Aya Paper Co. delivers a refreshing take on sustainable stationery and gifts
The greatest gift of all
Beautiful. Personal. Sustainable. That’s right one company is proving that products made sustainable don’t have to be boring, generic, or bland!
Aya Paper Co. is delivering stylish sustainable cards, tote bags and journals just in time for the holidays.
Aya Paper Co. is a sustainable stationery and gift company founded in 2019. All products at Aya Paper Co. are made with responsibly sourced materials, produced using renewable energy, and sent to you in low waste packaging.
The brand knows how hard it is to find products that fit your eco-friendly lifestyle. In a world where companies are now green-washing their marketing to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, Aya Paper Co. is committed to providing transparency, information, and sustainably sourced, budget friendly products that you can feel good about purchasing and trust that their products will warm the hearts of all your loved ones!
“We create paper goods and gifts that resonate with all people especially women of color while encouraging them to be conscious buyers and make a positive impact on the earth.”
Young, talented, & uniquely gifted
Who is the creator of this unique and brilliant company?
Newark native, SaVonne Anderson is a designer, lifestyle blogger, and founder of Aya Paper Co. She created Aya Paper Co. to make it easier for people to purchase paper goods and gifts that don’t leave a negative impact on the earth.
Aya Paper Co. is at the intersection of her expertise in writing, design, and sustainability. She decided to bring all of these things together to make a positive impact on women like herself and the world.
SaVonne believes that goods produced sustainably don’t have to be boring, generic, or bland and Aya Paper Co. is proving this one product at a time.
We caught up with SaVonne to discuss her business Aya Paper Co., her journey as an entrepreneur and much more!
What inspired your passion?
I always found myself at an intersection between being a writer and a designer. In college, I was a contributor to multiple digital platforms and even published a book, but my interdisciplinary major allowed me to explore digital design as well. After graduating from Fordham, I continued refining my two passions. I have been a designer at an art museum, freelance, brand strategist, blogger, and more. Aya Paper Co. has allowed me to combine my many interests and skill sets.
What inspired you to leave your 9-5 and pursue your business full-time?
My last day at my 9-5 was February 13th of this year, 2020. One of the deciding factors in stepping away from my day job was the performance at pop-up shops. The brand was growing and fast. It was honestly a leap of faith but it I knew the time was right.
“Our greeting cards, stationery, and gifts reflect your life, style, and values without making a negative impact on the earth.”
What challenges have you come across that you didn’t expect?
Starting was the biggest challenge. When venturing into entrepreneurship you literally start from nothing. I had design experience but I had literally no experience in the stationery industry. Turning my idea into a business required lots of hard work, capital, determination and time. There was no blueprint for success laid out for me. But everyone’s experience is different anyway so it’s nice to be able to forge my own path.
What does your product have in common with Newark?
I am Newark born and raised so I feel like everything about this city has shaped my sense of community, creativity, and success.From the community I grew up in full of small business owners and street art, to seeing the impact of environmental injustice in the recent water crisis, Newark is always on my mind. I hope that through my business, I can build awareness in Newark (and other cities like it) about climate change, and empower folks to create more solutions for us, by us.
What do you think about Makerhoods?
Newark is filled with so many talented people who have innovative business ideas and great work ethic. However, everyone doesn’t have access to the money, guidance, and resources that it takes to run a successful business. I think it’s great that Makerhoods is creating a community where people can share ideas, build skills, network and flourish together. What I’m most excited about is the opportunity for these same business owners in Newark to have affordable rate apartments and commercial spaces in our city.
What are your business goals for 2020?
2020 will be a huge year for Aya Paper Co. I already have a few goals for my business…
Build a team. I have been carrying most of the business on my own, but in order to scale I know it requires more support
Secure a private office space for myself and the team I’ll build.
Grow our stockist list so that folks can get our products more conveniently.
What advice would you tell any self-starting entrepreneur?
To all self-starting entrepreneurs, “if the dream doesn’t scare you, it isn’t big enough!” If you have the vision, all that’s left is to do the work.
Anthony Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
After graduating college and returning back to my hometown of Newark, NJ I became a member of the Newark Makerhoods team. This transformative experience put me in touch with many local entrepreneurs who are all in different business stages, ranging from established to upstart. Newark is a thriving city for talented creators. I'm here to share their stories and launch their business to the everyday public’s eye.