We recently had the chance to connect with Isabel Ermoli and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Isabel, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts early, around 5:30 a.m. The very first thing I do is take a moment to thank God for the gift of life and for my family — that gratitude really sets the tone for my day. Then it’s straight into the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunchboxes before waking up the kids. Mornings are always a little bit of a rush, but we make it a point to sit down together — my husband, the kids, and I — even if just for a few minutes. It’s our way of staying connected before the day takes off. After the school drop-off, I enjoy a short walk to clear my mind and plan the day ahead. That quiet time helps me center myself before diving into the creative side of my business fulfilling Pizzicotti orders, when I can fully focus my energy, love and attention on each batch of cookies.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After more than 15 years in the corporate world, becoming a mom made me realize how much I was missing by being away from my kids. I loved my professional life and the sense of purpose it gave me, but balancing both worlds — career and family — became increasingly difficult. After many heartfelt conversations with my husband, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. It was — and still is — scary to give up half of our family income, but the joy, balance, and unity it has brought to our lives have made it completely worthwhile.
That’s how Pizzicotti by Tartis was born — a small, family-run brand of homemade gluten- and lactose-free cookies that capture the warmth of tradition and the joy of sharing something made with love. My greatest blessing was creating this venture alongside my 79-year-old father, who was born in Italy and became the heart behind every recipe and flavor. We developed them together until he passed away a few months ago. It’s been a painful loss, but continuing what we started has given me the strength to honor him every day through our cookies.
Our Pizzicotti are soft, elegant, and unforgettable from the very first bite. They’re made without artificial colors or preservatives and come in delightful flavors like original, coffee, orange, coconut, pistachio, and autumn spice — each inspired by a touch of family and tradition. We’re always experimenting with new flavors to keep surprising our customers — because for us, is like an Italian whisper in every cookie.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has shaped me the most is the one I have with my children — and the version of myself I became as their mother. Motherhood completely changed the way I see the world. Through their eyes, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things again — the way they marvel at a rainbow, laugh at something simple, or find wonder in things we often take for granted like the stars, the ocean, or a tall building. Their curiosity and joy have grounded me and reminded me to slow down and truly see life’s details.
Because of them, I’ve become more patient, flexible, and understanding — both as a person and as a business owner. I now value every interaction I have with my customers on a deeper level, recognizing that “life happens” and that empathy matters. My kids look to me for guidance and example, and that gives me purpose. It pushes me to build Pizzicotti by Tartis in a way that reflects integrity, gratitude, and love — values I hope they’ll carry into their own journeys someday.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I will tell my younger self not to be so scared of taking chances. You don’t always need to have everything figured out before jumping in. It’s okay to take a risk, make mistakes, and learn as you go. Some moments will be messy, others amazing, and that’s part of the story. Every stumble teaches you something valuable. Just remember, the best things in life usually come from moments when you were brave enough to try.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is doing things the right way, always with integrity and heart. They know how much I care about giving my best, whether it’s with my family, in work, friendships, or the products I create. I’m passionate about quality and believe that if you’re going to put something out into the world, it should reflect your values. For me, ethics, loyalty, and excellence are at the heart of who I am.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by my family and take a moment to thank God for all He’s given me, a loving family, and the strength to keep going. This year has been especially hard after losing my dad—my hero, my foundation, my business partner. But even through that pain, I find peace in knowing he left us with so much love and a strong example to follow. I also find peace at the end of the day, when I can lay my head on the pillow knowing that, no matter what happened, I acted with honesty and good intentions. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve always led with my heart and that brings me peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pizzicotti.com
- Instagram: @tartis_weston
Image Credits
Vanessa Coy Photography
