HELL YES ... There's A Black Owned Stationary Brand Using Renewable Energy and Non-Toxic, Chlorine-Free Paper ... And Of Course Low Waste Packaging

We have been looking for a MelaninASS stationary brand for quite some time and we finally found the perfect brand to share. AYA Paper founded by SaVonne Anderson spearheaded a brand new sustainable stationery and gift company. Aya are made with responsibly sourced materials, produced using renewable energy, and sent to customers in low waste packaging. She is the eco-friendly and Black-owned Hallmark and Mahogany we’ve been waiting for.

Check out this interview:

When and why did you start Aya Paper Co.?

I launched Aya Paper Co. in July 2019 to make it easier for people to purchase paper goods and gifts that don’t leave a negative impact on the earth. I believe that goods produced sustainably don’t have to be boring, generic, or bland and Aya is proof of that.

How do you define sustainability?

Short answer: Being good to yourself and to the earth, without sacrificing one for the other.

Long answer. I used to think of sustainability in two really distinct ways 1. Maintaining the earths’ resources or 2. Maintaining your own personal wellbeing and resources. But I have evolved to believe that true sustainable leaving is both of these things, and more! It’s about creating conditions for holistic wellness in yourself, your local community, and the global community by fostering a nurturing relationship with the earth.

Photo taken under the direction of The Nonchalance

Describe how Aya is sustainable (production, consumption, partnerships, etc)

All of Aya products are sourced with 100% recycled materials, printed using renewable energy and use non-toxic, chlorine-free paper. When creating products, I use sizes that make the most efficient use of materials with no waste--for example: 4x6 inch cards are more efficient than 5x7, hence the size of all our cards. I also aim to only produce the amount of products that will be consumed, to reduce seasonal waste. The packaging for my products is also minimal and when used, it is compostable. I often use shredded papers that I personally collect for package filler and avoid sending paper marketing materials, and instead opting for digital communications strategies.

Does being a Black woman inspire your brand? If so, how?

Definitely! When I started Aya it was out of a need to find stationery that I felt resonated with my experience as a young black woman. The Aya aesthetic is earthy colors, natural textures, the content includes illustrations of black hair and messages with Black cultural references. I try to be very authentic to the things that I like and other Black women and femmes around me like. I also believe that Black women and femmes are at the vanguard of political and social change. They are who I created Aya for, because I believe that when more of us became environmentally conscious buyers, then we influence our families and communities to also make more environmentally conscious decisions.

What do you hope for the future of the paper/stationery industry?

I hope that sustainable paper-making becomes the standard. There are so many alternative sources for paper other than trees. There is so much virgin paper material already in the world that can be recycled. Even in the cases where virgin material must be used, I hope that the processes are chlorine free with reduced carbon emissions. There is a lot of progress to be made and none of it is out of reach, and I think Aya is a great example of it being done—and being done beautifully.

As a start up entrepreneur - what is the biggest challenge? And what is the best advice you can give other start up brands in the sustainability space?

The biggest challenge is vetting my vendors, collaborators, and partners. Many companies are green-washing their marketing to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. So it is my responsibility to not be complicit in that and go the extra mile to do my own research, and then be as transparent as possible with my own customers so they don’t have to go digging for information about Aya.

I would tell any entrepreneur to lean into fear and not let it stop you. BIg dreams, innovation, and uncharted territory is scary but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Just do it scared and don’t be afraid of the work.