Handmade in Aura: Meet Jo Martin of Sojo Designs
Handmade in Aura: Meet Jo Martin of Sojo Designs
Jo Martin’s home in Aura isn’t just where she lives — it’s the creative heart of Sojo Designs, her thriving home-based earring business. Inspired by a need for unique, lightweight, and affordable accessories, Jo has turned her creative passion into pieces loved by Aura locals.
“I couldn’t find any earrings that suited my needs and matched my outfits, so I started designing and making them for myself,” Jo shared. “Friends and family loved my creations and suggested I start selling. The rest is history.”
Founded in 2021, Sojo Designs specialises in one-of-a-kind, small-batch designs from materials like polymer clay and resin. Whether creating themed collections for holidays like Christmas and Easter or working on custom orders, Jo pours her heart into every step of the process.
“From cutting and baking the clay to sanding, drilling, and assembling, I enjoy every step. It’s very therapeutic,” Jo said.
A supportive community
The Aura community has played a key part in Jo’s entrepreneurial journey. “The locals here are incredible – they’ve been so supportive,” Jo said. “From mums and teachers to grandmothers, I’ve had so many lovely people visit to shop for gifts or order a custom piece.”
Aura’s commitment to bringing the community together extends to supporting home-based businesses like Jo’s. Charlotte Buckley, Aura’s Community Development Manager, highlighted the important role these local ventures play in shaping the community’s identity.
“We have an abundance of home-based businesses in Aura and they are about so much more than selling goods and services,” Charlotte said.
“They’re places where you’re likely to run into your neighbours and where business owners know your name. Jo’s story is a wonderful example of how small businesses in Aura help bring people together and create a true sense of belonging. They’re part of what makes Aura special.”
Balancing business and family
For Jo, running her business from home offers more than just convenience – it’s about creating a lifestyle that works for her family. “Being my own boss means I can work late nights when needed or take time off for appointments and my kids’ school events,” she said.
Her commitment to the community goes beyond her business. “I love giving back, whether it’s donating earrings to local schools and charities to help raise funds or creating special fundraiser designs for causes close to my heart,” Jo said.
Looking ahead, Jo hopes to expand Sojo Designs into more local shops and markets while continuing to connect with the Aura community.
“Aura is a beautiful place to live and work,” she said. “We have everything we need right here and the word-of-mouth support from locals is incredible.”
Customers can visit Jo’s garage-turned-market stall in Baringa for a personalised shopping experience or shop her creations on Instagram and Facebook.