Noelia Pahissa moved to San Diego from Barcelona in 2004 for her husband’s job and among her many packed possessions were a few pairs of Avarcas sandals, the kind both Noelia and her husband grew up wearing in Spain. It only took a few dozen compliments for Noelia to realize there was an unmet demand for the Spanish product in the U.S. market. Now the San Diego-based couple are co-founders of the Avarcas USA label, bringing handmade, eco-friendly artisan sandals to sustainable-minded Americans.
Today Noelia talks to us about biking the streets, a Sunday food tradition brought over from Spain and building sand castles.
Name: Noelia Pahissa
Age: 39
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Current City: San Diego, CA
Professional title: Co-founder and co-owner at Avarcas USA; mom of a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year-old daughter
Morning routine.
Being a business owner, a mom of two busy ones, a wife, friend and jewelry designer in my “little spare time” takes a lot of energy! My daily routine starts with a good espresso coffee, a quick check of the news from Barcelona and San Diego and email. Both my husband and I get the kids ready for preschool, and then I go for my daily run. Running or biking makes me feel great and full of energy, it’s like taking my daily happy pill.
Paella.
At home we enjoy to cook a traditional paella at least once a month. We buy fresh sea food from Catalina offshore and drink wine while cooking. Generally every Sunday in Barcelona you cook a paella, so we like to keep this tradition.
The outdoors.
When we are not working, we enjoy being outdoors and spend time with friends. We enjoy Mission Bay. I love to throw the picnic blanket, have some food, friends, family and admire the sunset and palm trees. Coming from Barcelona, I need to see the ocean very often and feel the sand on my feet. I really enjoy spending a morning or evening at the beach, building castles with the kids, playing smash-wall or enjoying a travel magazine (when I can). The beach gives me a sense of freedom and peace and it really relaxes me.
Thanks, Noelia! You can also find Noelia on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Such an honor being featured in your blog Archana!! Many, many thanks!!
Noelia
Avarcas USA
My pleasure, Noelia. Happy to have you!