#EndOfAnEra: Black-Owned Stationery Brand Aya Paper Closes After Six Years

Photo via Instagram: @ayapaper.co

In August 2025, Aya Paper Co., a Black women-owned stationery brand founded by SaVonne Anderson, announced it would be closing after six years. Launched in New Jersey, the brand built a nationally recognized line of greeting cards, journals, and accessories reflecting Black experiences. Over its run, the brand designed over 200 products, reached more than 500 retail locations, and employed 20+ Black women, earning a reputation for thoughtful, culturally resonant designs.

In a farewell Instagram post, Anderson reflected on the personal and professional challenges she faced as a Black founder, writing,

“I spent countless hours working too late, stressed out, crying, and worrying: Does any of this even matter?…At the end of this journey, I can say confidently that it DID matter and I have done MORE than enough.”

Despite the struggle, she emphasized the lasting impact of her brand, saying,

I built something that made this world more Black, more beautiful, more sustainable, more loving. And that is worth all the ups and downs I had along the way.

While Aya Paper will no longer release new products, supporters can still purchase the popular Kinfolk Medication Decks  here through the brand’s publishing partner. The decks include 52 illustrated cards with prompts designed to guide daily meditation practices, focusing on three key themes: the self, the family, and the world - designed for children and caregivers alike.

Aya Paper’s closure highlights the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and celebrating their contributions. That’s why we’re building Blakawout - an ecosystem that makes it easier to consistently discover, support, and connect with Black brands.

Stay tuned as we share news, events, and updates on Black-owned businesses, and explore our platform to discover brands in NYC and online.

#EndOfAnEra is our news segment highlighting Black-owned businesses that are closing or pivoting, reflecting on their impact, legacy, and journey.