450: How Black Paper Party Turned a Pandemic Passion Into a Multi-Retail Success

450: How Black Paper Party Turned a Pandemic Passion Into a Multi-Retail Success

Author: Startup Junkie May 4, 2026 Duration: 29:25

Summary

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea born from a desire to spread joy can transform into a thriving business that redefines representation during the holidays? The latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast offers a powerful glimpse into the origin and phenomenal growth of Black Paper Party, the vibrant Black-owned brand shaking up the seasonal décor industry.


Hosts Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele sit down with the dynamic founders of Black Paper Party—Jasmine Hudson, Madia Willis, and J’Aaron Merchant—to uncover the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs behind their journey. As Jasmine recounts, the beginnings were humble: an aspiration to create joy and belonging amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, combining creativity and community at its core. Their first designs, launched through print-on-demand, quickly gained traction, paving the way for exponential growth and millions of products sold in stores like Walmart, Target, and more.


The episode takes listeners through the unique strengths each founder contributes—Madia’s design and sourcing expertise, J’Aaron’s illustration talent rooted in children’s media, and Jasmine’s mastery of merchandising and operations. The team shares the reality of bootstrapping, scaling rapidly, and holding true to their mission of authentic representation and joy, even as their products land on shelves nationwide.


For anyone curious about what it really takes to break into major retail with a purpose-driven brand, or how collaboration and authenticity can power success, this episode is an inspiring look behind the wrapping paper. Tune in today!


Show Notes

(00:00) Starting a Project During Quarantine

(05:59) Professional Background and Diversity Work

(08:46) Career Journey from College to Walmart

(11:26) Securing and Managing Licensing Deals

(14:55) Focusing on Customer Feedback and Values

(16:39) Startup Challenges and Supply Issues

(22:17) Expanding Brand and Holiday Strategy

(26:58) Embracing Curiosity and Asking Questions

(28:56) Closing Thoughts


Links

Daniel Koonce

Ty Steele

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Jasmine Hudson

Madia Willis

J’Aaron Merchant

Black Paper Party

Sponsored by Bank of America


Hosted by Jeff Amerine and the practical minds at Startup Junkie Consulting, The Startup Junkies Podcast digs into the real work of building a company. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct conversation on the stages every founder faces. You'll hear discussions on moving from a raw idea to a proven concept, the intricacies of strategic planning, and the daily grind of scaling operations. Episodes tackle leadership under pressure, effective marketing without a massive budget, and even the long-game considerations of exit strategies. The core of the podcast is built on conversations with those who have been in the trenches-seasoned business owners, resilient entrepreneurs, and specialists who offer actionable advice. The focus is consistently on tangible value, providing insights that can be applied directly to your own challenges. Tune in for a grounded perspective that aims to help you navigate each critical decision, pushing your venture forward one practical step at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who prefers honest talk about business growth over empty inspiration.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Startup Junkies Podcast
Podcast Episodes
452: Building a Culture of Fun and Community with Arkansas Track Club [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:19
SummaryWhat does it take to build a thriving running community from scratch—and keep it going year after year? In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Daniel Koonce, Ty Steele, and their guests dig into the passi…
449: How CeCe Marie Turned Hard Times Into a Dance Revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
SummaryIn this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, CeCe Marie, dancer, choreographer, and founder of The Vibe, joins Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele to share her inspiring journey of resilien…
446: Why NWA Is the Best Place for Entrepreneurs with Randy Wilburn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:22
SummaryOn this insightful episode of Startup Junkies, the team sits down with Randy Wilburn, director of communications and marketing at the Fayetteville Public Library and founder/host of the I Am Northwest Arkansas pod…
445: The Untold Challenges of Rapid Growth with Thomas Healy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:41
SummaryIn this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, hosts Caleb Talley and Grant Boston sit down with Thomas Healy, founder of Hyliion, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative path his company…
444: How a Failed Entertainment Venture Shaped a Real Estate Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:17
SummaryIn the latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, hosts Daniel Koonce and Grant Boston sit down with real estate mogul Ari Rastegar, founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, to discuss entrepreneurship, investing,…
442: The Power of Persistent Capital: Lessons for Rural Economies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
SummaryThe latest episode of the Startup Junkies podcast shines a spotlight on the enduring legacy and forward-thinking strategies of ACC Capital (formerly Arkansas Capital Corporation). Host Caleb Talley, joined by Jeff…