Zari Etemadi graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, School of Architecture as its first female and international valedictorian. Joining Jung/Brannen Associates in Boston in 1985, she later contributed to prominent projects in Boston and Dubai. As a self-taught artist, Zari transitioned into a freelance commercial artist and took on jobs with Dubai Festival City, Jumeira Ratana Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, TNT, XEROX, as well as private clients in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Beneath Zari's commercial success lies a profound emotional bond with her heritage. She has a collection of personal artworks with a diverse portfolio including numerous art series spanning various themes, styles, and media. As an Iranian-American raised in the US, she witnessed the tarnishing of Iran's image and the disappearance of its ancient art and architecture post-1979 Revolution. Upon returning to the US in 2018 and settling in Austin, Texas, Zari immersed herself in capturing the essence of her Persian identity.