of Italy and make unforgettable moments with Pizzicotti by Tartis.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Believing in your vision and in yourself, developing a strong support system, taking risks, and conducting thorough research are essential elements to start a new business. It’s crucial to plan and manage finances carefully, prioritize customer satisfaction, and embrace marketing to effectively communicate your brand message. Staying adaptable in a constantly changing business environment and learning from failures are invaluable skills.

Networking and collaboration with other small business owners, and industry experts open up opportunities for growth and learning. Remember that success rarely happens overnight; patience and persistence are key to overcoming obstacles and staying committed to your goals. Keep in mind that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, and the lessons learned through your own experience often prove invaluable.

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