Entrepreneur Nisha Blackwell to speak at Thiel College Black Excellence Lecture

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Entrepreneur Nisha Blackwell, owner of the Pittsburgh-based bow tie boutique Knotzland, will share her journey as a business owner during Thiel College’s Black Excellence Lecture on Jan. 29.

The lecture will take place during the College’s Common Hour at 11:30 a.m. in Stamm Lecture Hall in the James Pedas Communication Center.

Blackwell, a resident of Wikinsburg, will discuss her path as a female entrepreneur and the origins of Knotzland, founded in 2015. After being laid off and unable to afford a birthday gift, Blackwell unpacked a sewing machine and began making hair bows. As interest in her work grew, she expanded her product line and eventually shifted her focus to bow ties, leading to the creation of Knotzland.

Founded on sustainability and creativity, Knotzland is in Wilkinsburg, a borough that borders the city of Pittsburgh. It uses repurposed and reclaimed fabrics to help reduce textile waste and offers products designed for a wide range of customers. According to the Knotzland website, her business has rescued more than 8,467 pounds of textile waste and 5,122 pounds of it have been repurposed for sale. Blackwell’s work has gained national attention, including custom pieces created for Academy Award-winning actor Danny Glover.

In its early days, Knotzland operated as a one-woman business. Blackwell later enrolled in a business class to learn how to build an online brand, eventually hiring her first employee—her younger brother.

Today, Knotzland partners with women from the local community, providing opportunities to learn sewing skills and gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. Through mentorship and training, Blackwell supports women interested in developing new skills or launching their own businesses.

“I gave myself a whole new life by reimagining myself as an entrepreneur,” Blackwell said. “It is a great feeling to imagine something and go for it. I make bow ties.”

The Black Excellence Lecture is open to the campus community and highlights voices and experiences that celebrate achievement, innovation and leadership.

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