Carmo Matos, an entrepreneur from Amapá, Brazil, has identified a unique business opportunity by repurposing Carnival materials that are usually discarded after the celebrations. Every year, schools of samba produce massive amounts of costumes and props for the festivities, which often end up as waste. In the Sambadrome of Macapá, Carmo began her venture by collecting these discarded items to create beautiful decorations for parties, finding value in what others considered trash.

Starting with no financial backing, Carmo relied on her vision and creativity to develop her business. She stated, "I started without any collection or capital to invest; I didn't have a cent to spare, so I needed to create something that money cannot buy—vision and creativity." Her ability to see potential in Carnival waste has enabled her to carve out a niche in the market, where she has successfully operated for over a decade, combining environmental practices with entrepreneurship.

Carmo's work not only promotes sustainability but also showcases the importance of innovative thinking in business. By focusing on reusing materials that would otherwise contribute to waste, she is contributing to a more sustainable local economy in Amapá while inspiring others to consider the potential in overlooked resources. Her journey ignites a conversation about the importance of recycling and its place in entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in regions where waste management may not be as prioritized.