Tammi Relyea is an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to supporting women-owned businesses. Her father’s influence as a key figure in Bob Marley’s rise to stardom instilled in her the values of resilience and hard work. Relyea reflects on her father’s journey, stating, “My dad showed me that success is possible, regardless of how many times you get knocked down. He taught me the importance of hard work and fearlessly doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals.”
Combining her creative mindset and entrepreneurial drive, Relyea founded WO3, a movement to empower women, as well as her company BRA-sériē. The birth of BRA-sériē came from a moment of inspiration in Los Angeles. Observing a missing gap in the fashion industry, Relyea decided to create stylish bra straps that would complement women’s outfits and empower them to express their individuality. She embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that led to the successful launch of her brand, which has surpassed initial expectations.
Both initiatives are focused on female empowerment and fostering community connections. WO3 celebrates women by encouraging actions of support in the month of March, to coincide with Women’s History Month. Relyea explains, “I chose the last Saturday of the month as a standing date so that no matter where we are in our industries, whatever our politics and our socioeconomic backgrounds are, we can all come together for just one day to do something for a female owner or business, or a female-lead and women-owned business.” Her background in advertising and marketing has been instrumental in raising awareness and connecting with other female-empowered businesses and individuals.
COLLABORATION AND GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT: WO3’S SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
Driven by her passion for supporting women, Relyea founded WO3 to provide meaningful assistance to women-owned businesses. Leveraging her background in advertising and design, she recognized the power of collaboration and the need for a sustainable approach to empower women globally. WO3 aims to create a sisterhood of support and inspire the younger generation to embrace collaboration instead of competition. Relyea believes that if every woman takes action on this day, it will lead to a paradigm shift in supporting women-owned businesses.
TRUSTING YOUR INSTINCTS: RELYEA’S KEY LESSON ON INNER VOICE
Reflecting on her journey, Relyea emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts and cultivating that inner voice. She shares, “If there’s anything I can share with the audience is to trust your instinct and learn how to channel that inner voice. Because even when you’re starting off, as you continue to grow, you will have to rely on that inner voice to guide you to what aligns for you.”
SHAPING VALUES IN A VIBRANT COMMUNITY: RELYEA’S L.A. UPBRINGING
Growing up in Los Angeles during the 80s and 90s, Relyea experienced a diverse and vibrant community that shaped her understanding of different backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Being a first-generation American with Jamaican parents, she learned the value of hard work and the opportunities that come with starting from scratch.
LESSONS LEARNED: WORK ETHIC AND INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ON RELYEA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
Relyea acknowledges the valuable lessons she learned along her entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from her experience in advertising and design, she acquired a strong work ethic, the ability to thrive under pressure, and an understanding of the behind-the-scenes aspects of various industries. These experiences prepared her for the challenges and demands of entrepreneurship.
Tammi Relyea’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the impact that supporting women-owned businesses can have. She continues to inspire and empower women, encouraging them to trust their instincts and cultivate their inner voices as they pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys.
This article feature is from our annual special edition issue, the L.A. STYLE Magazine Most Influential of 2023.
