Clera’s Creative Gifts: Wrapping Gifts, Unwrapping Celebration

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When Lorna Cheatham’s son couldn’t find culturally-inspired gift wrap for a baby shower, she didn’t just identify a market gap—she discovered her calling.

As founder of Clera’s Creative Gifts, she’s redefining gift-giving with meaningful designs and driving economic impact in Detroit.

Finding Purpose in an Empty Shopping Cart

“The inspiration behind Clera’s Creative Gifts came from recognizing a significant gap in the retail market—specifically, the lack of African American-inspired gift wrapping options,” Lorna explains. The realization came unexpectedly when her son asked for help finding culturally relevant gift wrap for a baby shower.

“After searching, we came up empty-handed. That moment revealed a deeper need for inclusive designs that celebrate the holidays and traditions of people of color.”

Rather than accepting this absence in the market, Lorna saw an opportunity. She developed her line of culturally inspired gift bags and wrapping paper, naming the company after her mother, Clera—”a heartfelt tribute to her legacy and a way to keep her memory alive through meaningful, celebratory designs.”

Building More Than Beautiful Packages

Beyond creating representative products, Lorna’s vision extends to community impact, particularly in Detroit. Her commitment is clear when asked about her mission to create jobs for women of color and second-chance citizens.

“We’ve already begun hiring from the communities we care most about—by hiring second chance citizens in Detroit,” she shares. “Our long-term vision is to open a manufacturing facility in the city, creating even more opportunities and a supportive space for growth, healing, and empowerment.”

This dual purpose—celebrating cultural identity while generating economic opportunity—represents what Lorna considers her most meaningful accomplishment. “Seeing my gift wrap and gift bags, designed exclusively for people of color in the hands of proud customers is deeply fulfilling,” she reflects.

Why Representation Matters—Even in Gift Wrap

For many, gift wrap might seem merely decorative, but Lorna articulates why culturally representative designs carry profound significance.

“Culturally representative gift wrap is important because it affirms identity, celebrates heritage, and fosters inclusion,” she explains. “For too long, mainstream gift wrap has lacked diversity, leaving many people feeling unseen during some of the most meaningful moments in their lives—birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings.”

These celebratory moments deserve wrapping paper that resonates with the recipient’s culture and identity. “Representation in something as simple as gift wrap shows that all cultures matter and deserve to be celebrated. It sends a powerful message: ‘You belong here.’ It’s not just about wrapping a gift—it’s about honoring the person receiving it.”

Navigating Challenges with Persistence

Lorna’s path to manufacturing her products in Detroit hasn’t been without obstacles. “With everything that is going on in Washington today, it is having a direct impact on our plan to move forward with our vision of opening a facility in Detroit,” she notes. “In addition, purchasing the machinery that will be needed is hitting us hard with the 145% tariff.”

Despite these challenges, Lorna remains focused on her larger vision and offers wisdom for other entrepreneurs navigating similar journeys:

“Start with a purpose and stay committed to your vision. Know who you’re serving and why your product matters to them. Do your research, test your product, and don’t be afraid to start small. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and understand that setbacks are part of the process.”

Her final advice encapsulates the spirit that has driven Clera’s Creative Gifts from concept to reality: “Most importantly, stay passionate and persistent—your belief in your product will drive others to believe in it too.”

As Clera’s Creative Gifts continues to grow, Lorna’s work reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful innovations address the simplest needs—making people feel seen, celebrated, and valued in all of life’s special moments.