Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Navigating Representation through Stationary Shops

For decades there has been a lack of effort to purchase from authentic black-owned businesses due to cost, bias, and discrimination, resulting in the absence of black entrepreneurship within the community. Over recent years, there has been a boom in the sticker and stationery industry due to COVID-19. However, most of the owners of these shops are predominantly white, with a more significant social media presence. As a result, most of these creators were able to use extra expenses to obtain the hobby, which has led to a full-time business. Unfortunately, this over-inflated market has left out most people of color to have open spaces to create shops that they feel are important. Specifically, black creatives are not as thriving or well known in this market, which lacks the significance of black artists in these spaces. Through extensive research into marketing and entrepreneurship, I will be able to navigate the steps for black artists to open their businesses and what obstacles exist when pursuing this type of business. Therefore, I will advocate for purchasing from black-owned companies and show that people of color can also be marketable. In addition, I want representation to be more prominent within the design world to create a space where all artists are appreciated and respected.