Tina Knowles-Lawson (born Celestine Ann Beyoncé Knowles on January 4, 1954) is an American businesswoman, fashion designer, and philanthropist. She is best known as the mother of global superstars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles, but she has also built an impressive career and legacy of her own.
Early Life
- Born in Galveston, Texas, to Lumis Albert Beyincé and Agnéz Deréon.
- Her Creole heritage and family’s sewing traditions shaped her passion for fashion and design.
Career in Fashion
- Headlines Hair Salon – In the 1980s, Tina ran one of Houston’s most successful beauty salons.
- House of Deréon – Co-founded with Beyoncé in 2004, named after her mother Agnéz Deréon. The line celebrated Creole heritage and Beyoncé’s rising influence in fashion.
- She was the costume designer for Destiny’s Child, creating many of the group’s iconic coordinated looks, especially in the early years when resources were limited.
Philanthropy & Community Work
- Co-founder of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth in Houston, alongside Beyoncé, Solange, and Kelly Rowland.
- Runs the WACO Theater Center (Where Art Can Occur) in Los Angeles with her husband Richard Lawson—supporting artists of color and underserved communities.
Media & Public Presence
- Appears frequently in Beyoncé’s documentaries and projects, admired for her wisdom and guidance.
- Known for her candid and warm personality on social media, especially Instagram.
- Hosted the Facebook Watch series “Talks with Mama Tina” in 2021, interviewing celebrities and family members.
Family
- Married Mathew Knowles (1980–2011), manager of Destiny’s Child. They had two daughters:
- Beyoncé (1981) – Singer, songwriter, actress, and business mogul.
- Solange (1986) – Singer, songwriter, and performance artist.
- Married Richard Lawson (actor) in 2015. Through this marriage, she became stepmother to actress Bianca Lawson.
Legacy
- Recognized as a creative visionary in fashion and performance styling.
- A pillar of strength and support behind Beyoncé and Solange’s global success.
- Celebrated for her philanthropy, advocacy for Black creatives, and commitment to uplifting communities.
