Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Young.
Ariel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Copper and Brass Paper Goods started in 2017 with the idea to create something fun but also to introduce a family tradition. My mother has always been a master gift wrapper and enjoyed creating beautiful packages. I share this love of gifting and believe, “Presentation is everything.” This is where the idea for designing and manufacturing my own wrapping paper featuring Black Santa originated.
Not only do I believe in sharing pretty little details through the art of gift wrapping but I also believe in the power of positive representation. Children who see themselves portrayed and represented in different forms of media and print tend to have high self-esteem and they are more confident. As a mother, it is extremely important for me to foster positive representation for my own child and other children as well.
Copper and Brass Paper Goods officially launched in October 2018. In its beginnings, Copper and Brass Paper Goods offered Black Santa wrapping paper, gift bags, and trimmings; however, as my vision expanded, so did the line of products. Now the line of products includes even more Afrocentric greeting cards, notebooks, office supplies and other fun items that promote positive representation in the African American community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth per se but I’m versatile. I adapt to change fairly well and I have a great support system. Initially, the company was geared towards providing seasonal products; however, I soon realized there was a market for those things I felt were missing in the paper goods and stationery market. There were only a handful of companies producing stationery products geared entirely towards representing the black community. Challenge tends to motivate me. I threw myself into conducting market research, finding vendors, ordering countless samples and setting monthly weekly and daily goals. It’s the daily grinding and grit that makes the difference. If you’re truly determined, you can accomplish anything.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Copper and Brass Paper Goods – what should we know?
Copper and Brass Paper Goods is a paper goods company that focuses on producing quality products featuring affirming images of black people. Our products feature bright colors, they often motivate the goal-getter in all of us and they are downright fun to use. I love when people tag us in pictures showing how they are using the products or gifting them to others. This makes me happy and makes me the proudest.
As far as my role in the company, I am the mind behind the designs. I develop the themes and ideas; however, I outsource graphic design work. I’m the CEO, customer service representative, courier, stock person, order puller and custodial staff. I wear many hats and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It brings me great joy to say I’ve been involved in every aspect of the growth of the company.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The characteristic that has served me well has to be my desire to learn. Anything I commit to – I want to do it well. In fact, I want to do it so well that I carve out time to study and learn all about that topic. I’ve learned so much throughout this entrepreneurial journey from photography, customer service skills, the art of negotiation, money management skills and definitely all about paper quality and design.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.copperandbrass.net
- Email: sales@copperandbrass.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copperandbrasspapergoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopperAndBrassPaperGoods/
Image Credit:
Professional Photo: Exodus Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
