We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shea Newton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shea below.
Shea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?
Before COVID-19 changed our perception of remote work, my husband and I made the decision to move from center city Philadelphia to my family farm in rural, southern West Virginia. Working remotely as a jewelry CAD designer was a pretty seamless transition. Since my role relies heavily on email and phone conversations, my design process didn’t have to change drastically. Now we have the benefit of living on a 250+ acre farm, in a small home we built ourselves, while raising our two small children. I have my own workshop inside my Dad’s metal shop, where I handcraft my own jewelry. I also operate a small retail space inside Lee Street Studios in Lewisburg, WV. Lee Street is a growing artist collective in a restored 1924 elementary school which provides an excellent space to meet with my customers. Remote work has provided me the opportunity to create the life I want with the flexibility to raise my children in a state that I am proud of.
Shea, 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?
At an early age, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I have fond memories of drawing, making and creating. It was my Dad’s love of metal that really inspired me to select the path that I’m on. My father taught me to weld when I was 16. I fabricated a coffee table as one of my first welding projects. That coffee table traveled with me through college and many apartments long after.
My dad is an engineer. Before he retired, he worked as a reliability engineer. With his guidance, machine safety and knowledge became one of my top priorities. During my high school senior year, I enrolled in a machine safety class at a local community college. This class exposed me to working with a lathe, milling machine, drill press, and using a micrometer to calculate precise measurements. I loved working with my hands, but left that experience with a desire to create more organic objects with natural imperfections. For a brief period, I considered studying industrial design. However, after careful consideration I followed my instincts and pursued a BFA at Tyler School of Art, Temple University majoring in Metals/Jewelry/ CAD-CAM.
Art school was valuable at the time and something I do not regret, but looking back at where I am now in my career, I probably would have chosen a slightly different path. There are so many amazing trade schools and programs for jewelers now, that I still aspire to someday attend. I am heading to the New Approach school for jewelers this summer for two weeks to improve my bench and stone setting skills.
After graduating from Tyler, I worked as a studio assistant for a furniture maker where I put my machining skills to good use. In the furniture studio, I would mill and turn aluminum legs and arms for chairs, tables, and sofas. Soon after, I got my first industry job as a retail store runner on Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. During this job, I interacted with many of Philadelphia’s independent jewelers, stone setters, polishers, and casters. This experience opened the door at a casting company for my first design role, as a CAD designer. After learning and increasing my CAD skills, I was hired to start a new CAD department at a small family-owned manufacturer and casting company. Now, 12 years later, I work remotely for the same family owned company as one of their designers.
Starting my own design and jewelry business was always a goal of mine. During Covid when everything shut down, I finally had the time to invest in myself. I have a complete and operational jewelers bench, where I handcraft original jewelry. I sell my work via my website, local art fairs and stores, and in my own retail space. I operate my retail space in my personal design studio, which is part of a local artist collective. I also use this space to meet and consult with clients on custom jewelry design.
My goal in having my own jewelry brand is to create one of a kind pieces, from recycled metal and repurposing heirloom gemstones when possible. I use responsibly sourced materials and want to be transparent about my material choices. I support other small, independent jewelers and manufactures and take pride in knowing my jewelry is American made, a fair price and of good quality.
My process begins with an initial design consult, followed by renderings which illustrate what their finished piece of jewelry will look like. Using CAD to design my jewelry, allows my customer’s to visualize and make revisions as needed before manufacturing starts. I like to involve my customers in the design process as much as possible, making it a collaborative effort. Once the jewelry is finished, they have something to be proud of themselves.
I am proud to be an emerging, independent, woman owned business in West Virginia. In a state that has difficulty retaining residents, I look forward to growing my brand and making a name for myself and paving the way for my children to grow and exceed.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Years ago, I started building and growing my business collaborating and designing for friends and family. Before I formulated my brand, I designed many engagement and wedding rings for people in my life. As personal referrals and inquiries increased, I was driven to take the initial steps to formulate my business and brand. Now I utilize multiple tools including print and digital marketing, advertising, and in person sales. While many of the clients I partner with are referred by a personal connection, I see increased engagement across multiple mediums. While I will always look to utilize technology, I strive to retain the core of a small business which still appreciates and prioritizes individuals.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
A main goal of mine in the jewelry industry is to use environmentally considered materials and practices. I have a passion for repurposing heirloom jewelry and turning it into new creations. I use recycled and refined metals, lab created, heirloom and responsibly mined gemstones. Growing up recycling, composting and buying second hand, I am accustomed to not contributing to the growing problem of waste.
I love the tradition of passing family jewels down from one generation to the next. My own engagement ring, features my grandmothers diamond from her wedding ring. Alongside my husband, I designed my own ring, using my grandmothers diamond and recycled gold. I hope one day to pass my ring on to my children and whether they redesign it or keep it as is, I love knowing that it will continue to be treasured.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sheanew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheanewjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheanewjewelry
Image Credits
Marlyn McClendon Photography (first 4 images) Shea Newton (last 4 images)