Introducing

Black Paper Party

Meet the dynamic trio behind the revolutionary brand that's taking the gifting industry by storm.

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Black Paper Party Owners Jae Merchant, Jasmine Hudson, and Madia Willis

The Founders

J'Aaron, Jasmine, and Madia

Who are we? We are three Black women who noticed a glaring gap in the market when it came to holiday decorations and wrapping paper that authentically represented our diverse communities. Inspired by our backgrounds in retail and illustration, we decided to take matters into our own hands and bring our vision to life.

Business Disruptors

See our feature on the series, SheEO Business Disruptors, powered by Walmart, on ⁠EBONY.com. We chat with the host, Marsai Martin, about our journey to CEO status.

Watch Now
A group of black entreprenuers sitting on and standing around a white boucle couch alongside. Include Marsai Martin, Jasmine, Jae, and Madia

Check Out Our

Press Spotlights

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MADIA WILLIS

Madia is a Liberian-American designer and entrepreneur hailing from Washington, DC.  She received her BA from Columbia and fell in love with fashion and textiles while studying abroad in Ghana, where she later returned to launch a clothing line named Biribelle.  She continued her studies of textile design at Central Sr. Martins School of Art and Design in London, Drexel University and Philadelphia University. She then worked as a textile designer at Target while also serving as the creative director of Retention Strategy informing solutions to create a diverse community in Minneapolis. She then transitioned to positions in product development and sourcing at Walmart, where she successfully launched a $1 billion children's brand and at Five Below, where she created trend and developed seasonal, home, and stationary products.

Madia Willis CEO of Black Paper Party in a white shirt with her hair styled in locs
J’Aaron “Jae” Merchant Chief Product Designer of Black Paper Party in a black and tan dress and black coat

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

J’AARON MERCHANT

J'Aaron is co-Founder and Chief Creative of Black Paper Party, She illustrates all of the wonderful characters you see within the Black Paper Party universe. J'Aaron has a background in visual development for children's books and animated media. Hailing from the beautiful US Virgin Islands, J'Aaron earned her BFA from the illustrious Savannah State University and studied animation at the Savannah College of Art & Design.  She has worked with Disney, Sesame Street, PBS Kids, creating characters and stories that reflect the modern world and brings vibrant celebrations to life through her illustrations and designs. J'Aaron is not only an imaginative illustrator but also a co-founder of Black-Owned NWA, passionately working to uplift Black voices in NW Arkansas. A Disney and Marvel trivia champion, J'Aaron's mission is to provide people worldwide with a window into themselves through her creative endeavors.

CHIEF MERCHANT

JASMINE HUDSON

Jasmine is an entrepreneurial retail professional with a track record of developing, launching and scaling major national brands and products.  Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jasmine earned her degree in e-commerce and supply chain management from Tennessee State University.  Upon graduation, she joined the team at Walmart, holding several positions in merchandising including buying and financial planning of portfolios valued at over $2.3 billion in sales annually.

Jasmine Hudson Co-Founder of Black Paper Party sitting on stairs wearing a tan hoodie dress and tan visor