Pablo Arnau Beltran makes shoes that are good for the soul
Pablo Arnau wants you to experience the beauty of his homeland… by smelling his shoes. A native of Valencia, Spain, the graduating senior is the owner of MyBarks, a brand of shoes that features the distinctive essence of the Mediterranean in every pair.
“I’m proud of my culture, my people, the sea, everything we have, and I just want to share a piece of that through MyBarks with everyone in the world,” he states.
The shoe line comprises sneakers and espadrilles for men and women, each naturally infused with the scent of pine or citrus that comes from the tree bark used to make the rubber sole. Arnau’s family has been in the shoe business for decades, manufacturing for major design labels like Louboutin and Loewe, and MyBarks is an opportunity to produce something just for them.
Using a technique that dates to the last century, Arnau’s father and partner created a formula for the gum in the sole. Only one factory in Europe employs the technique, for which they own the patent. Each shoe is hand sewn using only natural materials, such as rubber, cork, and organic linen, adding to the brand’s uniqueness. Since it launched in 2023 in Chile, Spain and on several online marketplaces, more than 6,000 pairs have been sold. Arnau’s goal is to double the number of sales each year.
That’s what he told a panel of “sharks” in April when he was one of eight students to compete in the Wootank, Worcester’s collegiate version of “Shark Tank.” Arnau and another student represented Nichols, one of only four colleges to participate. He received $1,500 each from two of the three sharks to expand his brand in the region.
“I’m lucky. I know what I’ve wanted to do since I was 15,” he says, referring to his dream of following in his familial footsteps. He’s been encouraged by the Nichols alumni he’s met, including Steve Gallo ’89, general manager for North America for New Era Cap LLC; Rob McDiarmid ’98, vice president at Ross Stores Inc.; and Jesse Plouffe ’03, product developer at Gemline.
From this opportunity and an internship he did with the COO of Forus S.A., Arnau believes there is no substitute to learning from those who have experience. “We are 20, 18, 21, 25,” he says. “There are people who went before us, 95 percent of it applies the same.” Today’s generation needs to be able to listen, Arnau insists. “We have the knowledge we were born with. If we can apply that with a person who has been in the business for 30 years, that’s perfect.” Like walking a mile in their shoes.
About Nichols College
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. www.nichols.edu.
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