Kiya Tomlin: 2017 Women of Distinction Award - Entrepreneur & Small Business

Eight inspiring women from the Pittsburgh area, two outstanding Girl Scouts, and Girl Scout community-champion corporation GEICO will be honored at our Pittsburgh Awards of Distinction Luncheon on Wednesday, May 31 at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Proceeds of this premier event support Girl Scouts’ mission to develop courage, confidence and character in girls and to inspire the next generation of young women to become the leaders of tomorrow. Register now. 

Congratulations to Kiya Tomlin, recipient of the 2017 Women of Distinction Award in the Entrepreneur & Small Business category!

Kiya Tomlin, owner/designer of Uptown Sweats, is a women’s wear designer of ready-to-wear and custom design. With a love of fashion since childhood, Kiya submerged herself in design textbooks and sewing manuals, creating prom dresses for friends and family. Kiya is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and studied at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art and Architectural Planning. After almost two decades of designing custom apparel, Kiya understands women’s endless search for both comfort and femininity, and the importance of being able to move seamlessly through the various roles women play throughout the day. 
Kiya was inspired by her own busy lifestyle as wife to National Football League head coach, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and mother of three, to design the impossible—a versatile dress that combines cover girl glamour with the comfort and ease of a favorite sweatshirt. Her ready-to-wear collection, Uptown by Kiya Tomlin, addresses the modern day woman’s need for comfort and style. Kiya expanded her design reach into the equestrian world with her second line, Kiya Tomlin for 2KGrey. During a recent introduction to the equestrian world and 2KGrey, she fell in love with the fit and complementary concept behind the brand.
Between her busy schedule as wife and mother to her three children, Kiya has found time to support a variety of causes over the years. Among her more visible roles, Kiya currently serves as a board member for the Pittsburgh Promise, co-chair of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s annual Hat Luncheon, and headlining designer for the annual Steelers Style Fashion Show, which benefits the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Center and Cancer Cares Institute.
At her flagship store and design studio location in Pittsburgh’s East End, Kiya works closely with clients to create designs unique to their individual taste and figure. Kiya’s designs are elegant and timeless, displaying her love of unusual and luxurious textiles.