Coosturart is an artisan cooperative founded in 2002 and located in Santa Cruz, a low-income community located west of Rio de Janeiro. This cooperative has 30 full-time members and specializes in hand-sewn clothing, bags and accessories. The members generate income from marketing their high quality and modern products, which have received several accolades from fashion designers in Rio. Since the inception of the cooperative nearly 10 years ago, the women have already opened a store in their community and even created an online presence through a blog. Despite their much deserved success, the members of Coosturart still find time to offer sewing lessons to their neighbors in Santa Cruz.