Ni Pears
“Girl just enjoy life and take on all experiences, because you want to be able to tell a story about them later in life.”
Naimah "Ni" is someone who does it all - without any hesitation. She is an entrepreneur with a vibrant energy and a remarkable drive. This is evident in her two decades of service as a law enforcement officer, alongside her role as a business leader. Through her company Red Lips and Cigars Sticks, LLC, Ni has established a community for those, who like her, have a particular passion for cigar culture, fashion and beauty. She is all about fighting for your goals, grasping every opportunity, and doing it all with a fabulous outfit on and a cigar in hand. Meet Ni. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
N: Hello, I am Naimah Pears, but I go by Ni. I live in Charlotte, NC. I am originally from Newark, NJ, but I grew up in a small town called Jackson, Michigan. I’ve been living in Charlotte for 22 years. It’s a great city that’s growing and developing so beautifully. Charlotte really does have a lot from dining and entertainment, to the arts, to fashion and culture, just so much is here.
I work for the City of Charlotte, which I’ve been with the City for 21 years working in law enforcement. In addition to my current employment, I am a small business owner. I am the owner of Red Lips and Cigar Sticks, LLC. Red Lips and Cigar Sticks, LLC is a unique boutique and full-service E-commerce company, where the Cigar Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion is celebrated. Our lifestyle digital magazine blog covers fashion, beauty, entertainment, and the cigar culture. First article published in 2018. Our target audience is cigar enthusiasts and fashionistas. In addition to our passion for fashion and blogging, we also offer Personal and Virtual Styling Services and Business and Branding Coaching.
I have a physical location in Matthews, NC, where customers can come for direct appointments to see our latest fashion items, as well as talk business, and/or purchase a cigar. I’ve been a female cigar smoker for over 10 years and from there, I’ve created this brand/business that started off as blogging about the cigar culture, which it has now turned into a full-service business.
You can visit my website to learn more about me and my business.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words
N: I am a very energetic person that’s full of drive and I like to have a lot of fun, as well as challenge myself. I get bored easy, so I must keep a routine and remain very active. I like to learn and explore. I would say that I am a Type A personality, as well as very organized person. Overall, I am very forward and direct person. I’m bubbly and friendly, approachable, but assertive.
P: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
N: The most favorite thing about myself is my confidence and willingness to go against that odds and just do it. I don’t consume myself with the opinions of others. I just dance and move to my own beat. I’m a fair person and believe myself. I believe that no one can do it like you do, so just do it!
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
N: Each day of living and going through life makes you stronger. What doesn’t kill you, will make you strong. I overcome challenges and obstacles with each day, and not giving up is the biggest motivator.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
N: Girl just enjoy life and take on all experiences, because you want to be able to tell a story about them later in life.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
N: Being a women means that you are capable of going the distance and you will get it done properly, perfectly, and not stop to take a minute for yourself, because you’re so busy multitasking, being courageous, strong, dignified, caring, loving, considerate, and an overachiever.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
N: I am inspired by so many women, it is very hard to pick just one, but if would could reflect on my mother. I would tell her to not give up on herself and learn how to love herself unconditionally.