As a kid, Kiya Tomlin had two dreams. While one was to become a doctor, the other was to become a designer. Ever since she was 10 years old, Kiya has found it hard to find clothes that fit her. One Christmas morning brought with it a unique gift – a sewing machine. And that was it. She started making her own clothes at home and even made her own prom dress. She even took her sewing machine with her when she went to W&M University to study pre-med. “I would make clothes for my roommate [and I] did a number of sorority step show costumes,” Kiya said in an interview once. It was at W&M that Kiya met Mike Tomlin – her future husband. For the wedding, she also made the bridesmaids’ dresses.
As the couple moved around because of Mike Tomlin’s coaching aspirations, Kiya Tomlin chose fashion over medicine. She took fashion design courses in Cincinnati and eventually started her sustainable clothing brand back in 2014. Kiya had a mission: to “design the impossible.”. The impossible design? “I design clothing so that all women can live their stories purely and fully, without restriction or limitation. Each and every garment is worthy of being seen, enjoyed, admired, and appreciated. Just like the moments that inspired them. And the beautiful, incredible women they’re made for,” in her own words. Moreover, after a decade of dedicating her life to her craft, her dream comes full circle, as she is set to receive a grand award.
Kiya Tomlin took to IG to share a story of a major honor she will be receiving in September 2025: The WWR Impact Award. In fact, Kiya shared the original post by Women Who Rock’s (WWR) IG page with the simple yet joyful caption, “So excited to be a part of this! ” The WWR is a ‘trailblazing, female-founded brand dedicated to supporting women in music, empowerment and advocating for women’s health.’
The WWR Impact award celebrates just that, indeed. Women who dedicate their lives to music, empowerment and women’s health advocacy. The previous winners of this prestigious yearly award include Michele Michaels, Dr. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, Dr. Lisa Rohan, Sheila E., and more. And now, Kiya Tomlin joins the lineup of these incredible women.
Instagram @kiyatomlin
Indeed, Oprah included Kiya Tomlin’s clothing among her favorite things. That just goes to show how much of an impact she has had on the world of fashion. Kiya Tomlin, with Mike Tomlin right by her side, has been a trailblazer for the Pittsburgh Community with her work in fashion. And now the Stage AE in Pittsburgh will see this dynamic lady receive the WWR Impact award on Friday, 5th September, 2025. And the fans? They are stoked.
Kiya Tomlin’s iconic award has the fans hyped up
The Women Who Rock Benefit Concert will feature Jessica Simpson as the headliner and Kelly Dzanaj as the emcee. As the city of Pittsburgh gears up to honor its very own fashionista, you know this event will be one for the books. And the fans are already lining up to be a part of Kiya Tomlin’s grand celebration. As one fan drops a super-excited “ Yeah!!!!! Cannot wait!!!”, another is screaming fire with “”
credit: Pittsburgh-Post-Gazette
The fans are already gearing up for the celebration. Indeed, people are setting alarms for September already, as one person writes, “ALARM SET FOR FRIDAY at 9:55 am! ”. Other fans can hardly wait for the event as they write, “Absolutely can’t wait ” and “Can’t wait!!! This is going to be such an amazing night!!!” With Simpson headlining, and Kiya Tomlin getting presented with the award, this is easily turning out to be one of the biggest events in Pittsburgh for this year. As highlighted by the eagerness of one fan, “This is the best! Getting my tic now! bringing friends🩷”. Another celebrates the unique and iconic event with a simple, “This is ICONIC ”.
Moreover, even the host, Emcee Kelly Dzanaj, shared a story on her IG with a shoutout to Kiya Tomlin. Dzanaj writes, “so excited to honor @kiyatomlin! She is a force in this city & deserves ALL of her flowers. ” And Kiya, ever the humble soul, shared this on her IG story as well, with a simple “Thank you @kelonair ” Pittsburgh is gathering to celebrate and honor Kiya Tomlin for her years of hard work and dedication. Are you coming to join the party?
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