Get to know Ardean Miller; she is the founder and owner of Mah Melanin, which offers a line of products that includes home décor, apparel, totes, blankets and more. It is currently the first Black-owned gift wrapping brand sold in Hallmark Stores and Lowe’s franchises nationwide, according to Blackbusiness.com.
The partnership with Hallmark and Lowe’s is a huge step toward greater diversity and inclusion in the retail space. Indeed, Miller started her business after realizing a gap in the market for products that celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black culture.
Her flagship product, Santa gift wrap, features an African-American Santa named Ken after several beloved men in her family. She also created a Mrs. Claus character in honor of her mother Doreen Miller, according to Herald Guide.
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From a small start in 2021, Miller has guided the business to success. She got her breakthrough in 2022 when she and her 16-year-old daughter Syreniti presented to executives and earned a coveted golden ticket at the ninth annual Walmart Open Call event.
According to the Guide, those meetings secured the deal that led to Mah Melanin’s products being sold online and in stores at select Walmart and Sam’s Club stores.
What is more, Miller’s brand has gained endorsements from big names like Teddy Riley, Master P, and Denise Boutte besides being featured by the NBA and becoming a finalist in QVC’s “The Big Find.”
The global market value of gift wrapping products was estimated to be around $15.11 billion in 2018. This market is expected to reach a value of $24.9 billion by 2025. Miller broke into the market three years ago.
“When I founded Mah Melanin, I wanted to create more than just beautiful gift wrap. I wanted to spark a movement—a place where our stories are told, our beauty is celebrated, and our community is uplifted,” she said. “Partnering with these iconic retailers is a testament to the growing demand for products that resonate with our experiences and heritage.”
The New Sarpy native also told Herald Guide, “As the first Black-owned brand in this space, we have no historical data to rely on. We are the data, and these numbers matter. Selling out at each location will not only prove the demand for diverse products but will also open doors for future partnerships and opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Miller said her vision is to continue to open doors and offer mentorships for other Black entrepreneurs looking to follow in her footsteps.
