From Pain to Purpose: The Birth Story of Arco

My first son was born in an unusual heat wave when I was living in Stockholm, Sweden, and I had no family nearby. I had read all the books and was definitely ready to become a mother, I thought, and yet once the birth happened (not as I had planned), I remember coming home from the hospital with this precious, helpless baby, feeling defeated and deeply alone. My partner was an enthusiastic dad but worked half the month abroad. Despite good friends visiting each week, I had an aching sense of loneliness, which affected my ability to shine in those early days as a new mom. It didn’t feel natural to be alone so much, just me and my little boy.

After years of having studied sustainability and understanding deeply how we humans have created lifestyles and systems that are harming the planet, I couldn’t help but feel too the grief of our environmental crisis that is directly coupled with the lack of community, tribe and social support networks that our ancestors once had. Maternal isolation is as modern as a concept as climate change, and I felt the ache of both deeply at that time.

Years later and another baby son already born, a pandemic hit and we moved to Southwest Portugal. After separating from the father of my kids, a new wave of energy came to me and I felt it was time to create something, however small at first, to counter what I experienced as a new mom those lonely days in Stockholm. The vision of Arco Preloved came to me very clearly and has not wavered since; I would build a space for young parents to come and meet, allow their little ones to play, and provide beautiful preloved things they need for that phase of life. Building in circularity (trade ins) was always a core part; mamas would have less clutter, trading in for store credit what no longer served their children.

A year since I opened Arco, I see that my vision is coming to life. Already hundreds of young families have come to the space, built connections with others, and taken part of the concept. Thousands of clothes, books and toys have been circulated from over a hundred different traders. So early in the story of Arco I already feel the impact being made and I feel moved to share with others the message that they too can choose to turn their pain into purpose.

If you havent been into the shop yet, come by and meet me soon. I am there Thursday - Saturday each week and promise you a cup of tea upon arrival.

With a sincere heart,

Kate

P.S. Here is a map below with the new location of the shop!