The Baroud family’s story begins in Lebanon, where in the early 20th century life was marked by uncertainty. Political unrest made the family seek hope across the seas.

With courage, the family chose to begin a new chapter. Like so many Lebanese emigrants of that era, they carried with them their traditions, their skills, and their belief in building a better life.

Curaçao became the place where that dream could take root. In the 1920s, the island was booming. The Royal Dutch Shell refinery had transformed Curaçao into a thriving hub of trade and opportunity, with ships from every corner of the world passing through its harbor. For newcomers like the Barouds, Curaçao offered not only the chance to work and build businesses, but also something more rare: a society known for tolerance and diversity, where different cultures and religions lived side by side.

The family’s first steps on the island were humble, but filled with determination. They began with businesses in furniture, mattresses, and retail — enterprises that soon became part of daily life for many in Curaçao. What started as survival grew into success, and what began as escape became belonging.

More than 85 years later, the Baroud family’s presence on Curaçao is a testament to resilience and faith in new beginnings. The island that once welcomed them in a time of need has become home — the foundation of a legacy carried proudly into the future.