Motawi Tileworks featured on Detroit Public Television's 'Arab-American Stories' tonight
Scio Township-based Motawi Tileworks along with owner Nawal Motawi are being featured on Detroit Public Television tonight as part of a series that profiles Arab-Americans.
The "Arab American Stories" highlights Arab-Americans making an impact in their communities, professions and families. The 13-part series debuted in March and is a national partnership with PBS.
Nawal Motawi of the Scio-Township based Motawi Tileworks.
Photo courtesy of Motawi Tileworks
The filmmaker and crew spent a day filming Motawi, whose father is Egyptian, and the rest of the Motawi Tileworks production staff in November 2011. The 20-year-old company is located on Enterprise Drive in Scio Township and makes fine architectural and gift tiles that are distributed nationwide at hundreds of outlets.
Motawi attributes her business success to both “American opportunity” and “Arab tenacity,” according to a release.
“If "Arab-American Stories" can help non-Arabs judge us by the people we are and the things we do, and not by what the extremists do, then it will have succeeded,” she said.
This is the second television appearance Motawi Tileworks has made in recent weeks. The company was featured on NBC's “Today” show in March.
The segment focused on mail-order deals for Easter gift baskets and suggested an animal tile gift set from Motawi Tileworks.
The "Arab American Stories" airs tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public Television.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Andrew R. Gorsuch
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
Great to hear about an amazing local business getting national press! Congrats Motawi Tile, you are the kind of creative local business that makes Ann Arbor a rich place to live, work and play. Cheers!
Nancy Klintworth
Mon, Apr 16, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
The tiles from Motawi Tileworks are the best. My son and daughter-in-law specifically asked for the Frank Lloyd Wright tiles made by Motawi for their home. I am going to add to their collection each year. Spectacular! Just found out they are also at the Oak Park Visitors Center.
Deb Anderson
Mon, Apr 16, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
Such lasting art! What a great story, I am blessed with having several tiles that are unique and timeless from Motawi.