The Comeback is Personal: After a Pause, I’m Here Again.

Life Stopped. So Did I.

On December 16, 2023, I lost my mama.

She was not just a parent. She was my center, my compass. One week, we were in New York together, our family celebrating Anna + Pookie at the Buy for a Black Woman Holiday Market presented by H&M. I had my products in a national retail space! It was one of the highest moments of my life.

And then, everything stopped.

I didn't have the energy to post, to pack orders, or to pretend everything was okay. Some days, I didn't want to get out of bed. Other days, I just wanted to run down the street screaming. I focused on keeping my daughter happy, keeping my marriage together, and holding onto my peace.

Then, I lost a younger cousin.
Then another who grew up with us a like a sister.

It felt like joy was slipping through my hands. I hit pause on Anna + Pookie… because I had to.

What Grief Taught Me

Grief strips away the noise. It makes you ask: What really matters?

It brought me back to this truth: Anna + Pookie is more than a business. It's my heart's work. It's a love letter to joyful, magical Black childhoods. It's for every little boy or girl who deserves to see themselves on the party table.

It's my daughter's reflection.
It's your child's celebration.
It's representation on a paper plate, which matters more than ever.

Why Anna + Pookie Still Matters

If you're new here...welcome!

Anna + Pookie is a Black mom-owned party supply brand creating culturally rich, joy-forward party goods. Our collections feature:

·       Superhero party supplies for bold Black boys and girls

·       Ballerina plates and napkins for little dancers

·       Mermaid birthday themes with melanin and magic

Every product is made with care, creativity, and the belief that Black joy is worth centering.

What's Different This Time

I'm back with fresh energy and an even deeper purpose.

Yes, times have changed. DEI budgets shrank, and visibility for Black-owned brands got harder. But our kids didn't stop needing to feel celebrated, seen, and centered. If anything, the need has grown louder.

So, what's next? It’s not about going viral or hitting big sales goals.
It’s about healing, reconnecting, and continuing a mission that never stopped mattering.

What to Expect

I'm keeping it simple, staying consistent, and building in public with you.

You’ll see:

·       Weekly blogs on parenting, party planning, and representation

·       Inventory blowouts to make room for new ideas

·       Digital downloads to make your life easier (like printable affirmations and party checklists)

·       Culturally affirming designs your kids will recognize themselves in

And if you're like me—busy, juggling a lot, doing your best to create memorable moments for your kids—I got you.

 

 

Want to Support?

Here's how to stay connected and help this movement grow:

🔹 Browse the shop – Start with the Super Kid party collection
🔹 Join the email list – Get freebies, exclusive offers, and party inspiration
🔹 Follow along on IG @AnnaPookie – Light, fun, and low-pressure content that won’t clutter your feed

Final Word (For You and For Me)

The comeback is personal.
It’s slow. It’s tender.
But it’s happening.

And if you’re reading this—thank you. Thank you for holding space while I found my way back. Thank you for believing in joy, culture, and creativity. I'm grateful you're here.

Now let’s party… like our culture depends on it.

— Andrea
Founder, Anna + Pookie