Our Roots

“His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree.” — Hosea 14:6

Welcome to Olive Brach Co, where we deeply believe in God's design of this world and the materials that He has made. Here is a photo of my great grandpa working as a leather tanner in Chicago. I'm here to continue bringing the benefits of using leather as a durable, beautiful, non-toxic material into the world of little shoes. 

Why we started

As a full-time mom (including every job title under it!), I'm always looking for strategies to check all of these boxes when making purchases for our family. As a big proponent of second-hand shops, I wrestled with offering yet more brand-new material goods for purchase in our shop. In the spirit of sustainability and minimalism, we've committed to selling only items that are unable to be readily found among thrift stores, second-hand shops, and hand-me-downs.

We do business organically. Our shop's purchases generally follow an "aha" moment of why a product has helped our family along in living out these core values. This means that each of our products have been long-loved before entering the storefront. 

On a more personal note: The journey to creating this company has been one of a natural progression of things. In the search to clothe my littles’ feet, I struggled to find a shoe that fit the bill. I found that the soft-sole shoes on the market were either made in *well-known country* who does not treat their employees with their inherent dignity, or they contain polyurethane and other plastics in the soles that leach chemicals into our children’s bodies. The ones that don’t were considered luxury boutique items and would cost our family a couple hundred dollars each year to continue to fit the growing feet in our house. The result: I guess I have to do it! With small business experience in my pre-child years, I set a goal to supply shoes for family and friends who were looking to check the same boxes we were. And so, Olive Branch Co was born. As something like a family ministry, we aim to provide a sustainable, beautiful, affordable shoe option in a world lacking one.

Our name: The name "Olive Branch" comes from our ancient Christian Faith. When his son, John the Baptist was born, Zechariah prophesied that John would prepare the way for a Savior who will come “To guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:79). Our aim is to provide shoes that will clothe your littles as they walk along their journey with Christ's peace beside them. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace throughout biblical times until today, and thus symbolizes our mission and purpose.

We are currently walking along the journey through the wilderness, searching for the Promised Land. This "wilderness" of life may feel long and difficult, but it’s part of God's refining process, and has a high purpose, leading all who walk it the ultimate peace and rest in the presence of God in Heaven. God gives us a small foretaste of the Promised Land when we walk in His design for our bodies and steward his creation.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us toward a more beautiful, sustainable, and natural life. May God bless you!