Silversmithing in the Prisons of Bali

A Closer Look at Jewelry Designer Joanna Witt

“What goes around comes around.”

These words, stamped on the Karma Collection of Yin Jewelry, are more than a marketing tagline. For Joanna Witt, a Canadian jewelry designer and long-time Ubud resident, they represent a way of life—and a call to give back to Bali.

Joanna has called Bali home for over two decades. Her journey began in 1994 when she started designing and exporting metal garden ornaments. From there, she transitioned into silver jewelry, eventually opening her first store on Jalan Dewi Sita in Ubud. But it wasn’t long before Joanna realized she could do more than just run a successful business.

“I realized I had the infrastructure to create some special projects to give back to Bali,” Joanna explains. “It wasn’t just about providing jobs anymore—I wanted to go a step further.”

Giving back, one pendant at a time

Joanna became one of the founding members of the Yayasan board of Pelangi School, Ubud’s first holistic school. Around the same time, she launched the Karma jewelry line, donating $2 from every sale to Pelangi. Over the years, that initiative alone raised over $12,000, enough to fund the construction of a new classroom.

But the story didn’t stop there.

In 2006, nine Australians were arrested for attempted drug trafficking in Bali. Among them was Si Yi Chen, who was later sentenced to life in prison. When Joanna met Si Yi years into his sentence, she found herself inspired by his resilience—and motivated to act.

“He invited me to teach silversmithing in Kerobokan prison,” Joanna recalls. “It was an unexpected but powerful opportunity.”

Crafting change behind bars

Kerobokan Prison is like many correctional facilities in developing countries—overcrowded, under-resourced, and without formal rehabilitation programs. But Si Yi was determined to make something of his time. He worked with the prison warden to convert unused space into a workshop, paying out of his own pocket to set it up.

Together with Pak Nyoman Alit, Joanna’s master silversmith, they began visiting the prison weekly, teaching inmates the art and business of jewelry making. They implemented basic accounting systems, created production workflows, and developed a sustainable business plan. The result? Mule Jewels, a silversmithing program built inside the prison walls.

“It’s good for my business, but more importantly, it’s good for the prisoners,” says Joanna. “Like the Karma line, it just takes time and effort—but the impact is massive.”

Over five years, Si Yi trained more than 20 fellow inmates in silversmithing, design, business strategy, and planning. The income they earned helped cover healthy meals and provided a modest income for participants. More than a workshop, it became a community—a place of routine, reflection, and redemption.

A second chance forged in silver

Si Yi’s story is now one of transformation. From solitary confinement and a death row sentence to leading a creative initiative that helps others find meaning—his journey is as much about healing as it is about craftsmanship.

“People need purpose,” he says. “My hope is that inmates who go through this program will take what they’ve learned, use it to build a new life, and help others find a better path.”

And the ripple effect is real.

Recently, Joanna involved her son’s 7th-grade class at Green School in a design project. The students created pendant sketches, which were then brought to life by the inmates—who donated their time. Joanna later took the children to visit the prison workshop, giving them a raw, first-hand look at both prison life and how one idea can transform a community.

More than jewelry

“I thought I was just teaching a skill,” Joanna admits. “But the layers of benefit run deep. The workshop is like therapy. It gives the men a reason to get up in the morning. It gives them a sense of pride.”

Today, Joanna continues to visit the workshop weekly, offering support in design, marketing, and business development. She remains as committed to her philanthropic mission as ever.

Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs?

“Start with what your business already does well. Look at the resources you have. You’ll see opportunities to leverage your business for good. It could even boost your bottom line, morale, and your sense of belonging in Bali.”

Joanna’s impact extends well beyond the walls of Kerobokan. She now operates four Yin Jewelry stores in Ubud and on Gili Trawangan, and recently opened a wellness spa called FRESH. Under her volunteer leadership, Pelangi School continues to thrive.

Her story is a testament to conscious entrepreneurship and the power of turning business into a force for transformation—not just for the owner, but for the entire community.

That’s not just good business.
That’s seriously good karma.