Nehita Jewelry Founder Princess Monalisa Okojie is known throughout the Hollywood and Beverly Hills community as the “Jewelry Designer to the Stars. Although she comes from a privileged background, she believes it is important to help those less fortunate. Princess Monalisa navigates comfortably in the world of high fashion couture and the Hollywood elite and often enlist their support with the charities she is involved in.
Princess Monalisa shares her passion and love of fine gems and her motivation for inspiring women to reach their personal and business goals.
She was born an Ishan Princess from Eguare, Irrua in Edo State, Nigeria and was brought up in Lagos, Nigeria. Princess Monalisa attended St Mary’s private school and Federal Government Girls College Calabar before receiving a law degree from the University of Ekpoma in Nigeria.
Although she had the credentials to become a practicing attorney, no one in her family was surprised when she chose a career outside of academia. She realized at an early age that her passion for fashion and jewelry would become her métier. Today she is recognized as one of the most sought-after jewelry designers in the entertainment industry.
After completing a traditional education, she decided to become an expert in designing and identifying precious stones, achieving certification from the Gemological Institute of America in California. She was not deterred by the fact that there are only a small percentage of women in the precious gem industry and an even smaller percentage of women of color gemologists.
Today, Nehita Jewelry Designs have become signature pieces and worn by such notable celebrities including Heidi Montag, Allison Kraus, Laila Ali, Halle Barry, Anthony Anderson, the late Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole as well as numerous celebrities in sports. She has traveled all over the world to find the best and most unique gemstones from conflict-free countries as well as gems that are indigenous to their continent.
An average day for Princess Monalisa starts around 6 am with gym class and Mass before heading to her downtown Los Angeles office. She sits regally behind her desk, impeccably coiffed, sharing pop culture gossip while reviewing the day’s schedule. Her office is filled with memorabilia from all over the world which includes a wall full of commendations from the Mayor of Beverly Hills, to the Consulate General of Kenya and numerous philanthropic awards.
It is quite impressive that Princess Monalisa has been able to find balance in her life as a wife, a mother of three children. Her work with charities is a family affair. As the founder of Upward African Woman (UAW) she encourages others to get involved in good works, starting with her husband and children. They actively participate in charities and are often seen with her feeding the homeless and passing out information at school health fairs in the Los Angeles area.
Through her work with UAW, Princess Monalisa puts in countless hours to help women lead sustainable lives in Ghana and Kenya. She has, in fact, been included in a number of speaking engagements and events that bring attention to the organization.
Princess Monalisa explains why charities are important. “I truly believe that successful people have a duty to give something back to society. Working on philanthropic projects has been rewarding to me and my family.” She further elaborates, “A single act of kindness has a rippling effect.” nehita.com.
