Kim Tuttle Alumni Profile

 

Co-founder and CEO of Motherputter Kim Tuttle discovered the game of golf and never turned back. Returning to her fashion design roots, Kim says she recognized the need for better women's apparel in golf. Kim quickly set off with her sister and Co-founder Kari to fix that problem in a way that is empowering through each and every piece of clothing.

Kim got her start at Texas Tech University as a business major, before finding the College of Human Science's Fashion Merchandising program.

"Once I was in the Fashion Merchandising program, I knew I was in the right place," Kim said.

Kim pin points the experience she got through her internship as a turning point for her fashion design career. Kim was able to join the retail company Express for an internship experience in Dallas where she landed an opportunity to work in the Dallas Apparel Mart. After her 1986 graduation, Kim's efforts led her to work in the garment district in New York city for several fashion accessory lines.

After a promising start in the world of fashion, Kim took some time investing in the realm of politics, where she worked for a variety of Republican candidates including the U.S. Senate member Christopher "Kit" Bond and John Ashcroft.

Returning to her true passion of clothing design and production, Kim and her sister officially launched Motherputter in November 2017 with a goal of creating more than fashion, but a community for women in golf.

"We love golf, the clothes not so much," Kim said. "There was a void in the women's golf market for fashion forward styles that reflected what we wanted to wear on the course. We are a bit rebellious in our approach and we hope to inspire confidence 'Motherputter style' through fashion."

Currently an online retailer, Motherputter is expanding its market to local retail stores, with plans to enter pro golf shops and travel to special events with the line.

Kim encourages current students and fellow alumni interested in starting their own fashion line to be confident in chasing that dream in a market that she says is full of opportunity.

"It is a great time to be in fashion," Kim said. "Retail is changing so rapidly, there is no one correct way to be successful. There are many marketing distribution channels, be innovative and read as much as you can on the industry."

Kim stresses that it is important for young design professionals to know who your customer is, where they shop, and who might the competition be so that you are fully prepared to match your pieces to your ideal shopper.

"Take advantage of all the fantastic opportunities available to you in the College of Human Sciences. Don't be afraid to ask for help and dream as big as you dare."