Meet the womanpreneur behind the jewelry and beauty brand, Simone I. Smith. Many may know Simone as entertainment icon LL Cool J’s wife, but she’s much more than that. This Black Business Month, we highlight her contributions to the industry. Read more about her success and how she’s creating a reputable jewelry and beauty brand.

Smith is a woman who exemplifies strength, resilience, and creativity. Married to entertainment icon LL COOL J, Simone is not only a proud mother of four and a devoted “MoMa” to three grandchildren, but also a 19-year cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering faith and determination, rooted in her identity as a woman of God.

In 2011, Simone turned her lifelong passion for accessories into a thriving business by launching Simone I. Smith Jewelry. Growing up in New York City during the 1980s, Simone was a “Fly Girl” who drew inspiration from the vibrant Hip-Hop culture and classic styles of the era. Her jewelry line reflects this nostalgia, bringing the essence of Hip-Hop’s golden age to a new generation. The collection, which started with a focus on hoop earrings, has expanded to include bangles, pendants, and rings, and is available at major retailers like Macy’s.

Simone’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2018, she teamed up with Grammy Award-winning artist and Oscar nominee Mary J. Blige to launch Sister Love, a jewelry line inspired by their deep friendship. The designs are a bold reflection of their mutual strength, style, and support for one another. This partnership has further solidified Simone’s position as a leading figure in the jewelry industry.

In 2022, Simone wanted to diversify her brand by launching S.I.S. Luxe Lacquer, a 10-free nail polish collection, along with signature men’s and women’s collections for Walmart. She has also expanded her men’s jewelry offerings with King by Simone I. Smith, available exclusively at Daniel’s Jewelers, and Majesty by Simone I. Smith, an affordable luxury line sold through her website.

Simone’s work has garnered widespread recognition. Her hoops were selected for Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020 list, and she has been featured in top publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Essence, and InStyle. Her influence extends beyond fashion as she has appeared on QVC, Entertainment Tonight, and The Insider, and her annual SISMAS event, a celebration of sisterhood, was featured in The New York Times.

Her contributions to the jewelry industry and her philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous honors, including awards from the National Association of Women Business Owners of Los Angeles, The Lady Like Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. In 2023, she was honored by the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) with the inaugural Rock the Jewels Award.

As Simone looks to the future, she remains focused on growing her brand and using her platform to inspire others. Her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and an unshakeable commitment to helping those in need.

Be sure to support Simone’s journey by visiting her website and following her on social media here.