We were lucky to catch up with Athena Newton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Athena, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success. It’s not about planting a flag on some pre-ordained peak. Life, business, and purpose – they’re not linear climbs. They’re currents, constantly shifting, demanding adaptability. You can’t brute-force your way to “success” like it’s a fixed point. You have to navigate. That requires vision – not just seeing where you want to be, but understanding the currents that will carry you (or push you back). Resilience, because those currents will inevitably change, sometimes violently. And a relentless pursuit of something meaningful – because without that anchor, you’re just drifting. Ultimately, what you build – a company, a family, an idea – it’s not about monuments of stone. It’s about the ripple effect, the impact you have on the world around you. That’s the legacy that truly matters.

And everyone’s journey is different. It’s okay to take detours, to stumble, to change course – I’ve done this many times. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially with social media’s curated glimpses of “perfect” lives. But true success lies in building your own ladder on a foundation of your own values. It’s about defying expectations and embracing your unique path. It’s about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Athena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Athena Newton, the founder of ATHENA NEWTON DESIGNS (AND). A few years ago, I was working a busy marketing job in New York City. Like a lot of women, I had a hard time finding clothes I loved. Either they were too expensive, or they fell apart after a couple of washes, or they just weren’t comfortable. I wanted pieces that looked great, felt great, and didn’t cost a fortune. So, I started drawing my own designs. I pictured clothes I could wear to work, then out for drinks, without having to change. I started making some of the things I’d sketched, and my friends and coworkers liked them. That’s how AND got started.

We make timeless, sustainably made clothes. Our Smock Blouse is a perfect example – you can dress it up or down, it’s super comfy, and it’s made with sustainable materials. I’m so proud of building a company that stands for something – making women feel good about themselves and about what they’re wearing. AND is about more than just clothes. It’s about making smart choices, feeling confident, and expressing your own style.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest things I had to unlearn was the belief that I was too old to start something new, especially something creative. This limiting belief, honestly, came directly from some of my family members. They had the idea that a “real job” meant sacrificing your passions for stability and financial security.

I remember sharing my dream of starting ATHENA NEWTON DESIGNS with them, and the responses were… less than encouraging. “That’s a nice hobby,” or “When are you going to get a real job?” became the familiar refrain. To be honest, it got to the point where I stopped sharing my business aspirations with them altogether. It felt like my passion wasn’t valid like it wasn’t something I could build a career around.

But I knew deep down that this was more than just a hobby. It was something I was truly passionate about. So, I started small, taking baby steps, and slowly but surely, things started to take shape.

And you know what? Seeing my designs come to life, seeing people wear and love the clothes I created… that’s when I realized that I wasn’t just playing around. This was real.

Now, I’m not saying it’s been easy. There have been plenty of doubts and challenges along the way. But I’ve learned to trust my gut and to surround myself with a supportive community.

Ultimately, I unlearned that limiting belief by simply taking action. By taking that first step, by embracing the uncertainty, and by proving to myself that my passion was worth pursuing.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t just the usual startup stuff. It was this constant internal battle. I mean, I had family telling me I was crazy for quitting my job to chase this “fashion dream.” They’d say, “That’s nice, but how are you going to make real money” It really got to me. I started doubting myself, always wondering if I was wasting my time.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been times when I wanted to throw in the towel. Supply chain issues, the ever-changing world of social media, you name it – I’ve faced it all. It’s been a constant struggle, a constant choice between throwing in the towel and pushing through the fear and just…doing it. I’d look at my designs, and see the potential, this fire would ignite inside me.

But every time I overcome a hurdle, whether it’s a manufacturing delay or a disappointing sales month, it feels like a victory. It’s a reminder that I’m capable of more than I ever thought.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://athenanewton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena__newton/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-newton-28b9a7216/
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ANDBoheme

Image Credits

Alexander Ting
Henry Lou