In 2006, Fondation Espoir et Développement Beachcomber (FED) launched Beautiful Localhands to help local handicraft workers by giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and sell their products to the tourist market. The project has demonstrated its positive social, economic, and cultural impacts through generating income for vulnerable people, their communities, and helping preserve traditional crafts and cultural heritage. Many of the artisans who work regularly with FED are women who use their income to improve the quality of life of their families, and give their children a better education. Supporting vulnerable individuals Beautiful Localhands has a flexible structure that allows craftworkers to set their own schedules. They can either work from home or use the workshop available in Bambous. This system is designed to help those who are unable to cope with the demands of a conventional business enterprise, such as elderly women and the disabled, to earn an income. Besides providing an economic advantage, the project reduces these vulnerable individuals’ isolation by offering them a platform to share their experiences and concerns with others and in turn, improve their self-esteem. Helping small businesses grow – Preserving our heritage Many of the craftworkers involved in the project have their own client base. These small entrepreneurs are able to expand their business by selling part of their products through Beautiful Localhands and by improving the quality of their work to attract more clients. By allowing them to derive an income from traditional Mauritian handicraft work, Beautiful Localhands promotes these techniques and helps maintain our cultural heritage.