Who are we?

Our Story
Creative Factory YOO began in Japan in 1975, originally founded by Kyoko under the name 創作工房 游 (Sousaku Koubou YOO) in Japan. In 2012, her daughter Ai took over the business, and when she relocated to Australia in 2014, she translated it Creative Factory YOO to make it more accessible to English-speaking audiences.

Today, Ai creates nature-inspired jewellery using sterling silver, gold, copper, fired enamel, and natural stones from her studio on the beautiful island of Tasmania.

Thanks to Kyoko, Ai was introduced to the art of jewellery making from a young age—playing with silver and gemstones in her mother's studio. This early exposure laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for creating jewellery.

Ai draws inspiration from the natural world—both from her homeland of Japan and her new home in Tasmania. Whether it's the wilderness, native animals, mountains, ocean and beaches, or even the roadside, nature is her muse. Her deep love for animals, stones, and the earth is woven into every piece she creates.

Through her jewellery concept of “living in harmony with nature,” you can feel the spirit of the natural world in every handmade piece from YOO.

What does 游 (YOO) mean?
The character 游 means “to play, using skills that flow like water.” Kyoko chose this name long before Ai was born—yet, fittingly, Ai has always loved the water and even plays underwater rugby! Her life and work continue to reflect the playful, fluid spirit that YOO represents.

Find out what we make!