Yvonne Igodan ’14 (M.Ed. ’18), a College of Science & Engineering alumna and former TCU volleyball player (’10-’14), is now making her mark off the court through a different project. As the founder of Pinned Pins, a licensed vendor of TCU lapel pins, Yvonne has turned a passion for storytelling into a thriving business that blends creativity and impact.
The idea for Pinned Pins was born from Igodan’s love of visual storytelling.
“Lapel pins felt like the perfect medium — small but impactful,” she said. “I wanted to create designs that weren’t just decorative but meaningful symbols of identity, pride and community.”
That vision has blossomed into a growing business that not only celebrates TCU school spirit but also gives back.
Igodan’s time spent at TCU earning her Bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in communications, and her Master’s degree in education and student affairs helped lay the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. TCU courses and professors taught her invaluable skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and resilience.
“Tackling complex concepts and finding solutions helped prepare me for the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship,” she said.
She also credits her athletic experience with instilling discipline and perseverance, both of which have helped her navigate the challenges of maintaining a business.
Like many new entrepreneurs, Igodan faced early hurdles, including building brand recognition and managing logistics with limited resources. She found that focusing on quality and meaningful design is key.
“Each pin is created with a story in mind,” she said. “Whether it’s faith, heritage or university pride, I want people to feel represented.”
By keeping operations streamlined, she was able to grow efficiently without compromising her vision.
A portion of every sale is donated to the Ancilla Hospital and Orphanage in Imo State, Nigeria, where Igodan’s heritage lies. After learning that the hospital was performing life-saving procedures like C-sections in the dark due to lack of power, she knew she had to help. Proceeds from Pinned Pins will help install solar panels for both the hospital and orphanage, offering light and hope.
“Giving back is central to our identity,” Igodan said. “[Our customers] are not only purchasing a product, but also contributing to a mission that directly impacts lives.”
The designs themselves carry themes of community, identity and empowerment. Whether someone is expressing school pride or personal values, Igodan hopes each pin helps people feel seen.
“We aim to reflect the values of our customers and help them tell their stories,” she said.
Looking ahead, Pinned Pins is expanding into new themed collections and exploring partnerships beyond universities. Igodan’s goal is to make Pinned Pins a go-to brand for meaningful merchandise rooted in purpose and community.
