About the Artist

Hadiya Williams is an artist and designer with over two decades of professional experience in graphic design. She earned her BS from Bowie State University and a BFA from Columbia College Chicago. In 2017, she transitioned from a successful career in graphic design to focus on handmade ceramics, surface design, and generative art.

Hadiya is the founder and creative director of Black Pepper Paperie Co.®. Her work draws inspiration from West African art forms, the Black Arts Movement, and the graphic styles of the 60s and 70s. Her work is part of the permanent collections at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hadiya has collaborated with brands such as F. Schumacher & Co., Esembly Baby, Nubian Hueman, and Lulu & Georgia bringing her creative perspective to audiences worldwide.

Grounded in her personal and cultural history, Hadiya’s artwork celebrates what it means to be a Black woman in this world while exploring modern interpretations of art and design. Through Black Pepper Paperie Co.®, she continues to explore the intersections of lineage, culture, and design.