Before many of us are awake, Jo Lees has made the drive from Goulburn into Canberra, braving the dark and cold.

The Goulburn resident has recently taken the keys to Civic Proframe from former owner Andrew on his retirement.

Inside the store, Jo now spends her days using a combination of computer software, foot-powered equipment and her own hands to mount items inside a frame for safekeeping.

Capital country represents a homecoming for the former public servant, who studied at Dickson College before heading interstate.

“I did all the Canberra things people do – I went into the public service – and then I went to Sydney,” Jo says.

“I just found myself back in Canberra – it’s the vortex of Canberra that traps you.”

Items set out for framing in Jo’s store. Photo: Claire Sams.

Jo has never been far from creative ways.

She left art school halfway through her second year, the decision leading to a career in graphic design.

“From that, I got into picture framing in Sydney. I was walking past a framing shop and there was a sign saying ‘Photo editor needed’,” she says.

“I started off doing photo editing and web design, and I ended up doing all the framing … The owner got sick and I ended up running the store. I loved it. It was awesome.”

When the Sydney store was sold, Jo stayed on for a time to work with the new owner. But the global pandemic struck and as retail stores were being closed, she returned to public service with the NSW Department of Health.

Jo says her move back to the national capital came when she wanted a change.

“I got a job in another department that asked me to come back to Canberra … and that brought me back.”

“When I was in the public service, I was doing user experience and user interface design. My career has always been design and art related, but the way that’s been implemented has changed.”

A machine cuts into a backing board. Photos: Claire Sams.

Jo cuts glass for a new project. Photo: Claire Sams.

Some tools of the trade. Photos: Claire Sams.

Jo can create custom-sized frames. Photo: Claire Sams.

Work by Canberran artists is also on display. Photo: Claire Sams.

At Civic Proframe, you can browse the shop’s collection of pre-made frames or chat with Jo to create something unique.

“I was at another frame shop for five years and with all my design experience I can help them choose colours and different frames,” she says.

“A lot of it is coming up with some things they wouldn’t have thought of.”

She says the requests have ranged from art to jackets, medals, posters and other items.

“I’ve been asked to frame lots of things other people might consider weird, but it’s very sentimental to the person [asking]. You have to be sensitive about it.”

While Jo has enjoyed her time living in Goulburn, she’s looking to make a permanent home in the big city.

“Now I’ve got a business in Canberra, I thought I had to come back to Canberra permanently,” she says.

“It just makes sense to be here … I’ve got family who live in Canberra. I’ve got my bestie who lives in Canberra.”

An expansion of the store’s opening hours and events in the shop are also on the cards.

Civic Proframe at 8/240 City Walk in Canberra is open 10 am to 4 pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 10 am to 5:30 pm (Friday) and 10 am to 2 pm (Saturday).