Impactful Women of the 918: Tracy Copeland

“I started TGI in 1990, just two years after women could legally own and sign for their own business loans without a male co-signer,” says Tracy Copeland. “Those barriers were there for me to knock down, not just for myself, but for the women who would come after me.” Thirty-five years later, TGI Enterprises operates out of a 25,000-square-foot facility, providing custom branded apparel and graphics to clients in all 50 states. The company employs over 70 people, including 20 full-time graphic designers and illustrators.

Through it all, “Our business has always been built with intention and creating opportunities for other creators, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses,” says Copeland. “We actively hire Oklahoma-based talent and prioritize opportunities for individuals from underserved and minority communities, including Cherokee citizens and other Native individuals.” TGI Enterprises also has a history of supporting nonprofit initiatives, community sponsorships, etc.

A unique way TGI Enterprises supports women-owned businesses is through the StartHER Up program, which provides branding and mentorship services to small, women-owned businesses, whether they are just getting started or needing a refresh. Businesses are encouraged to apply and, if chosen, receive everything “from professional design services and custom products to marketing resources and guidance,” explains Copeland.

“Women business owners face unique challenges, from access to capital to breaking into male-dominated industries,” she continues. “But we also have a unique advantage: we know how to build community. When women-owned businesses collaborate instead of competing in isolation, we amplify each other’s reach, share customers and strengthen our local economy. For me, community connection isn’t ‘nice-to-have,’ it’s a growth strategy.”