Kiya Winston is widely recognized as the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, but limiting her identity to that title would overlook a remarkable story of creativity, discipline, and entrepreneurship. Long before her husband became one of the NFL’s most respected coaches, Kiya Winston was already carving out her own future—one stitch at a time.

Today, she is best known as the founder and creative force behind Uptown Sweat, a made-in-America fashion brand that reimagines luxury loungewear for modern women. From her early childhood fascination with sewing to turning down high-profile media opportunities, Kiya Winston’s life reflects independence, vision, and purpose.

This article explores Kiya Winston’s early life, education, marriage to Mike Tomlin, fashion career, business philosophy, and lasting influence, offering a complete, authoritative look at a woman who has quietly but confidently built a name for herself.

Early Life and Background of Kiya Winston

Kiya Winston was born on September 3, 1975, in Morristown, New Jersey. Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ divorce, Kiya grew up in a household that valued self-reliance, creativity, and perseverance.

From an early age, she displayed an unusual level of focus and artistic curiosity. Unlike many children who viewed clothing as something to be bought and worn, Kiya saw garments as something to be created, altered, and improved.

A Childhood Shaped by Creativity

Kiya was small in stature as a child, making it difficult for her mother to find clothes that fit properly. Instead of accepting ill-fitting options, Kiya chose a different solution—designing her own clothing.

At just 11 years old, she received a sewing machine as a Christmas gift. That single moment would define the trajectory of her life.

With no formal training at the time, Kiya Winston began sewing:

• Pillows and stuffed items
• Dresses for herself
• Baby outfits
• Prom dresses for friends

Sewing quickly became more than a hobby. It became her language of self-expression.

Discovering a Passion for Fashion Design

Throughout her teenage years, Kiya Winston spent countless hours sketching designs, cutting patterns, and refining her sewing skills. While many young people are still discovering their interests, she had already found hers.

After graduating high school, Kiya took her sewing machine with her to college—an unusual but telling decision that demonstrated her commitment to design.

Designing Beyond the Classroom

Even before studying fashion formally, Kiya designed:

• Clothing for her college gymnastics club
• Custom outfits for herself
• Maternity clothing for a pregnant coach

These early projects weren’t about profit; they were about function, comfort, and confidence, principles that would later define her professional brand.

The Diana Ross Moment That Changed Everything

One of the most defining moments in Kiya Winston’s life occurred during a gymnastics camp in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in the early 1980s.

Unbeknownst to Kiya, one of the campers had a famous mother. That mother was Diana Ross.

A Vision of Elegance

When Diana Ross appeared at the camp wearing flowing white silk chiffon and sat casually on the grass with the gymnasts, young Kiya was mesmerized.

According to Kiya’s own reflections, the moment felt cinematic:

• The movement of the fabric
• The effortless elegance
• The confidence and grace

That experience planted a lasting idea in her mind: fashion is not just about clothing—it’s about how a person inhabits it.

This philosophy remains central to Kiya Winston’s design identity today.

Education and Meeting Mike Tomlin

After high school, Kiya Winston enrolled at the College of William & Mary, initially pursuing a pre-med track. It was here that she met Mike Tomlin, a football player one year ahead of her who was studying pre-law.

Their relationship grew quickly, built on mutual respect, discipline, and ambition.

A Major Life Decision

When Mike Tomlin decided to pursue a coaching career, Kiya faced an important crossroads. She recognized that the demands of medicine would clash with the unpredictable and mobile lifestyle of a football coach.

Rather than compromise her own aspirations, she made a bold but aligned choice:

• She changed her major
• Transferred to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP)
• Committed fully to fashion design

This decision would prove transformative.

Marriage and Life on the Road

Kiya Winston became Kiya Winston Tomlin shortly after transferring to Cincinnati. As Mike Tomlin began climbing the coaching ranks, Kiya adapted to a life of frequent moves.

Together, they lived and worked in:

• Memphis
• Arkansas State
• University of Cincinnati

While Mike focused on football strategy, Kiya continued developing her craft, often working behind the scenes while raising a growing family.

Motherhood and Family Life

Before Mike Tomlin became head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the couple welcomed three children:

• Dean Tomlin (born 2000)
• Mason Tomlin (born 2002)
• Harlyn Quinn Tomlin (born 2006)

Balancing motherhood with creative ambition is no small task. Kiya Winston approached both roles with intention, choosing to build her career slowly and sustainably rather than chasing quick recognition.

The Birth of Uptown Sweat

In 2014, after years of refinement, Kiya Winston officially launched her fashion brand, Uptown Sweat.

What Is Uptown Sweat?

Uptown Sweat is a luxury loungewear and tracksuit brand designed primarily for women over 30—women who value comfort but refuse to sacrifice style.

Key brand pillars include:

• Sophisticated silhouettes
• High-quality fabrics
• Flattering fits
• Timeless design
• Made entirely in the United States

Kiya redefined sweatwear, transforming it from casual gym clothing into elevated, polished apparel suitable for everyday life.

A Made-in-America Business Model

One of the most distinctive aspects of Kiya Winston’s work is her commitment to domestic manufacturing.

Unlike many fashion brands that outsource production overseas, Uptown Sweat is:

• Designed in Pennsylvania
• Manufactured in-house
• Sold directly to consumers

This model ensures:

• Ethical labor practices
• Consistent quality control
• Sustainability
• Local job creation

Opening the Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop

In 2018, Kiya expanded her business by opening the Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop in Etna, Pennsylvania.

This space uniquely combines:

• Retail storefront
• Design studio
• Manufacturing facility

By merging all operations into one location, Kiya eliminated inefficiencies and gained complete creative control—an uncommon but powerful approach in modern fashion.

Turning Down HBO’s “First Ladies of Sport”

Despite her growing profile, Kiya Winston has always been selective about media exposure.

She famously turned down HBO twice when first approached about appearing in the documentary series First Ladies of Sport.

Why?

• She didn’t want the spotlight to center on her husband
• She avoided reality-style narratives
• She valued privacy and authenticity

Only after reviewing the true intent of the project—highlighting women’s independent lives—did she agree to participate.

Relationship With Mike Tomlin Today

Kiya Winston and Mike Tomlin have been married for over 26 years, a rarity in both professional sports and public life.

Their relationship is built on:

• Mutual respect
• Independence
• Shared values
• Support without overshadowing

Kiya has consistently emphasized that success does not require sacrificing identity—a lesson reflected in both her marriage and career.

Kiya Winston’s Influence and Legacy

Kiya Winston represents a modern archetype:

• A creative entrepreneur
• A supportive partner
• A dedicated mother
• A disciplined business owner

She has become an inspiration for:

• Women entrepreneurs
• Designers launching later in life
• Spouses of high-profile professionals
• Creatives prioritizing quality over hype

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Kiya Winston?

Kiya Winston is a fashion designer and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Uptown Sweat and the wife of NFL coach Mike Tomlin.

What is Uptown Sweat?

Uptown Sweat is a luxury women’s loungewear brand focused on elegant, made-in-America tracksuits and everyday apparel.

How long has Kiya Winston been married to Mike Tomlin?

Kiya Winston and Mike Tomlin have been married for over 26 years.

Where is Kiya Winston’s store located?

Her Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop is located in Etna, Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

Kiya Winston’s story is not about standing beside greatness—it’s about creating it independently. Through patience, craftsmanship, and unwavering vision, she has built a fashion brand rooted in authenticity and excellence.

While the world may know her as Mike Tomlin’s wife, those who look closer recognize her as a designer, entrepreneur, and role model who proves that success is most powerful when it is self-defined.

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