R&B singer Mary J. Blige is taking on another business venture and collaborating with her longtime friend Simone I. Smith on “Sister Love” jewelry collection.
Blige and Smith, the wife of rapper LL Cool J., announced the line during the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 6 and premiered their “Queen Hoop Earrings” priced at $199, according to the singer’s website.
The singer said the jewelry collection represents support and empowerment. She explained that she and Smith helped each other through some hard times and it was important for them to stress this message to their audience.
“We are working together with this collaboration to celebrate our friendship and successes and empower others from our strength of supporting each other,” Blige said in a press release.
She continued, “What made me want to work with Simone is she had already created an amazingly successful jewelry line and all the pieces are things that I love, and she also has an amazing fashion sense… I wanted to add to that by sharing some of my fashion sense with her and creating some things I dream about and I know other women are dreaming about.”
Smith started her own jewelry line named “SIS” in 2011 after she underwent a hard battle with stage three bone cancer. Blige said “it’s an exhilarating and proud feeling” to be able to partner with her friend.
“As women working together, it’s important to be able to adjust each other’s crowns, instead of tearing each other down,” the singer added. ”
Blige recently divorced her estranged husband of 12 years Kendu Isaacs, who she accused of cheating on her and being a “con” artist.
Nevertheless, the divorce isn’t holding the Grammy award-winning artist back and she announced on Thursday in an Instagram post that’s she’s been working on new music.
“I’ve been in the studio working on new music and was excited to share a little bit with you all. I had a year of so many ups and downs and have come out the other side with a renewed spirit and a fresh perspective. I’m entering my next chapter with an open mind and heart,” she said.
