‘Most importantly, I saw the children smile,’ says Roi Elcorat

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on June 15, 2019. It has been restored from our archives as part of our ongoing commitment to preserving timeless stories of sustainable entrepreneurship and social impact.

Roi Elcorat, a former Israeli diplomat currently based in Barcelona, has ventured into the world of sustainable development with his company, OceanBluu, which creates bedding and sleepwear for children. OceanBluu focuses on producing organic products with non-toxic dyes, contributing back to the ocean by ensuring they aren’t polluting it.

Recently, he undertook a unique journey aimed at providing undergarments for orphaned kids in India. He has already started working in the slums of Kolkata alongside the Hope Foundation. Team Optimist spoke to Roi Elcorat about his journey with organic garments and why he is focusing on underprivileged children.

Team Optimist: From a committed soldier to a health entrepreneur, how did you begin your journey in the world of sustainable development?

Roi Elcorat: It’s been an eventful journey right from my days in Israel. I had a stable job as a diplomat after serving my country. For some years, I was in Ukraine and Japan, too. In 2015, my wife Cynthia and I felt the need to do something different. We decided to travel the world. For the next six months, we traveled nearly half the globe and, truly, it changed our perception of life. We made it a point to do something for Mother Nature. We settled down in Barcelona, brainstormed our plan, and this is how we conceived the idea of OceanBluu.

Team Optimist: Why did you choose the name OceanBluu?

Rio Elcorat: During our travels, we were inspired by the oceans. It represents the one true connection between all the lands and is a treasure none of us can live without. Thus, our decision to be a plastic-free, sustainable company manufacturing organic garments using non-toxic dyes—to keep our oceans clean and blue.

Team Optimist: You didn’t have any experience in the garment business. Why choose a sector where you didn’t have much expertise?

Roi Elcorat: Frankly speaking, while traveling around the world, we weren’t tourists, but close observers. We visited around 100-odd factories in Europe. I’m sad to say that we found 95% of people in the factories didn’t know where the fabric came from. Very few were actually aware of the health aspects and the long-term impact of the ingredients used.

It’s true that I don’t have weaving skills, but I relied upon my managerial skills. My wife Cynthia and I founded the business together, and her constant inspiration keeps OceanBluu going. We are fair-trade certified and pay fair wages. A community-building approach is definitely the key here.

Team Optimist: Why did you focus on undergarments for children in Kolkata?

Roi Elcorat: Initially, the company targeted bedding and sleepwear for kids. But when we came to Kolkata, it was a reality shock. It was not just about poverty, but the way poor people lived in the slums and on the streets. We understood that while they are used to wearing second-hand clothes, undergarments are one area where that’s not possible. Being the father of a daughter, I’m aware of the health and security concerns. My wife suggested we focus on organic undergarments for the poor, and that’s how we decided upon this initiative.

Team Optimist: How is your company operating in Kolkata?

Roi Elcorat: We came across the ongoing Chetna Project and the Hope Foundation in Kolkata. We started with two factories, including the Rajlakshmi Cotton Mill. We are providing knowledge and technical expertise, believing that ultimately, the local economy will benefit from the work chain. At present, there are approximately 20 million orphaned kids in India. We have set a target of providing 20 million undergarments for poor children.

Team Optimist: Your ‘One Gives One’ project has become very popular. What is the idea behind it?

Roi Elcorat: We believe that change is possible and it starts here. By choosing OceanBluu, customers are supporting transparency and sustainability. ‘One Gives One’ means that by buying a specific product of our brand, you’re directly helping another downtrodden soul with a similar product. This enables you to directly empower the poorest of the poor with basic necessities.

Team Optimist: How are you looking at the profit-making aspect of this initiative?

Roi Elcorat: Frankly, this specific initiative isn’t motivated by any profit-making approach. We feel this is a small tribute from us for young kids who struggle every day against all odds. We’ve received a fantastic response and, most importantly, I saw the kids smile. That alone gives me hope.

Team Optimist: What’s your advice for young entrepreneurs?

Roi Elcorat: Throughout my life, I’ve believed in the intent and transparency of work. If you can’t believe in something, you can’t make it happen. We are very hopeful that we’ll be able to give back something to Mother Nature that our daughter will be extremely proud of.