About
zoo&roo

Hi! My name is Amy Olszak, and I’m the creator and designer behind zoo&roo. I was born and raised in the mountains of Vermont and had a rather fairy tale childhood making igloos in snow. I was an artist and creative spirit practically from the moment I was born. I’ve pretty much been creating & making things my whole life. Why buy it when you can make it! In fact, aside from being a mom, I’d say being creative is what I do best!
I have degrees in Marketing & Art from University of Rhode Island. I moved to Texas, where I stole my husband’s heart, then settled in Raleigh, NC in 2002. I currently live in Holly Springs, NC with my husband and two boys, whose initials coincidentally (or not so coincidentally) are ZOO and ROO. They’re still the best things I’ve ever made! North Carolina is the perfect place for this mountain & beach loving adventurous girl who will always be young at heart.
As a busy mompreneur, I feel constantly drained, both emotionally and physically. That’s why I like to put happy, inspiring messages or meanings behind my creations. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to keep going or that we are doing a better job than we think! It makes me happy to send happy thoughts out into the world. I like to say I handcraft happiness because sometimes all we need is something to make us smile to instantly improve our day.
zoo&roo, a history
zoo&roo, a history
November 5
Curate in downtown Raleigh
You can now find a selection of zoo&roo products at Curate in downtown Raleigh!
October 13
zoo&roo featured in Martha Stewart Weddings!
I had the honor of making monstera leaf place settings for this gorgeous beach wedding that was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings!
May 1
Now in Cary NC
You can now find zoo&roo at Crafts Made By You in downtown Cary, NC. You’ll find other handmade artisans in her Makers Market, as well as amazing supplies for vinyl crafting. Elyse prints her own vinyl! She also holds fun crafting workshops.
February 1
New location in Durham NC
zoo&roo is now in Artisan Market at 305 in Durham, NC! What an adorable shop with amazing handmade finds. Come and visit!
October 1
Now in Topsail Island
We love the beach, and you can now get zoo&roo Topsail Island ornaments and wine glasses at the lovely shop, Quarter Moon Books. You can even grab a glass of wine and listen to some live music!
March 1
New location in Holly Springs
zoo&roo now available at Our Moments In Time, an adorable coffee shop in downtown Holly Springs. Grab a cup of coffee and shop unique gifts from local handmade artisans!
August 11
First boutique
zoo&roo can now be found in a boutique in downtown Apex, NC full of handmade artists… Southern Home Crafts