Today we’d like to introduce you to Latondra Newton.
Hi Latondra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am part of an ancestral line that created things — houses, quilts, furniture, clothing — but these pursuits were always seen as either hobbies or necessities for survival. It never occurred to me that creating could be a vocation. So I followed an expected path, spending years working for major brands in the auto industry and the entertainment industry. In my spare time I dabbled with painting, photography, wood working and gardening.
I loved my corporate experiences and learned tremendously from leading teams around the world through increasingly complex work. But one day, when I was traveling between homes in Tokyo and California, it struck me that I had given up my creative pursuits for corporate ones.
I ultimately selected jewelry making as a new hobby because the classes worked with my rigorous travel schedule. My teachers and mentors encouraged me to take it seriously, so I launched my jewelry brand, STŌN (pronounced stone). Jewelry then expanded to home objects, furniture and lighting design and interior design. Two years ago, I left my corporate role to pursue these media full time. I now divide my time between Santa Fe, NM and Cincinnati, the place where I fell in love with my husband AND the world of fine art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many things in life, my biggest obstacles often lie within. I don’t have the typical pedigree that other fine artists have and I sometimes wonder if it’s even accurate to declare the title of artist. I’m more comfortable with being called a creator.
I also find it challenging, very similar to life inside major companies, to find consistent sponsorship of my work. I watch so many others break through because they have both talent AND the right relationships. My business is growing now, as more people connect with my ideas and my products, but my ideas certainly outpace opportunities!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I created STŌN by Latondra Newton to be more than a fine jewelry line. It’s a collection of timeless creations that are meant to be cherished for generations.
Some pieces are custom commissions, designed in collaboration with clients to reflect their unique essence and energy. Others are limited-edition creations inspired by the quiet strength of nature and the universal stories that connect us all. When crafting these pieces, I envision the person they are meant for—imagining who will be drawn to them and who will feel as though the piece has been waiting for them all along. If I’m successful, pieces flatter the body but also evoke emotion. My should grazer earrings, for example, never fail to surprise and delight the women bold enough to try them on. They swing on long chains, with a sapphire or diamond that rests at the clavicle. This is an area of the body that most women are comfortable to expose. It’s also energetically recognized as an area of self-expression.
This same design approach applies to objects, interiors, and experiences. I’ve spent the last eighteen months working on an interiors project at a special place in Cincinnati called Sweetgum Manor. It’s an urban oasis in the heart of the city that blends nature, wellness and high-end design with the comforts of home. It’s my most ambitious project yet, designing a space that offers curated wellness experiences, workshops, and gourmet dining. I worked with local artisans to create bespoke lighting and furniture for the space and each piece has a special story. I also provide creative direction for some of the special events at Sweetgum.
Everything I create is meant to be an extension of the person experiencing it.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Three things come to mind:
1. Expertise matters, but it can come from many sources beyond specialized education. Collaborating with others, for instance, has been the most effective way for me to grow.
2. Stay aligned with your vision, no matter what, until it’s proven that the vision needs to evolve.
3. Stay rooted in the fact that we’ve been given what we need to thrive. When we know this, we create beauty instead of chasing status. We collaborate instead of compete. We respect difference instead of fearing it.
Pricing:
- Objects range $500 — $25,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stonbylatondra.com
- Instagram: @stonbyton
