She put a ring on it. Mona Assemi is the founder of an eponymous jewelry brand adding some glitz to the glam of A-listers like Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and did we mention Beyoncé?

We called the Maryland native to learn why she went from banks to bracelets, how she became a regular on Queen Bey’s shopping list, and when’s the right time to just go for it. (Spoiler alert: It’s now.)

How did you get into jewelry design?
It started in D.C. I had just left Morgan Stanley. I was doing that [job] because I wanted my dad to be proud of me, but I was like, “I don’t think this is for me.” When I left, I started doing personal shopping for the top 2% of clientele in this chain of boutiques, so it was a lot of ambassadors’ wives and luminaries. I started making jewelry for these clients; I’d give them a little gift for their birthday, graduation, or whatever it might’ve been. Then I ran into a woman who was endlessly chic, and she was wearing my necklace! It was this layered chain [that] was not well made. I felt like my piece was ruining her whole ensemble, but she loved it. She said, “I’ve gotten so many compliments on this piece!” and it gave me the confidence to do more.

How did you officially start the business?
I put it all on my credit card, which had a limit of $25k. It was wild and so irresponsible, but it happened. I also started putting jewelry in the stores I was [working] at and it all sold out. I was like, “I cannot believe people are buying this.” I started hiring people to [help] make jewelry… 1 store became 2 stores, and 10 stores, and 20, and then more and more.

Did you freak out when you heard Beyoncé was wearing one of your pieces?
Oh my God, I cried. The most important person was this guy named James Carroll. We hit it off from day 1 when we met at Henri Bendel, where he had pulled some pieces from me. Now he’s styling Beyoncé and Kendall Jenner. We remained friends all this time. He was texting me when Black is King had just come out, and I wasn’t sure if she was going to wear it because you never know what gets edited out. When I saw it, I called my mom crying. It was a really pivotal moment for me.

How so?
[It’s] given me this validation I didn’t have before. Creatives are always questioning their work. We’re always so nervous about it and [wondering], “Is it good?” So it definitely took me to another level. People took notice of the brand, and it elevated in a way I had never felt before.

What goes through your head when designing a new piece or collection?
I have a lot of thoughts here and there. For some reason, at night, I get a lot of visions and ideas, so I keep my sketch pad next to my bed and jot them down. After that, I figure out what materials I need to use to make whatever’s in my head. Then it takes months to create something tangible.

How should we style statement earrings?
If you’re going to wear any kind of statement jewelry, your outfit should be a little tamed down, maybe all monochromatic. [That way,] you’re able to show off the standoff piece and wear more jewelry, too.

What would you tell women hesitant to go for their dream job?
Women tend to want the perfect scenario to start something new, and you really don’t need that. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have enough time or money or whatever it might be. As long as you start and are able to build your own little baby, do it, even if it’s just a side hustle. And don’t be such a perfectionist! You’re doing your best. That’s really all you can do in life.