Calça Thai is a bootstrapping ecommerce startup, founded in 2015 with the goal of connecting Brazil to Thailand both through sales of its core product, Thai pants as well as through raising awareness of Thai culture and traditions. We already have fairness as a core value in everything we do, but we want to do more. Our proposal, therefore, is to develop a program to help drive positive social change through partnerships with NGOs in Thailand's northern regions where our products are made.
Made on Coboat
Solution
In summary, what is your “Made on Coboat” project idea (max. 3 sentences)?
This year we launched a Brazil-facing ecommerce store which sells Thai pants and whose popularity is growing fast. We would like to leverage the relationships we are building and engagement we are feeling not only to drive sales but to raise awareness and actively participate in important social causes local to rural Thailand. This is a long term project composed of various stages, the first two of which we would love to start on Coboat.
How much of your project can you realistically achieve in 100 days if you will get the chance to stay on the Coboat?
We will provide a roadmap which includes a research & preparation stage which we propose to complete before Coboat in order to maximise our output whilst at sea. Certain elements, such as field visits cannot be completed whilst at sea and will therefore be included in the preparation stage. We're confident that after a thorough research stage we will be able to execute 2 full stages whilst on Coboat, namely the implementation of a coherent & sustainable donation model & communication strategy
Will you complete this project on your own, or will you be working with a together with a team?
As founder of Calça Thai one of my roles is to be the driver of innovation and change and though I will be alone on Coboat, I am very used to working with digital teams in distinct timezones in order to manage complex projects and achieve results remotely . The project itself has collaboration and cooperation at its heart and the process will & should be a team effort.
Why should your project be chosen?
Each project I'm sure will have value of its own. What is unique in this particular proposal is that it encompasses both a realistically achievable 100day goal as well as a long term legacy which in turn fits into a wider social goal. The existence of the "vehicle" for change means that it is credible and real and there is a certain poetry in the resulting success being a human one, located in Thailand where both Calça Thai was founded and where the Coboat journey will commence.
What does this project mean to you?
I am a strong believer in both fair trade and social justice. I also believe in leading by example and so this project is and must be a fundamental part of our ecommerce store. It is a planned evolution which is so important that I am determined to complete it independently of this competition. What Coboat would allow is to accelerate the birth by allowing relocation of resources otherwise spent on rent and food to be channelled into this initiative.
Why do you want to do this project?
I have done a lot of voluntary work in the past for various organisations and feel that I now have the privilege of being able to contribute on a greater scale. This, along with my passion for Thailand are my main drivers. Having lived in Thailand for the past year, I would like the opportunity to return something to a country which has treated me so well and given me innumerable chances to feel grateful. it had not occurred to me to do it on a boat but sounds like the perfect way to achieve it.
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No, everything is ours! :)
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background. How do you fit into a team? What have you done before within the field of your idea?
My background is really complex so get ready! I was born in the UK but my Mum is French and my Dad is from Mauritius. Before living in Thailand I lived in Brazil and Spain for many years. I originally studied maths but worked for most of my life in digital marketing which eventually inspired me to launch my own ecommerce. As you might guess, I speak multiple languages, am socially and culturally adaptable and would like to think that I can fit in well in a team.
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