Today we’d like to introduce you to Nafeesah Lester
Hi Nafeesah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Master educator for 24 years with St. Louis Public Schools, my role has consisted of being engaged and interactive with many children. Through this role, it has helped me understand and realize my purpose in life. I have been chosen by God to educate and empower women and children in who they are by building up their self-esteem and diminishing their self-failures.
I am a strong advocate of sisterhood. Sisterhood is important among women as a means to embrace each other, build one another up, and come together in unity. I encourage this in the classroom as well. I teach children that sisterhood is the catalyst for the power to ignite goals and aspirations. Where there is unity there is strength and power! I choose to be the flame to spark the power of sisterhood through fashion! When you look good, it makes you feel good. Putting effort into self-enhancement also helps one build self-esteem and self-confidence.
Encouraging women and children that no matter their age, physical size, ethnic race or any other perceived imperfection that God has allowed, we are still fearfully and wonderfully made! Every woman must understand how amazing she is within her own element and comfort zone. I have taken on a personal mission to instill this in women and children from all walks of life. I choose to do this through prayer, showing the love of God, advocating education, fashion, and accessories!
Consequently, my business, I Am Jewelry & Accessories, LLC, was birthed in August 2016. Its humble beginnings originated from the encouragement of a new acquaintance that I should sell jewelry. Not thinking much would come of it, I placed 5 pieces of jewelry for sale on a free online site. It sold in less than 5 minutes! My business now embodies all my endeavors to motivate women to look good, feel good, do good, dress for the moment and to have fun with fashion. I emphasize to every woman that fashion is fun! Through one’s own unique fashion style, complemented by great accessories, a woman can speak volumes to those she encounters.
I Am Jewelry & Accessories exhibits my own love for fun fashions with an exotic flare. The selection varies from conservative to trendy with something for every woman at a spectrum of price points. Rhinestones, sterling silver, and pearls are among my wonderful jewelry selection. Statement necklaces help to create personality, telling the world who you are–whether it’s more casual, classy, edgy, bold or dramatic. An I Am statement necklace communicates more about the individual’s style that is being defined by you! I say to my clientele: find your individual style, but don’t be afraid to try something different. Reach outside your personal “box” by letting accessories work your fashions. In 2021 I AM Fashion launched its clothing line titled “Faith & Fashion.” This clothing line runs consist of sizes small-3x!
Nafeesah Lester’s I AM Jewelry & Accessories has been Featured in the following:
•Chase Park Plaza Concierge Magazine (the only African American business ever featured)
•Four Seasons Concierge Map
•Indigo Magazine
•Jesus is the Answer Ministry Newsletter
•Own Your Now Show
•Black Chamber of Commerce
•St. Louis American
•Kish Magazine
•Several Pod Casts
Mastercard
I AM Fashions and Accessories is currently marketed in two boutiques and before the end of 2021
“I AM Boutique On Wheels” was birthed.
My entrepreneurial endeavors have been blessed with success and favor. Consequently, I choose to share that success and give back to students, by initiating a scholarship fund for students known as I AM Who God Says I AM Scholarship Fund.
The Scholarship Fund was also birthed because of my love for alternative and behavior challenged students. “Alternative students are often judged for their past and overlooked for their future.” My passion is to help them be successful. As of today the scholarship has awarded over $20,000.00affording nine students to push towards what success looks like for them.
I AM a co-author in the book titled
Women who Pray and an author of my very own book to soon be released titled, “I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM.”
I hope that more students will strive for entrepreneurship skills and/or be motivated to push toward attending a university or college—especially among alternative at-risk students. As this is achieved, the cycle of poverty will be broken and those students will truly believe that their past does not dictate their future. They can, in fact, accomplish anything that they put their minds to. I hope that more students will strive for entrepreneurship skills and/or be motivated to push toward attending a university or college—especially among alternative at-risk students. As this is achieved, the cycle of poverty will be broken and those students will truly believe that their past does not dictate their future. They can, in fact, accomplish anything that they put their minds to.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Very Rocky! But very rewarding! To see the journey that God has entrusted me with is more than amazing! It has allowed me to build a real relationship with him learn him and understand him! Knowing that as long as I keep the faith a good heart and do good to and with people I can’t go wrong that way.
As you know, we’re big fans of I AM Fashion & Accessories Mobile Boutique . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The fun and unique thing about I AM is that I AM a mobile boutique. My boutique is on wheels and we deliver same day to customers. Am Fashion and Accessories provides a unique and convenient shopping experience. By bringing the latest trends and fashionable accessories directly to our neighborhood, they eliminate barriers that may hinder individuals from accessing stylish clothing options. This accessibility fosters a sense of empowerment and inclusivity within the community, allowing everyone to enhance their personal style and feel confident in their appearance.
Moreover, I Am Fashion and Accessories goes beyond being a mere retailer. Their annual fashion show scholarship fundraiser gives back to the community in a remarkable way. Through this event, they not only celebrate fashion but also invest in the education and future of aspiring fashion designers, models, and students passionate about post secondary plans. By providing scholarships, they offer financial support and opportunities for these individuals to pursue their dreams and contribute to their overall growth.
This fundraiser not only benefits the recipients of the scholarships but also contributes to the overall growth of our community. By nurturing local talent in the St Louis region, I Am Fashion and Accessories creates a robust fashion ecosystem. This, in turn, stimulates innovation, creativity, and economic growth within our community, positioning us as a unique and forward thinking business.
Furthermore, I Am Fashion and Accessories actively seeks collaborations with local designers and artisans. By showcasing their work and promoting their talents, they create a platform that fosters interconnectivity and collaboration within our creative community. These partnerships contribute to the growth and success of local designers, further elevating our status as a hub for fashion excellence.
Through the fashion school awards are given to different individuals who need to be pored into. These are people with disabilities, mental help issues, physical elements, ect the goal is to show them that regardless of what you have going on you are Still who God says you are!
In summary, the mobile boutique and annual fashion show scholarship fundraiser organized by I Am Fashion and Accessories are instrumental in the growth and thriving of our community. By providing accessible fashion options, nurturing local talent through scholarships, and fostering collaborations with local designers, they contribute to empowerment, education, and economic development in the St Louis region. This remarkable initiative leaves a lasting positive impact on our community, enabling it to flourish and prosper.
I take. I glory for anything dealing with this brand I’m honored to be a part and I’m honored that God allowed and entrusted me with it!
Readers should know that I AM is not your typical boutique! It’s an experience and a brand! The items that we sell are fun and fashionable the students that we select are chosen by the community and God, the book that was written helps to heal set free and deliver, the awardees that we selected are being into and reminded that they are Still who God says they are in spite of! Therefore there is nothing normal about this experience.
Any big plans?
I do plan to relaunch the Schorlarship 2025, Book #2 is in the making, and also I plan to get either a new mobile boutique or a studio boutique very soon.
Pricing:
- Pricing ranges from 10-100 dollars depending
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Iamlester.com
- Instagram: Iamfashion_and_accessories
- Facebook: I AM Fashion & Accessories
