The Latest of our First Nations Businesses
Sonia Pallett - Sonia Pallett Jewellery
Sonia Pallett is a First Nations Artist that turns her culturally inspired pieces of art into authentic jewellery that lasts!
Sonia a Kooma woman who grew up on Wiradjuri country near Dubbo NSW. Sonia is passionate about her Jewellery, but not keen on sharing her own story. In a connected world where on social media businesses are using story telling to connect with their audiences, Sonia is a rarity. Being quiet and reserved, Sonia is reluctant to talk about herself and would rather her Art and Jewellery do the talking . From her passion for her art and jewellery Sonia created a business that sees her travel thousands of kilometres to attend markets and fairs. Using her silver van as a studio and home, Sonia drives across the country, making jewellery on the road to sell at markets and fairs. Not a glamorous lifestyle but a lifestyle that Sonia enjoys.
Recently Sonia has undertaken a Crowd Funding program for her business where she is working towards establishing a workshop in Lightning Ridge where Sonia can create her Jewellery and employ staff. The Crowd Funding program run by “Start Some Good” sees Sonia share some of her story. Something she's not comfortable with but she realises that to grow, sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone.
Travelling the country to attend various markets has taught Sonia some hard lessons. Being a First Nations stall holder in Main Stream markets Sonia has discovered that the experience isn't as positive as attending First Nations markets. When talking about attending First Nations Markets such as the Meeanjin Markets, Sonia speaks highly of the bond that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stall holders have and the positive nature of the market goers who attend these markets who are there to purchase authentic First Nations products and services.
Using natural minerals and recycled metals, Sonia’s Jewellery is as durable as the country that Sonia draws inspiration for her artwork from. In a world where plastics are strangling our environment, Sonia’s Jewellery is a breath of fresh air, that is as affordable as the nondurable pieces found in Main Stream stores.
Sonia celebrates her culture through her Artwork and Jewellery, and through her travels is buoyed by seeing other First Nations Businesses. She appreciates that not too long ago you wouldn’t see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Stall Holders at a market, but now we’re everywhere. She knows that young people are seeing this too and believes this creates a strong future for First Nations Business here in Australia, but we still have a long way to go.
Despite the competitive nature of the industry Sonia works in, she is confident that quality and authenticity will always wins and knows that her Jewellery is recognisable, and with other First Nations Business Owners we are creating a powerful story of success that will resonate for generations to come.
Sonia Pallett Jewellery - https://soniapallett.com.au/
To support Sonia with her Crowd Funding project, please visit - Sonia Pallett Crowd Funding Initiative
