Jo Henwood quietly opened her Ōamaru store Boho Jo more than a year ago in Smiths Grainstore. In May she shifted into a larger space on Tyne St, and last month she started a fragrance bar. She spoke to the Waitaki App about the “why” behind her business and how it’s all going.

Q. Tell me about Boho Jo? What was your motivation behind opening it?

Opening Boho Jo was inspired basically by people at work wanting to buy things I made. 

I am a migraine sufferer and also have sensitive skin, so I make my own products so I know exactly what's in them and they are natural. 

I make all natural-based products - beeswax candles, coconut-oil soap, natural perfumes and a few other things that vary - always something different.

A co-worker suggested doing a market, so I did and customers loved the products I made.

Q. When did you open in Ōamaru?

I stumbled across a cute little empty store in the Smith's Grainstore at the Victorian precinct and thought that would be a perfect space for my products, so I started there in December last year. Then moved to the larger space in May on Tyne Street. 

I love the Victorian precinct and the people there, so I feel really lucky to be able to have my store there. 

I live in Geraldine and will travel until my son finishes high school at the end of 2025. My husband and I will then move down permanently.

Q. Tell me more about the candle-making and perfume bar. How long have they been running, what can people expect from them, how has the response been?

The fragrance and candle-making bar/workroom launched on December 23. I have been running workshops through November and December in the store after hours and that has been really successful.

I will still do the workshops in the new year but the fragrance bar is more for you to come in and make your own perfume or scented candle, with my guidance, but more of a fun hour activity instead of a full detailed workshop. No need to book just pop in and you can start creating on the days I'm there which I will have a sign out stating it's open or set days on Facebook.

Large groups of up to 12 people can book an evening too. 

Q. Tell me about yourself...

My work history: I have been in a few different roles that have all helped with the skills I use today in my business - laboratory work, manufacturing organic health oils and working in health care. I have also studied and have a diploma in aromatherapy application. 

I love swimming, camping and tramping. The outdoors is where I feel relaxed and I really enjoy being in nature.

Q. What are you enjoying about running the business? Are there any unexpected challenges?

I love being busy, so I enjoy the day-to-day challenges of keeping up with stock. I make majority of the products instore, and anything else is all locally made. 

I really enjoy showing people how to make their own creations, which is why I started the workshops. 

Boho Jo is at 7 Tyne Street.