Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Schöne Arnold
Hi Eva, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in East Germany during the Cold War years and scarcity shaped daily life. From an early age, I learned to be resourceful, to see beyond limitations and to create solutions. My mom, a remarkable and creative woman who questioned the status quo, instilled in me a deep appreciation for problem-solving and craftsmanship, and the importance of beauty in everyday life. Making something out of nothing became second nature, whether it was sewing my own clothes, knitting, or revamping old furniture. Without realizing it, these lessons prepared me for entrepreneurship, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the power of thoughtful design.
In 1998, I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in architecture and eventually became a licensed architect. I was drawn to the complexity of shaping spaces and experiences, but along the way, I encountered a challenge that resonated deeply with me: How do we honor people in a way that truly reflects their excellence, vision, and impact? How do we translate sincere recognition into physical form, into something meaningful and lasting?
The realization that most awards were uninspired, mass-produced objects sparked an idea. With my background in architecture and design, I saw an opportunity to elevate recognition into a form of art, something elegant, modern, and deeply meaningful. In 2011, I took the leap and founded Trophyology, starting with a simple prototype. My first opportunity came when I approached the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin with this modern award design. They immediately saw the value and placed the first order. Fourteen years later, we are still honored to design the AIA Austin awards.
From there, one client led to another, and soon, Trophyology was working with organizations like the Texas Society of Architects, Fidelity Investments, Herman Miller, LinkedIn, Toyota, Q2 and Austin Energy Green Building. Today, Trophyology has grown into a recognized leader in high design, high-quality awards and business gifts, serving over 900 clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all entrepreneurial journeys, mine was filled with obstacles. In the early days, I balanced building Trophyology with my work as an architect. From a spare bedroom in my home – Trophyology’s first headquarters – I designed award collections, tested materials, and built relationships with reliable manufacturing partners. When I hired my first full-time employee, Trophyology had grown to serve over 100 clients, proving that our modern approach to recognition resonated.
Initially, I planned to outsource all manufacturing, but I realized that achieving the level of quality I envisioned required a different approach. Bringing production in-house was a daunting yet necessary decision. Over time, we established our own manufacturing facility in Austin, ensuring that every award meets our exacting standards.
Beyond production, I found myself educating a market that had long been defined by standardized, mass-produced awards. I helped clients see that an award is not just a token or a gesture; it is a statement and reflection of a person’s excellence, a symbol of who they are and the impact they have made. Just as importantly, it is a representation of the values an organization conveys when presenting it.
Another significant challenge was navigating the financial, operational, and strategic resources required to build a successful B2B business. Reaching decision-makers and helping them understand the true value of meaningful recognition required persistence, creativity, and a deep commitment to our mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Trophyology?
Trophyology helps brands celebrate people’s excellence with awards worth giving and keeping. We specialize in architect-designed and artisan-crafted recognition awards, plaques, and business gifts that are elegant, modern, and meaningful. Proudly designed and crafted in Austin, Texas and treasured worldwide, Trophyology blends artistry with purpose, perfect for recognizing people’s exceptional contributions and milestones that matter.
What sets Trophyology apart is our commitment to thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, excellent customer service, and sustainability. I’m incredibly proud that Trophyology has helped redefine an industry and reshaped what corporate recognition looks like. More than anything, I’m proud that we create objects that honor people in a way that is as extraordinary as they are.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for those starting out is to stay true to your vision and commit to lifelong learning. We don’t know what we don’t know, and it often takes time to learn the lessons necessary for success. If I could do it all over again, I would follow a proven system to build a company from the ground up. Having a framework is invaluable and there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when there are resources and methodologies that can help guide the process.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is that any successful business must “operationalize excellence.” As entrepreneurs, we have to define what that means for our unique business. A helpful question to ask frequently is: What are the core values on which we cannot compromise? Having clarity on these values makes difficult business decisions easier and ensures that quality and integrity remain at the heart of what you build.
And finally, surround yourself with a network of mentors and peers who inspire and support you. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had exceptional mentors along the way, and joining the Women’s Presidents Organization was a game-changer. Being part of a group of successful entrepreneurs who openly share their experiences, challenges, and insights has been one of the most valuable aspects of my journey. Entrepreneurship can be tough, but with the right people around you, the road becomes much more rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trophyology.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trophyology
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Trophyology
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trophyology
