Kiya Tomlin

Kiya Tomlin is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her work in women's apparel and sustainable fashion. Tomlin began designing and making clothing at age 10, motivated by the challenge of finding clothes that fit her petite frame. By middle school, she was creating her entire wardrobe at home using a sewing machine she received as a Christmas gift. Her interest in fashion was further influenced by a meeting with Diana Ross at a gymnastics camp, which inspired her brand concept centered on elegance and confidence. Tomlin graduated from The College of William & Mary with a degree in pre-medical studies before pursuing fashion and apparel design at the University of Cincinnati.

Tomlin's transition from medicine to fashion marked a significant shift in her career. She chose not to take the MCAT, opting instead to follow her passion for design. Her early experience included an apprenticeship with a tailor and attending fashion courses while traveling, which helped her develop her skills. Tomlin launched a custom design business that initially focused on wedding gowns and later expanded to serve a diverse clientele. As a former Division I gymnast, she applied the discipline from her athletic background to building her business.

Tomlin founded the Kiya Tomlin fashion brand, which offers practical, versatile, and stylish clothing with a focus on size inclusivity. She opened her flagship store, Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop, in Etna, Pennsylvania, where she designs, manufactures, and sells her products. The brand expanded to include licensed NFL apparel, allowing Tomlin to design for all 32 NFL teams. Her collections emphasize comfort, versatility, and everyday wear for women.

A commitment to sustainability is central to Tomlin's business philosophy. Her brand avoids fast fashion practices, instead focusing on creating versatile, hand-sewn pieces designed to fit and flatter women's bodies. Tomlin's designs are inspired by her lifelong interest in fashion, years of experience creating custom clothing, and her perspective as a woman balancing multiple roles. While she is recognized as the wife of an NFL head coach, Tomlin has established her own professional identity in the fashion industry, declining opportunities to be featured in sports documentaries to maintain her focus on her brand and values.