D.E.I.- Insights From Around the Way Parchment

It's no doubt that there's a lot to unpack when it comes to this topic. As the owner of a company dedicated to encouragement, inspiration and motivation through stationery, here's my take.

Following the murder of George Floyd and subsequent BLM protests there was a collectove sense of guilt that oozed from our country. It was palpable. The result of that was a series of programs offered by major companies to increase their efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion.

As a Black Owned business, ATWP was a selected business to receive a 2024, AFRAM Festival booth sponsored by PNC Bank.

We all saw it. It was a 'good time to be Black.' Opportunities were plentiful and so were the attached dollars. ATWP was on the receiving end of some of that funding too.

Fast forward to January 2025 and I feel very different. Don't get me wrong, I am immensely proud of my heritage, the current political climate has me feeling very different and concerned.

My values and identifying qualities are contained within the logo so there is NO misunderstanding.

A close friend as me my thoughts on the recent rollbacks of the DEI policies for many major companies. I am saddened by their choices and worry for the sustainability of the Black Owned businesses who benefitted from the policies.

When it comes to my work building Around the Way Parchment as a premier greeting card brand, it is my dream to have Parchment on your local shelves to aid in getting the cards to you when and where you want them.

Think of a store you purchase greeting cards from and I want it there! Yes, there...and there. While I am working on making that happen, continue to purchase, spread the word, share the posts and we'll get there.

Yes, I put ATWP in the slots at Rite Aid because why not! I see it, can't you?! Call it manifesting. (2021)

When it comes to DEI, Around the Parchment is committed to Delivering Encouragement & Inspiration.

Each one of the 140+ greeting cards I designed represents this effort in a very intentional way. The heartfelt messages serve as tools to uplift others. They 'deliver' encouragement, inspiration and motivation.

Fact: Around the Way Parchment is 100% Black and Woman Owned by me, Krystal Henry.

I stand with the Black Owned business impacted by the rollback of these policies and will continue to shop (not just support!) each one of them. Our individual and corporate dollars have an impact. I plan to make a statement with how and where I spend my money.

Say it with me: Around the Way Parchment Delivers Encouragement & Inspiration.