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Episode 248: Unwrapping Success: The Black Paper Party Story from Shark Tank to Cultural Celebration

About the Show:

“Walmart’s probably one of the greatest incubators for businesses.”

 – Jasmine Hudson

In this episode of “I am Northwest Arkansas,” we spotlight the innovative trio behind Black Paper Party: Jasmine Hudson, J’Aaron Merchant, and Madia Willis. While Madia couldn’t join us, her role is pivotal in their venture, which is revolutionizing holiday celebrations with a focus on cultural representation.

Jasmine and J’Aaron, who are here to share their journey, have masterfully blended artistic vision with business savvy. They’ve filled a significant gap in the market, creating products that celebrate the Black community. Their line, featuring black Santas, angels, and black children, brings joy and a sense of belonging to African-American families during the holidays.

Their dedication to elevating Black culture has led to impressive partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Macy’s. But the most exciting development for Black Paper Party is their recent feature on the 15th season of Shark Tank. There, they struck a deal with Shark Barbara Corcoran, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

This episode delves into how Jasmine, J’Aaron, and Madia’s collaborative spirit and diverse talents have built a business that not only meets a unique market need but also inspires diversity and representation in commerce. With their Shark Tank success, the future looks incredibly bright for Black Paper Party.

What you will learn in this episode:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of representation in products and how it impacts diverse audiences.
  • Discover the powerful impact of Black Paper Party’s designs on both individuals and communities.
  • Explore the benefits of autonomy and independence in your work, and how it can lead to greater creativity and success.
  • Learn the value of community engagement and local partnerships in driving the growth and impact of your product design business.
  • Uncover the motivation behind Black Paper Party’s mission and how it can inspire and inform your own entrepreneurial journey.

All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.  

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*:

Black Paper Party Website

Black Paper Party on Instagram

Black Paper Party on LinkedIn

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large.

This episode is sponsored by*:

Signature Bank of Arkansas “Community Banking at its Best!”

Northwest Arkansas Council – “Life Works Here!”

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and everyday people’s lives, making Northwest Arkansas what it is today.

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