*Welcome to Lessons In Cool, a new series all about the people we’re constantly inspired by. They are tastemakers, curators of style, thought leaders, and well, just cool. *

You might recognize Nancy Haldia from the Jones Road campaign, but when she’s not in front of the camera she’s hard at work on REYA, her fine jewelry brand. The LA native’s interest in jewelry started when she was young — growing up she traveled to international trade shows for her father’s diamond company — but she only recently made it her full-time gig. With a background working in finance and economics, she combined these experiences with her love of fine jewelry and REYA was born. The collection combines precious metals with diamonds and colored stones for pieces that are exotic yet feminine. We caught up with the designer to hear more about her routines, must-have products, and how she defines cool.

Name & Occupation:

Nancy Haldia, private equity cost optimization analyst turned fine jewelry brand entrepreneur.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

I would describe myself as curious, loving, and resourceful.

First thing you do when you wake up:

The first thing I do when I wake up is go about my pretty stable morning routine. I usually drink most, if not all, of the water in my Simple Modern 28oz tumbler, stretch, take deep breaths, and slip into my cozy Ugg slippers to start my morning skincare groove in my bathroom. I wash my face with water (since I sleep pretty marinated in serums), tone, and layer several key skincare ingredients and sunscreen (always). I've also been getting pretty good at leaving my phone on my side table through all of this (anything to prolong my morning screen time).

The 5 beauty products you can’t live without:

• EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen

• Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970

• Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Mask (I use bi-weekly or so)

• Dr. Dennis Gross Facial Steamer

• Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Warm Rose

Your style uniform is:

Had to ask my boyfriend quickly — haha. I always love seeing me through what others see and then matching it up with how I dress and think it may come off. I would say that my style uniform leans on the comfy and “clean” side. Visually, I like a (really truly) good pair of jeans and I'll do more than one piece for the top. Meaning, I'll throw on a top that caters to the weather or occasion, but I'll also pair it with a statement piece like a jacket, coat, blazer, etc.

I am experimental for sure, but as long as the appearance is still together and the edges refined, I'm content. Which is funny because I love oversized streetwear and with my frame it can be overpowering, but I'll throw on tighter fitting pieces to add depth.

Must-Have Jones Road Product:

The Mascara and The Best Pencil are my go-to duo. I am at a point where I cannot see my makeup routine without these two key additions!

The Mascara is perfection, from the applicator to the consistency and the ever-lasting lifted effect on my crazy eyelashes. The Best Pencil is a godsend for the "not-so-skilled-with-eyeliner" person. I have always been subpar on my eyeliner skills, but this pencil just glides on so easy — it makes it less stressful to try new fun things!

The song you have on repeat:

Show Me by Alina Baraz, for as long as I can remember.

Recipe you’ve perfected:

I've been making this really solid frittata, but alongside that I have truly perfected a well-layered and unique hummus & guacamole mix on a Food for Life English muffin, that I toast in the oven to a golden crisp. The guacamole/avocado layer is the best because I subtly mix it with this homemade turmeric, jalapeno, lemon juice that marinates in a jar (credit to my boyfriend's mother). The kick it adds to the avocado layer with a bit of hummus and the perfect crunch of the English muffin is making me excited for 11:30am tomorrow…

Last person you texted:

Last friend I texted was Lili. She and I are bouncing ideas off on how to create a personalized yet effective gift guide for my fine jewelry brand REYA.

What does “cool” mean to you?

Cool is honest. Honesty to me is the coolest thing you can do, be, and aim for. Honesty is what ties us all to our "knowing" (as Glennon Doyle puts it) or our core or our gut as many of us know it. Honesty is the aura we all feel when we interact with one another and it truly impacts a relationship or an action when it's not present. I truly believe that the more honest we are as individuals, families, communities, and society, the cooler we are.