THE SEQUENCE by BrownStyle Magazine | The Bloom Issue

Simone I. Smith Opens Up About Her "Blooming" Season: Faith, Family, And Sisterhood

Get to to know the owner of Simone I. Smith Jewelry and find out how she’s blooming in this new era of her life.

Written by Heather Elitou | Cover Photographer: Damora Regala

When we were choosing the first cover star for THE SEQUENCE, I instantly thought Simone I. Smith. Since my first introduction to the entrepreneur and philanthropist, I loved her vibe. Besides being kind and thoughtful, she’s always championed self-awareness and the power of sisterhood.

“I’ve been shaped by love, honesty, laughter, prayer, and community,” Smith shares in an exclusive interview with THE SEQUENCE. “Sisterhood taught me that we truly are better when we pour into one another. If I bloom, my sister blooms too.”

And that energy is felt! Smith lives by the life lesson that the positive energy you put out into the world comes back to you, and it’s hard not to root for someone who genuinely wants to see everyone around her shine—literally. Ahead, learn more about the owner of Simone I. Smith Jewelry and find out how she’s blooming in this new era of her life.

Creating A Legacy In The Jewelry Industry

Since our previous conversation, I’ve enjoyed watching Smith’s journey of successfully building S.I.S. Jewelry into a household name. (Personally, I have more than ten pairs of her earrings, and I cannot think of a celebrity who hasn’t been spotted wearing a pair of the brand’s signature hoops.)

I can’t speak for others, but as someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s during the height of the gold jewelry era, S.I.S. Jewelry brings back a sense of nostalgia I adore. And by design, each piece is a natural conversation starter.

“Accessories tell a story. They speak before you even do,” Smith expresses. “Jewelry, especially, has always felt personal to me. It’s not just about what looks good, it’s about what makes you feel powerful, feminine, and seen.”

Recently, Smith launched a floral-inspired jewelry collection with iconic fashion designer Sergio Hudson, blending bold color, intricate design, and her signature flair for self-expression.

“Working with Sergio was a dream,” she beams. “We wanted pieces that feel like you’re wearing happiness—bold, fun, and unapologetically feminine. Every flower tells a story.”

Her favorite piece? The statement floral hoops. “I wear them everywhere! Church, board meetings, date night. They make me feel beautiful and free,” Smith tells us.

Creating A “Soft Life” With Faith, Boundaries, And Self-Care

Blooming Into A New Season Of Motherhood

As a woman stepping fully into my 50s, I can attest to the feeling of confidence that comes from knowing who you are, loving who you’ve become, and embracing the joy of life’s second act. That’s why it’s always refreshing to have conversations with other women who are unapologetically stepping into their soft life era.

Beyond her professional achievements, Smith is a devoted wife to LL Cool J and a proud mother of four—Najee, Italia, Nina Simone, and Samaria— and a doting grandmother. When asked about her new era in motherhood, she beamed with pride.

“Being a mom of grown children is a beautiful kind of freedom,” she says proudly about the new chapter in her motherhood journey. “You get to watch them fly while still being their safe place at home. I love that balance. I still remember making breakfast for them and trying to get them out the door on time.”

She adds, “Now I get to watch them make their own mark on the world, and it’s the best part of my day.”

Entrepreneurship has its thrills, but it can also test your limits if you are not intentional with your time. Smith’s secret to staying balanced? A grounded morning routine.

“I start my mornings with devotion, a sermon, or gospel music. Prayer and the Word of God keep me grounded,” Smith shares. “Protecting my mornings is key because it sets the tone for my day. Taking time to reset and surrounding myself with beauty matters to me.”

Smith adds that rest, saying no, and choosing peace over pressure make her life a lot easier. “I’m grown so I no longer have FOMO (fear of missing out),” she reveals. “If it’s meant for me to be there, I move on it. If not, I’ll enjoy the pictures on social media.”

When it comes to soft living, the mom-of-four enjoys peace, joy, and love without apology. She offers the following advice to other moms: “Prioritize yourself. Surround yourself with those who lift you. And never underestimate the power of saying yes to what feels good and no to what doesn’t. Bloom where you are, and don’t be afraid to shine.”

"Bloom where you are, and don’t be afraid to shine."

Simone I. Smith

Owner of Simone I. Smith Jewelry

The Healing Benefits Of Sisterhood

As a loyal friend who treasures her sisterhood circle, Smith knows the importance of having a true sisterhood circle that pours into you and helps you stay strong and accountable during your weakest moments.

“Sisterhood has been one of the greatest gifts of my life,” she says. “The right woman will remind you who you are, hold you up when life gets heavy, and celebrate you when you win. We all need that sister who holds us accountable.”

According to the native New Yorker, her grandmother (affectionately known as “Oma”), her sister Sloan, Rev. Elaine Flake, Rev. Cordelia Wallace, and her Bible study crew, whom she affectionately calls her SIPs, all contributed to shaping who she is today. “I’ve been blessed with strong, loving women in my family and my circle who have poured into me in different seasons,” she explains.

By the end of our conversation, it’s clear that Smith’s life is so much more than jewelry. She’s living proof that your greater years can be the most peaceful, joyful, and flourishing chapter of your life.