MY STORY

Madia Willis is a Liberian-American designer and entrepreneur with a passion for creating beautiful, inclusive products that resonate with people. Originally from Hyattsville, MD, Madia’s journey into fashion and textiles began at Columbia University, where she earned her BA. A study abroad experience in Ghana sparked her love for textiles, leading her to launch her first clothing line, Biribelle.

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To deepen her expertise, Madia studied textile design at Central St. Martins in London, Drexel University, and Philadelphia University. She kicked off her career at Target, working on Ready-to-Wear and Accessories as a textile designer. She then moved to Walmart, where she helped launch a $1 billion children’s brand and managed licensed products for girls—a role that honed her skills in product development and sourcing.

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Madia’s knack for spotting trends and bringing products to life took her to Five Below, where she served as Senior Product Development Manager, shaping home, stationery, and seasonal product lines and creating trend for the store. Today, as the co-founder and CEO of Black Paper Party, Madia is all about making the holidays more inclusive and joyful. You can find Black Paper Party’s products in major retailers like Target, Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Macy's.

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Her work has earned Black Paper Party two Licensing Excellence Award nominations for best brand, and Madia herself has been celebrated as a “Change Maker” by License Global, a SHE-EO Business Disruptor by Ebony Magazine, and even landed a deal on Shark Tank. She also took home the win at the inaugural Macy’s Workshop pitch competition.

When she’s not creating products that fly off the shelves, Madia loves to travel, play and coach volleyball, and connect with others who share her passion for design and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a brand looking to make waves or just starting out, Madia’s experience and energy make her the perfect partner to help you achieve success.