Born in Iran and from Armenian descent, Zorine Pooladian expressed a passion for art at an early age. Faced with limited opportunities for fulfilling this passion, she spent summers reading library books and teaching herself to draw. Surrounded by the native Middle Eastern culture, Pooladian’s artistic endeavors were influenced by her dad, a designer of patterns for Persian handmade rugs, and her mother, a fabric artist who designed and made clothing, tablecloths and rugs.

Venturing to the United States at the age of 17, Pooladian continued searching for opportunities to study art. Aware of new possibilities, Pooladian studied and learned a new language, completed the educational prerequisites, and prepared a portfolio required for admission to Art Center College of Design.

As an Ahmanson Foundation Scholar at Art Center, Pooladian pursued her interest in furniture and designed Beat and Aria, rocking stools that were finalists in the design creativity category at the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, Georgia. Subsequently, Beat received an honorable mention award and was published in the November/December 2010 issue of the Woodworker West Magazine. Beat and Aria were also showcased in Milan at Salone De Mobile and ICFF in NY.

Pooladian also was a participant in the urban beach experience of the Brand Lab Berlin, working on Piz Buin, a new Johnson and Johnson brand of tan lotion and sun care products for European markets.