Ija is one of the senior members of the cooperative at 80 years old. She has worked at the cooperative since it was founded 11 years ago. While her stern expression at first intimidates me, I find her to be hysterically funny and kind as we talk. Although I can’t comprehend a word she is saying, the women around her break into loud laughter as she talks. Ija lives alone and tells me that she is proud that her work has allowed her to be self-sufficient.