Also, the front runner at luxury label Bella Luxury, Mervina ensures to inspire people to realize their self-worth through fashion, storytelling and culture.
It is always astonishing to see the journeys of success of all those innovators, thought leaders and founders, especially from the female brigade, who walk the talk and make things happen with what they create in their careers. These high-performing professionals never cease to amaze people with their incredible work and the inspiration they ignite within others to become their best version, in ways more than one. One of the finest examples is Mervina Nyampulu, who created “I Am” and her luxury Bella Luxury, ensuring to inspire people to realize their self-worth through fashion, storytelling and culture.
The world is surrounded by too many challenges for individuals, which often also challenge who we are and how we show up. This is when a simple yet powerful three-word phrase, “I Am,” carries immense weight, something which has helped people keep moving forward on their respective paths. At the forefront is Mervina Nyampulu, who has risen as a creative visionary and founder of what is now on its way to becoming a global movement, the brand I Am, redefining self-empowerment through storytelling, fashion and authenticity. Her outstanding work has led her to be featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Thailand Fashion Week, and the UAE Times, and she has also launched her brand in the form of I Am.
What has helped Mervina stand out is how, with immense passion and dedication, she has created and crafted a space where identity is celebrated, not questioned. Through her brand and personal journey, she has invited the world to reflect on one critical question – Who are you when you say ‘I Am’? Her path to finding I Am was no walk in the park. She started by reaching out to people, hoping to find partners who shared her vision. But when the answers didn’t come, she found herself standing alone with just a dream and the unwavering support of close friends. She shares how that moment was powerful, which validated her dream and pushed her to see how far she could take it on her own and create a unique niche for herself with I Am.
The journey was deeply personal. With clarity, passion and resilience, she turned solitude into strength. Her business partner is now her sister, who joined her hands in shaping the vision of I Am, making the mission even more profound. She began sketching I Am’s early concepts with school friends and later stood on international stages. Every step in her journey reflects courage, purpose and a commitment to being seen, fully and unapologetically. Mervina emphasizes that at the very heart of the brand, I Am goes beyond that and rises as a global affirmation. She envisions a world where people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel empowered to embrace their voice and purpose. She explains that the mission of I Am is to create a movement that celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and legacy.
Mervina Nyampulu also highlights that I Am speaks to those who feel unheard, encouraging them to step into the light and own their story. Through the power of storytelling, fashion and digital platforms, the brand builds a bridge between individual expression and collective empowerment. As an African woman, she has shown what’s possible, stepping onto global platforms. She has been showing up and, most importantly, showing what’s possible.
One of the most important factors that has helped Mervina stand out is her genuine desire to inspire and uplift others and leave the world a better place. Her joy comes from the creative process, the ability to merge culture and innovation, and speaking confidence in those who engage with I Am, where everyone is reminded of their strength, power, and worth.
