This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Simone I. Smith, founder of Simone I. Smith Jewelry. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Earlier this year, I spoke with middle schoolers at the same Queens school that I grew up attending. A lot has changed since I attended that school while being raised by my grandparents. Some things have stayed the same, though — my best friend from first grade still brings over pizza from our favorite joint when she’s near my house.
I told those kids that communication is key in business. And, you’ve got to surround yourself with people who understand your vision, you know what I mean? It’s going to be hard to bring your vision to fruition without that.
One of the people who understands my vision is my husband of nearly 31 years. I call him Todd, but he’s better known as LL Cool J. Building a business, with Todd’s support, has given me passion and purpose beyond being a wife and mother.
I think a good pair of hoops has power
One day, Todd came home and told me someone had approached him about starting a jewelry brand. I was immediately excited: it was a perfect fit for him, with his famous lyric in “Around the Way Girl” about the bamboo earrings, at least two pairs.
Todd decided he was too busy to take on the project, but he’d seen how excited I was at the idea of designing. I still had kids at home, but Todd told me that if I wanted to look into creating a business, he’d support me. I made a few calls and connected with a friend of a friend who’s a jewelry manufacturer. He became my business partner.
I wanted to bless women with the best hoop earrings on the planet. I can’t leave the house without my hoops. They’re my superpower. I wanted women, from the boardroom to the block, to experience the confidence I feel when I wear my hoops.
My grandparents taught me about entrepreneurship and marriage
I learned about entrepreneurship from my grandmother, Anne Hayes Pyle. She wouldn’t have called herself an entrepreneur, but she was. She did private nursing and was an amazing cook who catered events for 50 years, all while raising her grandkids. She’d have me, my sisters, and cousins in that kitchen, helping her. That’s where I learned about hard work and dedication.
My grandparents also taught me about marriage. When Todd and I were living in LA in the 90s, I called home to talk to my grandmother. I was furious: Todd had done a music video, and I didn’t like how this dancer was touching him, licking his cheek.
My grandma wasn’t home that day, but my grandpa was. He said, “You know how Todd is — he’s an artist.” But he also told me it was OK to be mad. And he gave me words I still live by: no matter how annoyed I am, I never stop praying for my spouse. My grandfather and grandmother prayed together and for each other for their whole lives.
I want to be remembered for sisterhood
When I die, I want people to share amazing stories about me as they celebrate my life. I want them to say “Simone was dope. She was a god-fearing woman who was loyal and kind. And she designed the hottest jewelry on the planet.”
I’m all about empowerment and sisterhood. That’s what my jewelry really is about. My marriage is wonderful, but some of the closest relationships in my life are with my friends — my sisters. Whether it’s my best friend from elementary school or Mary J. Blige, who has become a sister, I’m a girl’s girl. I’m glad I can help give the women of the world the confidence they need.
