Located on the edge of Orange Mound and the University District, C & J Trophy and Engraving has served Memphis and surrounding areas since the 1970s. 

The shop is currently closed per the City of Memphis’ Safer at Home executive order, but owner Duwayne Smith fully expects to be back in business when the coronavirus pandemic passes.

Located at 3444 Park Avenue, this small business is a go-to for customized promotional materials and awards.

It’s also one of very few black-owned businesses in Memphis providing these services.

C&J offers personalization on a wide range of products from pens and sweatshirts to sports trophies and business plaques. They also offer custom engraving.

C & J’s staff can assist any client and any size job. They work with individuals and multi-million dollar companies and are completely confident they can bring to life any client’s vision.

They can also work with almost any surface, including glass, leather, wood, and acrylic.
C & J Trophy and Engraving offers custom branding and engraving on a wide variety of items and materials, including these wine bottles. (C & J Trophy and Engraving)
The original owners were a married couple who opened the business in the 1970s. Their passion created a strong foundation for the business to grow.

Upon their retirement in the early 2000s, Smith and his wife Venita purchased the shop. He saw it as the perfect opportunity to fulfill his dream to own a business and his aunt’s dream of owning a trophy shop. His aunt has since passed away. Venita also passed in 2015.

The Smiths originally chose the location because it was convenient and already successful. They stayed because of the community they found.

Smith takes great pride in serving his community, especially Orange Mound.

“My favorite part is working with the local school system and seeing the children’s faces when they receive their awards,” he said.

That, he said, has been his greatest motivator over the 15-plus years he’s run the shop. His passion is quite evident when scrolling through C & J’s social media, which shows frequent and continuous support for the achievements of local students.

Prior to its temporary coronavirus closure, business was booming at C & J. Despite growth in customers and profits, Smith said he has no plans to relocate.

“We’re happy here and satisfied with how things are going,” he said.

Judging by their abundance of positive and heartfelt online reviews, customers are also happy with how things are going.

“C & J never ceases to amaze me with their outstanding work,” said one customer review on the company’s Facebook page.

“Very friendly and courteous staff. Excellent service and great attention to detail. Will definitely use their service again for all my engraving needs,” wrote another.