INTERVIEW #130 OLI&CAROL
Based in: Barcelona, Spain.
Founded in: 2014
Founded by: Sisters Carolina (26) and Olimpia (31).
Stores: Products are available worldwide! There is no physical store, but they are available in over 80 countries, in shops, and online. Check out the website: https://oliandcarol.com.
Price range: Fom around $10 to $50
Instagram: @oliandcarol
Hi Oli&Carol, welcome to A Sustainable Closet! Happy to have you here, please tell our readers about Oli&Carol, who are you?
We are two sisters from Barcelona, Carolina and Olimpia. We started Oli&Carol when we were just teenagers, inspired by our values for sustainability and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to offer eco-friendly alternatives that are both design oriented and responsible, using natural materials.
We absolutely ADORE the cute and colorful designs of your products. How and where are the products produced, who are your workers?
Thank you so much! All of our products are handcrafted with care using natural rubber. All of our products are handcrafted in ethically managed facilities in China. Skilled artisans carefully create each piece using natural rubber from Hevea trees, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
We take immense pride in supporting ethical working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable practices throughout the production process. This commitment allows us to deliver products that are not only safe and eco-friendly but also made with respect for the people and communities who create them.
What materials are used and where do you source them from?
We use 100% natural rubber from Hevea trees, which is not only safe for children but also biodegradable and eco-friendly. Our products are hand-painted with natural pigments, so they’re completely safe for babies to chew on. The materials are responsibly sourced, and we strive to maintain the highest standards of sustainability in every step of the production process.
Why is Oli&Carol a better choice for our kids and babies? And what should parents look out for when buying teethers and toys for their kids?
Oli&Carol toys are a better choice because they’re made with completely safe and non-toxic materials, following international safety standards. Our toys are also mold-free, easy to clean, and highly hygienic due to their seamless design. We encourage parents to look for natural, safe, and durable materials when choosing toys for their children—safety should always come first, along with environmental responsibility.
Where on the planet are most of your customers based?
We have customers all around the world! A large portion of our community is in Europe, but we’re also popular in the USA and Korea, our two top markets. Our goal is to reach families globally who care about sustainability and quality toys for their kids.
What are your best tips to give children's clothes and toys longer lives?
We believe in quality over quantity—buying fewer, better-made products can significantly extend their life. Choose items that are durable and timeless, so they can be passed down from one child to another. For toys, keeping them clean and storing them properly can also make a huge difference. Finally, consider donating or repurposing items once they're no longer needed in your family.
What have been and are the major challenges of starting Oli&Carol?
One of the major challenges has been educating people about the importance of sustainability in toys. When we first started, the market was more focused on fast and cheap products, so we had to work hard to highlight why choosing eco-friendly toys is essential for the planet and our children. Balancing creativity, sustainability, and business growth has also been a continuous challenge.
What has been and are the largest gain?
The most significant gain has been seeing how our products are loved by families worldwide and knowing we’re contributing positively to the planet. It's been incredibly rewarding to work on something that aligns with our values and to be recognized for our efforts in sustainability, like being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30.
What's up next, do you have anything fun to share with our readers?
We’re constantly innovating! Right now, we're excited about a new collection that focuses on products that promote cognitive development for children. Plus, we’re expanding our collaborations with artists and designers who share our love for art :)