My husband is LL Cool J. Starting a jewelry business gave me a purpose that's all mine.

Simone I.

Smith is married to LL Cool J.

Amy Sussman/WireImage for SIS International Simone I.

Smith shares four children and four grandkids with the rapper.

She started a jewelry business to foster her passion for design.

She learned about entrepreneurship and marriage from her grandparents, she says.

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.