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

Jae, 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
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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 “JAE” MERCHANT

Jae became the illustrator of Black Paper Party because of her passion for diverse representation through visual storytelling and digital media. Originally from the US Virgin Islands, Jae earned her BFA from 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.  Jae also volunteers at Havenwood, a 2-year program designed to help single mothers overcome the obstacles that lead to homelessness while providing transitional housing for their families as they prepare for economic self-sufficiency and permanent housing.  

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