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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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Artisan Jennifer Taylor, 36, has been designing jewelry since 2008. The “i am ME!” necklace was inspired by a scripture found in Song of Solomon 4:7: “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” Taylor says the necklace symbolizes self-love and self-acceptance. Each component has a special meaning.

“The title ‘i am ME!’ represents the fact you are unique, and there will only ever be one you. The size of the circle is symbolic to your individuality and the differences that make you unique. The imperfect shape of the circle is to remind you not to compare your differences with others. … We all make mistakes, and the mistakes are all part of your personal journey,” Taylor says.

The circle, made of pure silver, holds the most significance. “We’re all formed by a pure existence: God’s love. And he considers each of us a masterpiece,” Taylor says.

Taylor is a 1992 graduate of Madison Central High School and will receive degrees in business from Holmes Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi in May. She lives in Madison with her two children. She teaches classes at the Mississippi Craft Center and also hosts jewelry-making parties.

For information, visit her website at http://www.jewelrybyjennifertaylor.com, or email [e-mail missing].

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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.