EBONY, in collaboration with Walmart, is excited to present SheEO, an ongoing series that profiles Walmart’s Black women business partners. Hosted by actress/producer/entrepreneur Marsai Martin, each episode of SheEO offers an honest conversation with an industry trailblazer. From grappling with self-doubt to scrambling for information, SheEO tells the very personal journey of what it means to be a Black woman and CEO.
Former Walmart execs Jasmine Hudson and Madia Willis as well as illustrator J'Aaron Merchant joined together to form Black Paper Party, a party goods brand that features African Americans—and celebrates our culture. The idea for the line came about after a discussion about the lack of representation for Black people during the holidays.
“There’s no representation for us as far as celebration and packaging, so we wanted to solve that problem. When you go into your local retailer you should be able to see holiday products that reflect you and your family as well,” says Merchant.
With Black people across the diaspora collectively spending 3 billion dollars a year during the holiday season, the trio saw a need in the market. "We saw the problem and we were like fine, we’ll do it,” continues Merchant.
The Black Paper Party founders knew that Black folks wanted to see products that reflected themselves and their community, whether it be mugs, holiday cards, wrapping paper or even wine glasses. They created a collection inspired by the African diaspora that serves all occasions—from birthdays and get-togethers to baby showers and weddings.
With an assortment of melanin-blessed holiday gift wrap, cards and ornaments, below are our favorite selections from Black Paper Party at walmart.com that'll add a bit flavor to any Christmas celebration.
Price: $12
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This episode of SheEO with Marsai Martin, presented by Walmart, features a candid discussion with the founders of Black Paper Party. The business partners dive into everything from their motivation to scaling their brand to what’s next. “I call this chapter the big girl pants,” says Willis. “We’re at the point where we’re having to make really big strategic decisions for the direction for the company, where we’re not just in survival mode anymore.”
