Renea Boles, founder of Rosemary Renea, started a search for a “cute bookmark” that turned into a beautifully crafted business rooted in identity, creativity, and resilience. Located in Philadelphia, Rosemary Renea designs high-end bookmarks and stationery items specifically for women of color who enjoy reading, journaling, and collecting beautiful things that reflect their identity.
“I’ve always wanted to see myself in every part of my life, and reading was no different… down to the bookmark,” Renea shares. That desire became her mission: to celebrate diversity and inspire creativity through products that reflect the rich cultural identities of Black women and girls.
Her bookmarks move beyond the task of placeholders; they are personal declarations of identity, crafted with intention and love. Her journey has faced its share of challenges. Renea scaled her business while undergoing chemotherapy, a testament to her passion and perseverance. That experience taught her two things: to listen to her body and to grow at her own pace.
In 2024, she was awarded Best in Home, Beauty, and Gift at Magic New York, a pivotal moment that elevated her brand’s visibility and affirmed her purpose. Looking ahead, Renea is expanding her line and working toward a physical storefront. She plans for the storefront to serve as a vibrant community space for diverse makers and a safe haven for Black women entrepreneurs.
Her advice to Black women business owners: “Scale at your own pace. Focus on quality over quantity. And always move in ways that feel right for you.”
Learn more about the full collection at rosemaryrenea.com and follow the journey of a woman creating space for us to see ourselves, beautifully.
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Aya Paper Co. is bringing a fresh, authentic voice to the stationery world, creating space for designs that reflect the beauty and diversity of real life. Founded by SaVonne Anderson in 2019, this Black Woman Owned brand fills a long-overlooked gap with modern, heartfelt, and culturally relevant cards and gifts — all designed by Black women artists and produced sustainably in NYC using recycled paper. The company also gives back, making charitable donations to local organizations each year.
Launching Aya wasn’t just about securing a spot for myself in the business world; it was about creating a space where my talents and dreams could flourish. In just five years, Aya Paper Co. has taken the industry by storm, with products sold in Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Whole Foods, and most recently a seasonal Gift Bar that opened at Columbus Circle in NYC. The brand’s success has earned SaVonne recognition from Forbes, Black Enterprise, and Refinery29, as well as the prestigious Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship in 2024.
But beyond the accolades, SaVonne’s journey is rooted in a quest for financial freedom, personal fulfillment, and building generational wealth. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs? “Ask for what you need. There are so many people who want to support your business — but you have to take the first step.” Explore Aya Paper Co.’s full collection of greeting cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts at ayapaper.co.
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UpLift Planner offers weekly planners that are focused on wellness and self-care while decreasing the sense of being overwhelmed. They use tools like affirmations, quotes, adult coloring, and worksheets to achieve these goals.
Outlined is a small stationery brand based in North Metro Atlanta, GA. They create vegan leather planners, office essentials, and accessories that offer the perfect blend of style and function.
Adaeze & Co. is a paper stationery and goods brand that celebrates Black womanhood and culture through beautifully illustrated products. They provide everything from high-quality stickers, greeting cards, notepads, art prints and journals that uplift and inspire.
