How a UAE couple’s son inspired a children’s art mismatched sock brand
Abu Dhabi: Meet Eli Loehmer. He is five years old, attends FS2 at a school in Abu Dhabi and, according to his mother Estelle, loves socks more than anything. “He loves wearing socks,” she says. Eli was born with Down syndrome, a diagnosis that brought uncertainty, medical challenges and a rethink of what his parents had imagined family life would look like. But it also introduced Wade and Estelle…
Eli Loehmer, a five-year-old boy from Abu Dhabi, loves socks more than anything. Born with Down syndrome, his parents, Wade and Estelle Loehmer, initially faced uncertainty and medical challenges. However, they found support from the community of families with children who have additional needs. This support inspired them to create Included & Perfectly Different, a community initiative that helps parents navigate their journeys together.
Additionally, they launched Perfectly Different Socks, a business that transforms children's drawings into colorful sock designs, giving young artists a platform to showcase their creativity. The brand's unique approach has gained recognition, even attracting the attention of ASICS Middle East. The Loehmers' journey began with a diagnosis that changed their expectations and outlook on life.
In the early stages of Eli's pregnancy, the family was shocked to learn of his Down syndrome diagnosis. Despite the initial shock, the couple found support from doctors, teachers, and other families who offered reassurance. This support left a lasting impression on them and led to their desire to be a source of support for other parents.
Their Perfectly Different Socks brand has since become a way to give back to the community that supported them so generously.
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