Serial entrepreneur Sophie Daunais brings her eclectic and exquisite taste to Parada, her new concept store and boutique in Santa Gertrudis.

Some people see the world differently – not just politically or emotionally, but in the way they perceive everyday objects. To most of us, a teacup is just a teacup, and then there are those rare humans who see the teacup as a work of ingenuity or art, or both. Sophie Daunais is one of these talented beings, and her whirlwind entrepreneurial story since arriving in Ibiza seven years ago is all about seeking joy, even in the most challenging of times. Her new project, Parada in Santa Gertrudis, appears to be a culmination of all her character traits – eclectic, creative, curious and entertaining. This fascinating boutique is where everyday items are transformed into art, inviting you to view the world through Sophie’s unique lens.

Sophie’s Ibiza life started on an entirely different track. In 2018, she co-founded Juntos Farm — a regenerative, organic farming project that has blossomed into 20 hectares of productive land and thriving forest. It’s a hub for consumers and farmers, designed to foster a community centred on sharing knowledge and resources. While the farm took root, Sophie turned her attention to launching Juntos House in San Mateo, a restaurant and bar that embodies everything the farm stands for, featuring a delectable organic menu and delicious cocktails in a stunning setting.

Adding a boutique to Juntos House was an obvious choice for Sophie. “There was a space that used to be the carpentry workshop and storage area,” she recalls. “I could tell everyone thought it was just a girlish whim, but I knew it would really add to the experience.” Of course, the boutique has become incredibly popular, complementing the restaurant with a very clear aesthetic. “The Juntos Boutique is very soothing; we focus on artisanal, small batch producers and slow fashion,” Sophie continues. “I am a romantic, but that’s not all I am.” During her recuperation after battling a severe illness, the last thing she was looking for was yet another project but when an opportunity arose, it was hard for her restless mind to resist.

The back of the store features a stunning collection of ceramics and tableware, with rooms branching off the main area filled with delightful tchotchkes, toys and beautiful fashions. If the Juntos House boutique is romance, then Parada is positively punk. “Parada is my emancipation,” says Sophie. “I love Juntos; it has such a refined ambience and beautiful products, but Parada is a new playground for me. I can do whatever I want, choose any brand I want. It’s my house and my rules!” Indeed, this house full of colour and whimsy, where each item is selected with an eye for the extraordinary, inviting visitors to indulge in stylish playfulness and bring a little more cheer into their lives.

Even though Sophie has found her creative freedom in Parada, she still works to a paradigm, albeit loose. Primarily, products are chosen for their Mediterranean provenance, but at the same time, you’ll find Japanese stationery, because it’s the best, and for Sophie, it’s all about quality. Every object is cherry-picked using her own barometer as a measure. “I’m very selective, and I take responsibility for what I bring to people,” she says. “I would never put something on my shelves that I don’t like myself. I need to feel proud and I need to feel that customers are paying a fair price. I want people to trust my judgement.”

It takes less than a minute on entering Parada to have complete trust in Sophie’s taste and vision. Each item opens a window into the active mind of someone intent on living with beauty, humour, and happiness. “I’m an observer,” she says. “I notice everything about someone. Their earrings, their outfits, their style… and when I see something I like, I will chase it down until I find it.” This is obvious on the shelves at Parada, where Sophie has introduced many brands and makers never seen before in Ibiza. From Australian sunscreens and Italian-made cosmetics to quirky ceramic vessels and amusing serving platters, every item is unique. While steeped in a global outlook, Parada remains uniquely Ibiza in its insouciant and cheeky outlook.

At any given moment, Sophie is hosting holidaymakers at Juntos House, discussing colourways with an artisan at Juntos Boutique, or creating a tablescape based on the sea at Parada. Her hummingbird intellect and deep well of creativity are never sated as she completes one project after another, flooded with a constant stream of ideas and a boundless energy to bring beauty into the world. Although parada means ‘stop’ in Spanish, for Sophie Daunais, this gorgeous treasure trove of creativity is just the beginning, as her ever-evolving entrepreneurial energy continues to lead her to new adventures. Stay tuned for more news to come!