“I Am” is Mervina’s bold manifesto of empowerment, identity and legacy.
The world has witnessed the rise of several high-performing and highly driven founders and professionals across sectors. However, a few rare gems among them shine brighter than others, for they thrive off of their passion, resilience, tenacity and a strong purpose to transform their chosen niches positively. Among them, one name that has been making quite a positive noise is Mervina Nyampulu, the brain and heart behind “I Am” and the luxury label Bella Luxury.
The world constantly tries to define who we should be. Mervina, on the other hand, found clarity in two simple but powerful words, “I Am.” Her words are both a declaration and defiance, which became the heart of her brand, mission and global movement. Through the lens of fashion, storytelling and unapologetic self-expression, she isn’t just designing clothes, but also designing identity. Sitting at the forefront of I Am and the luxury label Bella Luxury, Mervina has led a creative and cultural revolution. Her brand has gone beyond fabric and fashion and propelled forward as a platform for those who have long felt unseen to take centre stage and confidently say, “This is who I am.”
Speaking about her journey, Mervina recalls how, in the beginning, she reached out to many people hoping to find partners for I Am, but in the end, it all came down to just her. That moment, she says, was powerful as it validated the dream and pushed her to see how far she could take it on her own. She still wasn’t alone as she had the unwavering support of good friends, especially her school friends, who helped her shape the concept in its early stages. Today, her sister stands strong beside her as her business partner, making the journey even more meaningful.
Mervina highlights that her journey thus far has been transformative, one which is rooted in creativity and self-expression. She has been featured on top media outlets of the world like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Thailand Fashion Week, and the UAE Times, bringing global attention to I Am. She says these platforms have allowed the message behind I Am, centred on identity, empowerment, and authenticity, to reach a diverse international audience, reinforcing the impact and relevance of the movement across cultures and communities.
Today, Mervina Nyampulu feels inspired to leave the world better with all she does to make a lasting mark and a meaningful impact in the universe. She feels driven to create something that uplifts others, sparks change and encourages people to embrace their truth. For her, it has never been just about success, but most importantly about purpose, legacy and using her voice and vision to inspire transformation on a global scale. One unique quality she believes has helped her stand apart from the rest is how she sees the world. She doesn’t believe in following trends, but creates and influences them. Her momentum and success with I Am and her luxury label showcase her commitment to her vision and how true she has stayed to it. As an African woman claiming space on a global platform, she has come a long way and still believes there is much to do in her journey.
She emphasizes that at its core, I Am is a reminder of inherent worth. In a world filled with pressures, filters and predefined roles, the act of saying “I Am” is revolutionary. I Am allows people to exist fully, boldly and without apology. The vision of I Am is to empower people to embrace their identity, stand in their truth and own their journey. Speaking of its mission, Mervina Nyampulu concludes that it is about building a worldwide movement, leading people to gain the confidence to say “I Am enough.”
