Lauren wears Ruby Olive Ecology Round Drop Earrings in White Mix
We have some pretty special people surrounding us here at RO HQ, but there's one couple in particular that sticks out for all the right reasons. Situated below our office is a gorgeous, sunny slice of Spain, aptly named Petit Barcelona. A lovely couple named Lauren and Helios co-founded this artisan shoe shop, and now share the intricate craftsmanship of artisans (Grandfather José, 92 and his son Cristóbal) in Menorca, by making traditional Spanish avarca sandals available right here in Australia. (Oh, and these sandals are STUNNING and available in lots of different colours... just in case you were wondering)
We've gotten to know gorgeous Lauren quite well, and we have discovered what a kind and caring soul she is. Lauren is a mother of two, and lives her life across continents. Lauren and Helios have been in search of an "Endless Summer" and spend June - September in Spain, and the rest of the year here in Australia. They do this, all while juggling their online shop, designing and producing with the artisans in Spain, and looking after their two little ones. Talk about busy, although their motto is to live a slow life! Their version of slow living is to live in both cities (Brisbane and Barcelona), with both families, languages, cultures and opportunities.
Lauren wears Oceania Gemstone Necklace in Jade
Petit Barcelona has some loyal, amazing customers, so Lauren was devastated to learn that one of these customers was a mother of a little girl named Emme with a heart-wrenching medical diagnosis. Being the generous and compassionate person she is, Lauren wanted to help make a difference for Emme, so created a pair of rose mocha glitter shoes for a Emme. You can read Emme's story (as per Petit Barcelona's website) below.
Emme's Story
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things. Wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities" - Eda J Leshan
"Emme was 9 weeks old when she was given a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Emme's family were devastated. This is a condition that causes tumours to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It is progressive and degenerative. There is no cure. Her diagnosis sparked intense grief... a sense of loss of hope, of future. With the help of the Children's Tumour Foundation, Emme's family slowly adapted to her diagnosis. Two years later, Emme was diagnosed with a tumour in her brainstem. It's inoperable, life threatening, and no effective treatment exists. The grief is unbearable. In March 2018, Emme began 12 months of chemo. Treatment hasn't been successful. Petit Barcelona's 'Emme's shoes' have been created to help keep hope alive. All profits go directly to the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia to help make the dream of a Brisbane clinic that supports families with kids just like Emme, a reality. Because we must look after our people who have so kindly given so much to us. This is what BRAVE looks like. This is Emme's Story."
Gorgeous little Emme, in her Emme's Shoes
This level of grief and the feeling of helplessness is unimaginable to us. It truly stops us in our tracks and makes us count our blessings. It just feels unfair that a gorgeous little 9 week old could be given such a drastic diagnosis at such a tender young age. Each and every person that supports causes like this really do make such a HUGE difference, if not financially, it makes a huge difference to the lives of those suffering through the pain and grief. Knowing there is support, and people who care, means the absolute world. Emme's shoes truly are our definition of style with heart. We think Lauren has done an amazing job creating Emme's shoes to act as a spark of hope while raising awareness for Emme's Story. We think Lauren is one truly amazing woman! 
Emme's Shoes by Petit Barcelona
Lauren has recently brought a beautiful newborn boy into the world, so we have not asked to interview her at this time as we usually do in our Celebrating Amazing Women series. However, we would love to sit down and pick her brain at some point in the future, so that we can share some of her thoughts with you. Keep an eye on this space! You can view Emme's shoes HERE, view the Petit Barcelona website HERE and the Children's Tumour Foundation Australia website HERE.
We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comments section.
1 comment
What an emotional story- sadness and despair but also love and hope. It seems like Petit Barcelona are like RO in their philosophy and practice that these are not just commercial/for profit companies but ones in which people and communities matter and they use their talents to the benefit of others on many levels. Camp Hill seems to have love, kindness and community running through its water supply ☺️! Emme’s shoes are absolutely divine and I hope that they sell out so that Emme’s family are given a symbol of how much people are holding hope for them. Thanks RO for sharing this important story and wonderful little shoe boutique.