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the birth of studio myriad
Global journey, local vision
When she first set foot in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Eva Paulsen realized that design could transcend aesthetics—it could tell stories.
“Growing up, I was fortunate to get to travel quite a lot. Experiencing different cultures, architecture, climates, and foods opened gateways to distinct, inspiring worlds. I loved every second. But I think it was in Southeast Asia that I truly began to connect these fascinating experiences to something deeper,” Eva reflects.
The traveling bug firmly planted in her since childhood, it was little surprise that after completing her university degree in Sweden, Eva felt the horizon calling. She moved to Vietnam, settling in the city of Hoi An to pursue further studies in Development. This picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its tailoring and Chinese lantern-making, had a lasting influence on Eva, deepening her understanding of thoughtful design that reflects cultural context.
“In every corner, I could see how history and craftsmanship shaped the present. There was always that one shop that took traditional skills and created something new and unexpected. It sparked my interest in how design can reflect culture, blend into innovation, and have a deeper, lasting impact on both design itself and the surrounding community,” Eva explains.
Following her time in Vietnam, Eva set off on a solo expedition across Southeast Asia, exploring the region. Encountering both traditional and innovative creators, from weavers in Myanmar to woodworkers in Vietnam and fashion designers in the Philippines, this journey deepened her understanding of how people approach design, production, and culture.
KICKSTARTER non-profit
Bloody Yes!
Putting this realization to use, Eva launched the nonprofit Bloody Yes! project, sourcing illustrations from up-and-coming female artists from around the world to create an art calendar that combined creativity with a social impact mission. Merging science, aesthetics, and female empowerment, the project surpassed its Kickstarter funding goal and sold out in major bookstores around the world. The success of the project not only generated excitement but also raised €4,000 for Women for Women International, directly supporting women affected by conflict by providing them with vocational training and a network of support.
“The success of Bloody Yes! reinforced my belief in the power of connecting global ideas, creativity, and people. It drove home how products can do more than solve problems—they can inspire, unite, and create meaningful impact,” says Eva.
RETURN TO THE WEST
Berlin
Upon returning to the West, she chose Berlin as her next base, a city known for its dynamic creative scene and ever-evolving energy.
“Berlin at that time was a raw, buzzing city, where people from all over the world came together in all kinds of constellations to create things never seen before. The art scene, the music, the innovation—though Berlin has since evolved into more of a startup hub than a squatter’s paradise, it remains a melting pot of creativity and a place where magic can happen.”
That spirit of mash-up creativity is at the heart of Studio Myriad’s design process today—blending raw ideation with strategic brand storytelling. It was also in Berlin’s creative and dynamic environment that Eva’s passion for storytelling took root. For a decade, this was her base while she traveled the globe as a freelance journalist, writing about innovation, culture, and life experiences. With each article about passionate individuals creating something new and meaningful, her understanding of how storytelling, paired with innovation, could have a profound impact deepened.
“I realized that it wasn’t just about the stories themselves but about how they can connect design and ideas with people,” she says.
east meets west
Asia to Sweden
Returning once again to Southeast Asia, a longer stint in Singapore added another layer to Eva’s understanding of global markets. She honed her insights into how design and consumer needs intersect, as well as how to bridge markets between East and West.
After many years abroad, in 2020, Eva felt the tug of her Swedish roots. Once back in the Nordics, she decided to further her understanding of how businesses can create meaningful connections with consumers. Pursuing executive education in Business Innovation, Storytelling, and Design Thinking at prestigious institutions like MIT, INSEAD, Oxford, and IDEO, she finally had the tools to apply her global experiences to solve real-world problems through user-centered design.
“I felt there was a way to use my experiences and skills to help businesses truly understand their consumers and create products that resonate,” says Eva.
Diving into the startup world, Eva gained extensive experience working on brand communication strategies, service design, and product innovation. Yet, despite her achievements, a familiar feeling of restlessness began to surface.
“I like to joke that the traveling bug had returned—but this time, it was calling me toward a different journey. I needed to honor that calling and build a business that resonated with me,” she reflects.
Following that moment of clarity, Eva founded Studio Myriad alongside Adam Knight, an accomplished lifestyle product specialist with extensive experience from both Europe and Asia. The vision was to merge product-service innovation, design thinking, and e-commerce solutions, bringing high-quality, meaningful products from across the world to the Nordic market, while emphasizing responsible practices, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
“Our roots are deeply embedded in Nordic values—innovation, transparency, and a commitment to quality,” Eva says. “But we also believe in the power of global collaboration, bringing together the best of what the world has to offer in a way that resonates with local communities. There’s a unique energy in the way design evolves globally,” Eva reflects. “We like to say that what works in one culture can inspire new perspectives in another.”
This idea would become a guiding principle for Eva as she built Studio Myriad—a company rooted in the belief that cross-cultural exchange can fuel creative solutions. Drawing from their extensive collective experience, the Studio Myriad duo has had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects with global brands such as Adidas and New Balance, helping to shape their product offerings for diverse markets. As such, Studio Myriad has developed a deep understanding of both product development and consumer engagement, consistently driving success in bringing new products to life and helping household-name brands grow in new markets.
every product has a purpose
Telling Stories
But, Eva emphasizes, it’s not just about launching products; it’s about telling stories. By blending global influences, Studio Myriad creates meaningful experiences and fosters deeper consumer connections, ensuring that the people and the narrative behind each product are as important as the product itself.
“Every product has a purpose, a background, and a story that consumers can connect with.”
Eva Paulsen