How it all Started…

Nader has always been into rocks and fossils.

He began collecting as a kid in Wisconsin and as he grew older, he developed a plan to turn his hobby into a career.

In 1998, Nader journeyed out to Tucson, AZ, the home of the world's largest gem and mineral show. While there, his buddy Dan introduced him to an interesting Frenchman by the name of Paul Obeniche. Paul lived in Madagascar and is the man known for the discovery of the one and only Ocean Jasper.

Every year Paul brought over a ton of material from Madagascar to the gem and mineral show.

Nader began working for him in Tucson, proving himself to be both loyal and committed, learning from Paul every chance he could. 

Throughout the upcoming years, Nader began touring with the band Widespread Panic, selling rocks in the parking lot to get from show to show.

Soon he realized that this work on tour could actually be done on a much larger scale. 

He visited Asheville, NC and decided that this was where he wanted to live and open Enter the Earth as a retail gallery.  Asheville is full of so many interesting locations and there are many retail possibilities… he finally decided on the downtown Grove Arcade as the home of Enter the Earth. 

The Gallery's door opened October 31, 2002.

Continuing to travel to Tucson every year for the gem and mineral show, Nader decided to make life a little more exciting by getting involved in the wholesale business, as well.  With meager beginnings in 2000, ETE Wholesale took off in 2004.

Nader journeyed to Madagascar in 2005 for the first time.  Little did he know, this was the first of what would become many trips to this beautiful land.

In May, 2006, during an amazing trip that took us from Madagascar to France, Nader and I got engaged in the Vosges mountains of eastern France.

I quit teaching that year to join the business and create our partnership, as we continued to build our lives together.

In May, 2007 on the most gorgeous day, we were married under two beautiful Brazilian Amethyst cathedrals.The day took our breath away and solidified the connection we held since the November night we met in 2003.

In August 2008, our beautiful daughter was born!

Zyah Abella Kawar entered the earth at 6:24 am on August 12. 

She is an amazing new addition to our ETE family, and if you are lucky enough to meet her you will experience why!

UPDATE! On June 16, 2010 we welcomed another beautiful baby girl, Amara Kalia Kawar, to the world! She is one of the newest additions to the ETE family and she is amazing! Zyah loves being a big sister and is already teaching Amara about all the beautiful stones she has in her collection. Amara and Zyah will be joining us in Denver at the Great American Gem show and in Tucson annually. Be sure to keep a lookout for these two!

Who We Are… 

Nader and I complement each other. He is more reserved and business minded, and I am more of a people person, taking pride in developing and maintaining relationships.  Together, these qualities help create a great team and relationship between the two of us.    

A strong similarity that exists between us is how we learn from and thrive in real life experiences.

Nader learned the business solely through interest, his travels over the last 15 years, and working with individuals, such as Paul Obeniche, who have been in the mineral business for more than a half century.  My educational background taught me that every experience is one to learn from while, exposing me to extreme variations in culture and ways of life. 

Nader and I incorporate what we have learned from our cultural experiences into our everyday lives and believe that  we bring an exciting, unique way of being to our employees and customers who walk into our gallery or find us in cyberspace!

Everything we sell has a story to tell and whether it be one of us, or one of our fabulous employees, we will make sure your experience with us is enjoyable, educational, and meaningful.

We want you to walk out the door, or leave us in cyberspace, looking forward to your next encounter with us!!

Ever since the night we met, an unbelievable connection has existed between Nader and I.  We bring this connection, love of life, passion for work and understanding of cultural values and differences to each of you when you enter into our gallery, whether it is online or in person.

We promise to bring you the best Madagascar and other parts of the world have to offer in fossils and minerals, while also sharing our story with you.