A Very Special One on One with the Creative Force Behind the Miss Tina Collection by Tina Knowles
To many, Tina Knowles is known as the driving force behind the Grammy award winning trio Destiny’s Child, and her daughters Beyonce’ and Solange Knowles’ entertainment careers. Yes, that is undeniably so! She began her career as a celebrated hairstylist who owned/operated one of the most successful hair salons in the Southwest to later embark on a magnificent journey as the group’s designer and stylist. Knowles’ life experiences, business acumen, and God-given talent have exposed her to a bevy of accomplishments such as: a celebrated author, award winning chef, interior decorator, to her most recent accolade as the creative force behind the Miss Tina Collection by Tina Knowles.
Tina Knowles grew up with the strong Louisiana/Creole heritage in a small Texas town called Galveston. Her inspiration of prolific style and distinct fashion sense came from her matriarch: Agneź Deréon. Deréon was a talented dressmaker with her Creole roots firmly planted in fashion. To date, Tina Knowles has used her mother’s talents as motivation to become one of the most celebrated visionaries of this century.
Miss Tina’s line is a collection for all women regardless size, shape, or age. Tina’s unique vision; a combination of high style, attention to detail sprinkled with a taste of couture, enables her to create a distinctive blend of signature and luxe for the Miss Tina by Tina Knowles Collection exclusively sold at Wal-Mart.
RB: Your life has created a timeline of success in multiple capacities, did you ever dream that you would be afforded these opportunities while growing up in Galveston?
TK: Absolutely not! Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I never thought that my life experiences would transcend upon the journey it has. Growing up my mom was a seamstress, and she made all of the clothes for the girl group I was in. I firmly believe that my prior opportunities as a: hairstylist, make-up artist, model, and singer have prepared me for my present life’s work. Those experiences were a blessing from GOD; which have equipped major accomplishments in my life.
RB: As a mother first, to present entrepreneur/mogul of various enterprises, did you ever endure any hardships when you begin working full-time with Destiny’s Child?
TK: We endured many hardships when I worked as the full-time designer/stylist for Destiny’s Child. Budget was the primary hardship the group faced. It was very challenging to dress the girls without one. Other adversities that impacted the group were that we were not taken seriously because I was the mother of one of the group members, and the strong Southern accent I had.
RB: What was the biggest sacrifice you have ever made for your career as an entrepreneur?
TK: The biggest sacrifice that I have made is: Time. I have encountered a lot of sleepless nights; resultantly I have sacrificed time to ensure the success of my endeavors, brands, and the Miss Tina clothing line.
RB: Tell us about the Spring/Summer 2012 Collection of Miss Tina (sold exclusively at Wal-Mart) Why Wal-Mart?
TK: The Spring/Summer 2012 of Miss Tina’s Collection consists of: beautiful original prints, vibrant hues, cropped leggings, and nice silhouettes that accentuate curves or provides a slimming effect (which enhances the positive attributes of the female form).
Miss Tinais sold exclusively at Wal-Mart because we wanted the collection to reach a broader audience. We also wanted to bring quality fashion to the masses at an affordable price. Maintaining reasonable price points was critical for the brand because all of the garments are under $20.00.
As a result of being exclusively housed in Wal-Mart, many women tell me that they can make purchases every pay period without any one knowing the garments came from the discount retailer.
RB: Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and you and your daughters have definitely set the bar on so many levels! Now that they are both Mothers, how do you all plan on spending this very special Day?
TK: We will all be together. It is Beyonce’s first Mother’s Day so we will be cooking, and spending some quality time together.
RB: If there would be one word to describe you what would it be?
TK: I would have to say SINCERE…
For more information about the Miss Tina Collection:
http://www.facebook.com/misstina
