Q: I received a necklace as a gift and learned that the company (enewton) is Atlanta based. Since I support local businesses anytime I can, I’d like to learn about the company. Can you help me?
A: The Buckhead-based jewelry line started less than a decade ago and began not as a business, but as a source for gifts for relatives and friends.
Design was the DNA of founder and owner of enewton Elizabeth Newton, a fifth-generation Atlantan and mom of triplet daughters and a son.
Accompanying a relative to AmericasMart to earn money, Newton explored in lieu of taking her 30-minute lunch break.
She came across a turquoise cross bead and was drawn to the basic design.
“I was always the kid who would take something and redesign it,” Newton said.
Christmas was around the corner and “I was flat broke, but wanted to make gifts that were meaningful,” she said.
The designer purchased a bunch of the cross beads and filed each down with a fingernail file, eventually creating the look of her original signature cross necklace.
With requests to buy her necklaces and to do home shows growing, a friend eventually talked her into a home show, but she had two stipulations: There had to be wine and no one she knew could be invited.
Newton only had samples to show and in under three hours she sold $10,000 worth of products.
“I went home crying because I had to figure out how to make it all,” she said.
“I always crack up because I look back and at the first market I showed up with a barbecue-stained blue tablecloth,” Newton said. “I had no pictures, no business license. Literally, I didn’t think I was going to sell anything. Once I did, I had a lot to figure out.”
Newton says over 2,000 pieces of jewelry are created a day.
It’s a family affair. Her kids have their jobs as “I want them to understand the importance of working hard,” she said.
Newton does not create anything she would not wear and supports a variety of organizations.
Newton has added “Share Her Story” on the website: a platform for anyone to enter a story about a female they know at the frontline (through May 15).
A guardian angel necklace will be sent to each honoree on behalf of enewton.
“The unique thing about enewton is it started as a gift. The whole premise behind it was to make extra money to be able to make meaningful things and give to others,” Newton said.
For more information or to “Share Her Story” visit https://enewtondesign.com.
New to town or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email your requests to atlactualfact@gmail.com.
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