Mrs. Kiya Tomlin. Courtesy of Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
This week we’re cheating a little bit by talking about current women. But these ladies are so iconic that they’re making history. You have to see these businesses today. These three Black women are NFL-affiliated and creating magic through their businesses. We need to support women, particularly women of color, who set out to create their own business in a man’s world with a terrible economy. Let’s get into it!
Kiya Tomlin – Fashion Designer and Business Owner
Kiya Tomlin is adding something to the fashion game that is truly unique. Hint: It’s NFL-related. She named her clothing line after herself, so you can view the Kiya Tomlin online store here. If you live in Pittsburgh, PA, you can also see her in person. Concerned about your fashion being sustainably made? Kiya Tomlin would do it no other way.
Tomlin’s husband, Mike (you might know him), has been a coach for the NFL for a while. Being involved in the life, Kiya Tomlin understands the need for NFL gear that is stylish and comfortable. She has her own NFL-licensed clothing line for all 32 teams. We’ve never seen an NFL-patterned wide striped legged pant, poncho, jumpsuit, hooded tunic, or camo crop sweatshirt. Kiya Tomlin does it all, and she makes it look classy and cute.
Let’s Be Honest
Gone are the days of NFL fashion for women being something that is pink with tacky rhinestones (female NFL fans know exactly what this author means) or a boxy, baggy fit that is a mislabeled unisex (male) cut top. Does the NFL Official Shop know what women look like? It doesn’t feel like it.
Kiya Tomlin gets it. You can tell a woman designed each of these pieces. If you love what she does with her sports line, most of her pieces are not NFL-affiliated, so make sure to check her entire shop. Unless you want terribly cut pink rhinestone clothing for life, you have to support this small business. We need female-friendly fashion for fans.
Also, Kiya Tomlin uses very diverse models, and we love her focus on inclusion and diversity within her own business. Could we be blessed with a more sensitive, talented fashion designer and business owner? No! Now get shopping!
Taneka Bowles – Tampa Bay Fashion Experience
Taneka Bowles creates magic with her company Tampa Bay Fashion Experience (TBFE). The website alone is classier and more dignified than caviar and champagne put together. Todd Bowles may have the NFL skills, but his wife has the rest. She is a mother, wife, and entrepreneur who has made a name for herself by herself.
What does the TBFE do? They combine fashion and philanthropy and create flawless community events. Tameka Bowles truly has a passion for both—the company actually has a non-profit called the Tampa Bay Fashion Foundation that also supports the community.
Where can you see TBFE shine? Basically everywhere. They’re going to be at New York Fashion Week 2025! Fashion shows are one of Ms. Tameka’s true talents. If you live in Tampa, FL, she can coordinate your entire show from modeling casting calls to cleaning the catwalk post-show.
Maybe you are a museum that needs someone to run your annual fundraising event? Obviously, you called TBFE. The Tampa Museum of Art did, and they are about to have a beautiful fundraiser on March 29th. Need someone to help you with your gala? TBFE has your back. And if you are like Macy’s or Neiman Marcus and need a fashion show and classy after-party called Plaza After Dark, Tameka Bowles is more than prepared. Mrs. Bowles is ready for everything because she is an entrepreneur we are so gifted to have in Tampa, FL, and in the NFL community.
Ciara – Ten To One
Ok, so choosing Ciara might be slightly cheating. She is more famous than her husband Russell Wilson, and being NFL-affiliated may not be the first thing people think of when they see her. But coming from an NFL lens, that’s one of the reasons we love her most. We had fashion, event planning (and then some), and now we have liquor. Ciara is a minority owner of the Ten to One Rum brand.
Caribbean-born Marc Farrell, the founder of Ten to One, has a beautiful business model that focuses on the heritage of rum and its impact on Caribbean culture. Farrell is reimagining rum’s reputation and is interested in changing the narrative on the beverage. He’s interested in removing the pirates and plantations from rum and replacing it with reality.
Where did the Ten to One name come from? It is inspired by a quote made by Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister, Dr. Eric Williams: “One from ten leaves nought.” This was based on his emphasis on creating the first federation between all 10 Caribbean countries. The emphasis on unity is something the business takes seriously.
Ten to One is a beautiful business for Ciara to partially own. It reflects positively on her and on the company. It was also important to this author that we support a woman owning a business for an industry that women have traditionally been barred from. We love our hair, fashion, skincare, and child-related product girlies. But we also are stronger for embracing a woman who ventures outside of the traditional norm. Get ’em, Ciara!
NFL Supports Women-Owned Businesses
The NFL has started a new initiative called “NFL Source” that focuses on supporting businesses that are women-owned, along with other groups. The league will be focusing on working with businesses that are majority owned (51% or more) by women, minorities, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and/or disabled.
Utilizing the initiative will be required for large league events like the Super Bowl and the NFL draft and recommended for smaller team events. If you run a business that you believe would qualify for the initiative in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area, then the league might just be looking for you. They are looking for many local businesses to work with at the draft. They are also already planning ahead for next year’s big events, so keep an eye out for the NFL coming to a city near you.
3 Black Women-Owned Businesses In Conclusion
Kiya Tomlin, Taneka Bowles, and Ciara are three women who are talented entrepreneurs and NFL strong. Each one of these women has flown through the glass ceiling. They have also navigated being the partner to a man who is traveling and busy much of the year and raising their children. That’s the kind of renaissance woman that society seems to require for ladies who want to be entrepreneurs.
We need to support fellow ladies, particularly those of color, in the business world. If you need rum, beautiful clothing, or a fundraising event planned, then you know who to go to. If you are a minority business owner, then keep up with the NFL’s new initiative. And if you’re a fan of this author, make sure to read more of her writing here.
