Pia Erlund, founder of the Finnish Bypias brand, has recently faced severe accusations in the media, including claims of poor working conditions and deceptive marketing practices. Erlund has publicly denied these allegations, but they have nonetheless led to significant consequences for her reputation and professional standing. As a result, Eeva Magazine announced that she has been removed from the list of candidates for the 'Eeva of the Year 2026' award.

Initially, there were five nominees for this prestigious title, which is meant to honor individuals whose work inspires others. However, due to newly surfaced information regarding one of the candidates, the magazine decided, after careful consideration, to withdraw Erlund's nomination. Eeva Magazine's editor-in-chief Mari Paalosalo-Jussinmäki commented on the decision, stating that it was made based on a comprehensive assessment but declined to elaborate further on the media allegations tied to Erlund's removal.

The 'Eeva of the Year' nomination is regarded as a significant acknowledgment in Finland, making the removal of a candidate particularly impactful on their career. The controversy surrounding Erlund not only sheds light on her business practices but also raises questions about the integrity of public awards and the scrutiny that nominees may face. This case illustrates the potential consequences for entrepreneurs in the public eye, where allegations can lead to significant reputational damage and impact their recognition even in award contexts.