As a Master educator for 17 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 jewelry. 

 

Consequently, my business, I Am Jewelry & Accessories, LLC, was born 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 an 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. I also offer statement pieces. 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.

 

Looking your best doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you purchase online, at your favorite boutique, or from me personally at a vending event, I Am Jewelry is affordable and fun. No matter the occasion--business or casual, elegant or playful--you will find the right pieces to complement and complete your look.

 

Nafeesah Lester is the owner entrepreneur of I Am Jewelry & Accessories, LLC. She credits her business success to a faith-based background coupled with believing in herself, reaching towards her goals without limits and being a blessing to others along her journey.

 

In December 2018, I AM Fashions and Accessories and Nafeesah Lester was the only African American business to be recognized in the Chase Park Plaza Concierge Magazine. Following that, in March 2019, I AM Fashions and Accessories and Nafeesah Lester are also featured sponsors in the Four Seasons Concierge Map. I AM Fashions and Accessories currently markets in two boutiques and Nafeesah is also an “On the Go Boutique”--she will personally bring your jewelry right to your doorstep.

 

Nafeesah’s entrepreneurial endeavors have been blessed with success and favor. Consequently, she chooses to share that success and give back to students in the St. Louis Public Schools by initiating a scholarship fund for alternative at risks students known as the I AM Who God Says I AM Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund was also birthed because of her love for alternative and behavior challenged students. She says, “Alternative students are often judged for their past and overlooked for their future.” Nafeesah’s passion is to help them be successful.

 

The applicant qualifications and requirements for the I Am Who God Says I AM Scholarship are the following:

-Must be an alternative student, meaning he/she has received a Type one suspension and put out of school for breaking the School District’s rules

-Express an interest in entrepreneurship and display a committed goal to become an entrepreneur

-Student applicants must write a five paragraph essay on their life and why they have decided to change for the better (minimum _____ words)

-Student applicants must obtain letters from each teacher that he/she interacts with at the time of the application

-Apply and attend a University/Community College (Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the school)

 

Through this scholarship fund, it is Nafeesah’s 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.

 

For more information on the I Am Who God Says I Am Scholarship Fund and an application, click on contact page and send us a message!

 

Winner of the I AM Who God Says I AM 2019 Scholarship