Black-Owned NWA

Black-Owned NWA, a business resource guide on Instagram and Facebook, has been highlighting Black businesses throughout Northwest Arkansas for a couple of years now, with the page’s following steadily climbing.

Run by J’Aron “Jae” Merchant and Jazmine “Jazzy” Hudson, the pages are dedicated to highlighting Black business growth in the region.

“A lot of new businesses have been popping up in NWA, which we’ve been really excited about,” Hudson said. “I would say the No. 1 area of growth we’ve noticed over the past year would be in mental health. Getting more Black mental health providers in this area is particularly important for the Black diaspora because it means that people understand the plight we have and the culture we share.”

In addition to running the social media pages that highlight the new and growing Black-owned businesses, Merchant and Hudson have also collaborated with several local entities in the region together for expos. On Feb. 25, Black-Owned NWA will be hosting its annual Black History Month Business Expo at the Fayetteville Town Center.

“Our first expo of the year is in recognition of Black History Month,” Hudson said. “This event is for everyone, so we hope to see lots of people supporting and celebrating Black businesses.”

The duo will also be hosting its annual Black Business Month Business Expo in August and may plan a small event for Juneteenth this summer.

“The business expos in this region are so important because it’s been pro jected that Black citizens will have a median wealth of zero, as a community, by 2053, and we really want to change that trajectory. We are doing our part in our little corner of the country to improve that number,” Hudson said, attributing the number to The Road to Zero Wealth Report.

Merchant and Hudson, in partnership with Madia Willis, have continued to grow their own business together. Black Paper Party rose to the public eye in December 2021, when it was featured on “The Today Show,” and many ce lebrities, including Issa Ray, began championing the brand for its inclusivity. With Willis as CEO, Merchant serving as chief product designer and Hudson as chief merchant, the business is now not only a Christmas decor and wrapping pa per company, but a staple for Black families preparing for any holiday or celebration.

“We have released our new Valentine’s Day collection, and we are currently working on our Easter designs,” Hudson said, noting the brand is likely to to expand into birthday decorations soon.

Willis, Hudson and Merchant all met in Arkansas, and though none of them were raised in NWA, Hudson credits the area for bringing them together.

“NWA is a place with overwhelming community support. I’ve met people from all walks of life in all corners of the world, and NWA has really special people, all who are very willing to help and welcome you into the community,” Hudson said.