When Ardean Miller-Marbley remembers the holidays as a child, she recalls being disappointed by the lack of diversity in greeting cards, gift-wrap, holiday décor and more.
Even at a young age, the New Sarpy native knew that representation matters, especially during one of the most joyous times of the year.
“Growing up as a kid it was hard to find characters, toys and products that accurately resembled me and those that looked like me,” Miller-Marbley said. “Not only did they not resemble me, but they did not resemble the African American community and culture.
“During Christmas, the Santa that African Americans craved was nowhere to be found. Instead, we settled for what was available to us, in family photos and on gift wraps. This left a void for so many families and made Black Santa a fantasy.”
With this in mind, Miller-Marbley recently created “Ken, the Black Santa Claus,” gift wrapping paper. Ken’s image is featured on gift-wrap which is sold through her company, Mah Melanin.
“Mah Melanin aims to bring diversity and inclusion in areas that are needed, such as holiday gift wrap,” Miller-Marbley said.
The company, which sells African American gifts and products, boasts Ken’s image with his signature gold chain and matching shoes, along with other characters called the Kulture Kids.
“Mah Melanin is the brainchild of an 8-year-old Ardean. As a young child I vowed to create products that would accurately embrace the beauty of ‘melanated’ people,” Miller-Marbley said.
Mah Melanin, she said, is the result of that 8-year-old’ girl’s promise.
The gift-wrapping paper is Mah Melanin’s most-sought-after item. The company also sells apparel, notebooks, backpacks, tote bags, shower curtains, blankets, wall art and more that features Ken, the Black Santa Claus and the Kulture Kid characters.
“My all-occasion gift wrap is also one of my favorite items,” Miller-Marbley added. “It has images of beautiful African American Kids, because kids should be celebrated as well.”
The gift wrap features clear images on heavyweight paper that is 40% recyclable. Water-based ink also makes it environmentally friendly.
The availability and easy access of the company’s products and diverse gifts, especially during the holiday season, are a sense of pride and joy for customers, according to Miller-Marbley. She believes customers are happy to have choices and that Mah Melanin fills a void.
“Ken has made it very easy for different cultures to discuss diversity and cultural awareness. I have received in-boxed messages thanking me for this creation,” Miller-Marbley said. “Customers have informed me that being able to purchase this gift wrap allows their child or family member to see reflections of themselves.”
Miller-Marbley is excited about the feedback she receives from customers, including some celebrities. “Percy ‘Master P’ Miller has said that he will wrap all of his gifts in our gift wrap and asked everyone to do the same,” Miller-Marbly said. “Actress Denise Boutte has also said the same. I was also featured on ‘Master P. Reviews’ and I received recognition from actresses Calah and Rose Lane, who recorded a video review stating that they love the notebooks that we sell.”
New designs will be released soon along with Santa Sacks, Miller-Marbley said. “If you want them, I suggest that you get them early, we will only be producing 300 this year. The sacks are really strong, and you can wash them and use them year after year.”
Mah Melanin wrapping paper can be found on LOWES.com and Walmart.com. Miller-Marbley also pitched her products on QVC and HSN shopping channels as part of its product search program, The Big Find, which seeks to discover entrepreneurs with unique products.
For a complete listing of Mah Melanin products visit the website at www.mahmelanin.com. Wholesale purchases are also available. To place an order email sales@mahmelanin.com.
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