Rapper Rapsody and jewelry designer Simone I. Smith collaborate on a jewelry line that honors the beauty and strength of Black women.

Exciting news for all jewelry lovers! Simone I. Smith Jewelry is launching a brand new collection this summer, inspired by the upcoming album of Grammy Award-winning rapper Rapsody.

Titled "God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops," this collection is set to drop in August. But wait, there's more! You can now pre-order the stunning Raveen Hoops, designed in 18K yellow gold plating and available in two sizes.

These statement hoops are a celebration of Black beauty, featuring symbolic design elements such as an Afro pick and a woman's silhouette. The name itself pays tribute to the Black-owned haircare brand Raveen, known for its advocacy of natural hair during the Afro era. In a statement, Smith shared her excitement about collaborating with Rapsody, who is not only a phenomenal artist but also a dear friend.

She expressed her admiration for Rapsody's style, energy, spirit, and authenticity. According to Smith, the Raveen Hoops represent a celebration of culture, sisterhood, and the beauty of embracing our true selves. Rapsody also shared her thoughts about the collaboration, stating that creating the Raveen Hoops with Simone feels like the perfect physical expression of her upcoming album.

She explained that the hoop represents an heirloom, the Afro pick represents language, and the woman's silhouette represents the divinity, beauty, and power of Black womanhood. For those who are not familiar with Simone I. Smith Jewelry, the brand was co-founded by Smith in 2011 after she was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

It all started with a signature lollipop pendant, and since then, the brand has expanded to include hoop earrings, bangles, necklaces, and even a men's jewelry collection. But what sets this brand apart is its commitment to giving back. Through their partnership with the American Cancer Society, a portion of the proceeds from every sale goes towards the fight against cancer.

In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Smith shared her insights on the new collection and the power of partnering with other Black women. When asked about the key to running a successful brand for 15 years, she credited God for being at the center of everything. She also emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself, creating timeless pieces, and never compromising on quality or purpose.

Smith has collaborated with various artists over the years, such as Sergio Hudson and Mary J. Blige. When asked about what makes a successful partnership, she emphasized the importance of trust, respect, and shared values.

According to Smith, when everyone brings their authentic creativity to the table, magic happens. Her "Sister Love" jewelry collection with Blige and her new collaboration with Rapsody both revolve around the theme of sisterhood and the power of Black women. When asked about the importance of women working together in business, Smith highlighted the fact that when women support each other, everyone wins.

She encouraged women to collaborate instead of competing, as it creates opportunities that are bigger than any one of us. Smith also has a line with her daughter, Samaria Leah. When asked about working with family, she advised to respect each other's strengths, communicate honestly, and always prioritize the relationship over the business.

Lastly, Smith shared her hopes for the next generation of women in entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of understanding the marketplace and filling a void with one's business. She also encouraged women to surround themselves with a passionate team, stay authentic, work hard, be patient, be consistent, and remember that their reputation is one of their greatest assets.

In addition to her successful jewelry business, Smith also values sisterhood and celebrates it every year through her 'Sismas' tradition. This tradition honors the importance of sisterhood and reinforces the message that when women come together, they are powerful beyond measure. With the launch of the new collection and her inspiring words, Smith continues to be a role model for women in business.