We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noelia Pahissa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noelia below.

Alright, Noelia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Avarcas are more than a sandal, they’re a piece of Mediterranean culture. The traditional Menorcan avarca originates from Menorca, a small island in the Mediterranean known for its turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and artisanal heritage. Originally crafted for farmers and field workers to provide lightweight, comfortable, and durable footwear across the island’s rocky terrain, avarcas have evolved into a beloved style staple worn by locals and visitors alike. 

My own love for avarcas began in my teenage years living in Barcelona, my hometown. There everyone seems to wear them. From kids to grandparents, these simple leather sandals are everywhere, worn as an effortless everyday shoe that feels rooted in place and tradition. 

When we moved from Barcelona to San Diego, I packed a few pairs of Pons Avarcas with me. Almost immediately, people on the streets would stop me to ask about the shoes or compliment them, a moment that made me realize there was something special worth sharing. That everyday enthusiasm from strangers asking where they’re from to friends wanting a pair of their own was the spark that planted the idea: one day, I would start importing them here.

And sure enough, fifteen years later, that feeling remains unchanged. We continue
to share this Menorcan tradition with people who value handmade pieces and the stories behind them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We distribute in the U.S. handmade leather sandals traditionally crafted in Menorca by the third generation of the Pons family. Rooted in Mediterranean heritage, each pair reflects a tradition of craftsmanship, simplicity, and thoughtful design that has been part of everyday island life for generations.

Our journey began from a personal connection to this tradition. After moving from Barcelona to San Diego, we brought a few pairs with us and quickly realized there was a genuine appreciation for their authenticity and ease. What started as a personal love for avarcas grew into a commitment to share this Menorcan craft with a wider community.

Today, we continue to connect people with footwear made by hand, honoring the heritage behind each pair while bringing a piece of Mediterranean culture to everyday life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience, for us, was built quietly in the early days. When Jose and I began introducing Pons Avarcas to the U.S., very few people had heard of them. We spent our days contacting stores, driving to meetings with buyers, and sharing the story of a handmade tradition from Menorca. All while raising a six-month-old baby and a three-year-old at home.

There were moments of uncertainty, of course. Long days, many no’s, and the challenge of building something new while raising a family. But we believed deeply in our passion for these sandals and in sharing their story.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

We funded the business with our personal savings. We placed our first large order with Pons Avarcas by cutting expenses wherever we could and doing everything ourselves from preparing orders, managing marketing, running Instagram, to handling accounting.

Our garage became our first warehouse. Boxes slowly took over every corner of the house, a visible reminder that it was time to take the next step and move into our first dedicated warehouse in Barrio Logan, in San Diego.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Avarcasusa.com
• Instagram: Avarcasusa
• Facebook: Facebook/avarcasusa
• Youtube: Avarcasusa
• Other: TikTok: Avarcasusa
  Threads: Avarcasusa

Image Credits

All images are by us @avarcasusa