Patricia Fontaneda and her mother, Patricia Josa, have transformed their passion for jewelry into a thriving business that beautifully intertwines their Hispanic heritage with modern design. Their brand, Ibiza Passion, offers unique pieces that tell culturally significant stories through stylish accessories.
Origins and Inspiration
The duo’s journey began in 2010 when Fontaneda discovered evil eye bracelets in Miami. With Josa’s business acumen, they launched Ibiza Passion, focusing on designs infused with ancient traditions and meaningful symbols.
“Our pieces have to have a story and meaning behind them,” Fontaneda explained, emphasizing their commitment to creating chic, elegant, and versatile jewelry.
Cultural Roots and Religious Influences
Their designs draw heavily from their Catholic upbringing in Venezuela and Spain. The Lord’s Prayer bracelet was one of their first creations, allowing wearers to recite the entire prayer using the bracelet’s beads.
Their bestseller, the scapular necklace, reimagines a traditional Catholic symbol of devotion. “We needed to give it a more modern meaning without interfering with what it actually means,” Fontaneda said. This approach has allowed them to expand into designs representing other faiths and cultures.
Meaningful Designs
Ibiza Passion’s jewelry line includes:
- Scapular necklaces (bestseller)
- Evil eye designs (Greek culture)
- Hamsa hand (Jewish and Islamic cultures)
- Om sign (Buddhism)
- “Detente hearts” inspired by 19th-century soldier amulets
- Gold nugget designs referencing Amazonian gold and Greek mythology
Quality and Versatility
The brand prides itself on using high-quality, hypoallergenic materials sourced from Spain. Many pieces are designed for versatility, with detachable or convertible elements for multiple styling options.
Family Business Dynamics
Working together has strengthened the mother-daughter bond. Fontaneda manages advertising and brand image, while Josa oversees sourcing, materials, and design trends. Fontaneda’s brother, Luis, handles accounting.
Challenges and Growth
Despite facing challenges, especially during the pandemic, Ibiza Passion has flourished. The brand has created over 35 registered designs and established a presence in more than 20 countries.
Future Directions
Recent developments include:
- A new line of 14K gold jewelry for babies
- A capsule collection featuring hearts made with natural stones
- Plans to expand on current trends in the coming year
Ibiza Passion continues to grow, blending cultural heritage with contemporary design to create meaningful jewelry that resonates with a global audience.