Naomi Oluwatimi: Joy in Motion

On faith, evolution, and choosing joy every single day.

There’s a warmth about Naomi Oluwatimi that draws you in before she ever speaks. She has a quiet confidence wrapped in kindness, a calming energy that feels like a deep breath yet full of adventure. A former student-athlete turned Pilates instructor, she’s now one of Seattle’s most effortlessly stylish women, living life grounded in faith, movement, and intentionally choosing joy.

Photos by Zero Five Photography

Naomi and her husband, Seahawks center Olusegun Oluwatimi, celebrated their first wedding anniversary in June. When asked what this first year of marriage taught her, she reflected deeply.

“Love isn’t just about the butterflies. It’s about choice. It’s choosing your partner every single day, even when things don’t feel perfect or easy. Being fully seen, the good, the bad, the messy, and still being chosen… that kind of love deepens your connection in such a powerful way.”

She adds, “Reconciliation is a huge part of partnership. You’re going to face challenges, but you have to be willing to work through them together.”

That perspective mirrors how she lives: grounded, faith-led, and intentional. For the couple, maintaining joy in the whirlwind of NFL life comes down to showing up for each other in small ways.

“We make it a priority to have at least one date night a week. Usually just trying a new restaurant or going out to eat, which we both love,” she shares. She’s the playful one, the instigator of laughter, “like convincing him to make TikToks with me,” she giggles. “But it always ends up being something we enjoy.”

Faith is their foundation. “With the NFL schedule, it can be hard to always go to church together, but we try to when we can, and when we can’t, I’ll still tune in or go on my own. Making space for that spiritual connection and quality time… that’s what keeps us centered through all the ups and downs.”

A Love Guided by Quiet Certainty

Naomi recalls the first time she met Olu at an Athletes in Action event. A moment that felt sacred.

“There was something so calm and certain about it… like God was saying, ‘Here he is.’ I didn’t feel anxious or like I had to prove anything. I felt completely myself.” That “quiet knowing,” as she calls it, has guided them ever since.

Movement, Mindset & A Gentle Evolution

Now a Pilates instructor, Naomi helps women reconnect to their physical and emotional strength.

“Our bodies are so much more than what we see in the mirror. They’ve carried us through every season of life,”she tells us. “For women, our bodies even have the ability to create and sustain new life. You only get one body, so treat it well but also be gentle with it as it grows, changes, and supports you.”

Pilates, she says, is her power practice: “It’s not always the most intense workout, but it transforms you from the inside out when done with intention.” And yes, she’s almost converted her husband. “He’s tried! He doesn’t love it… yet," she says laughing. "I’m still working on converting him.”

From student-athlete to instructor to rising fashion figure, she sees the evolution as spiritual.

“What you do isn’t who you are. I’ve surprised myself with how open I’ve become to trying new things, saying yes to opportunities, and also knowing when to say no. I think that openness and flexibility have really been the through line.”

Style That Speaks Softly

Her style mirrors her energy.

“Intentional, understated, and minimal,” she says of her fashion vibe.

And who’s more stylish — her or Olu?

She laughs. “I’d say Olu definitely takes the cake when it comes to being the more fashionable one! He always surprises me with how well he can put some of his outfits together — emphasis on some," she laughs. "But honestly, he has great taste, and I really appreciate that he likes to dress himself. I’m not in charge of how he chooses to express himself, and I love that about him. His confidence in his own style makes it even better.”

Why She Said Yes to New Face

When asked why she joined our first-ever Women of Style & Game issue and the Elysian Gala advisory team, her response was instant.

“When an opportunity excites me and feels aligned with what I’m passionate about, I always want to say yes and learn more, and that’s exactly how I felt about the Elysian Gala and being part of NFM’s Women of Style & Game issue. What resonates with me most is how 'New Face' celebrates women for who they are," she says, "their purpose, their strength, and their individuality, both on and off the field.”

“Recognition for women is so important right now. Everyone has something valuable and unique to bring to the table. That deserves to be seen, respected, and never silenced.”

A Message to Her Younger Self

If she could speak to the younger Naomi, the student-athlete, hustling and hopeful, or the eight-year-old girl dreaming quietly, she’d say:

“The woman she becomes will be someone she’s proud to be one day. You’ll be surprised by the places you’ll go, the opportunities that will come your way, and the strength you’ll find in yourself along the journey. You were never alone, and you never will be. Every season… even the uncertain ones… was shaping you into exactly who you were meant to become.”

Fun (because her aura is full of life!)

Did she know Olu was going to propose? (Laughs) “Yes — I’m terrible at letting people surprise me! I had a feeling when it was going to happen. I even snooped through my mom’s phone and saw texts and photos.” The surprise? How he did it. “The way he orchestrated everything, who he involved, and the day itself was so thoughtful and special.”

Spice Girl energy of the Seahawks WAGs? “This is going to show how young or out of the loop I am, maybe even like I’ve been living under a rock, but I honestly never really paid attention to who the Spice Girls were!" she laughs. "I’m way more of a Destiny’s Child girl. So if we’re going that route: Nijeria McClain (Devin Witherspoon’s significant other) is definitely Beyoncé. I’d be Kelly Rowland, and Lasarah Hargrove (Charles Cross’ significant other) would be Michelle Williams. We actually got told this at a game once, and it’s been a running joke ever since!"

Guilty pleasure snack? “Oooo right now, since I’m in my wellness era, it’s definitely SmartSweets or JoyRide candy. I’m obsessed! But, if it’s just been one of those days, honestly any kind of gummy candy will do. I’ll eat pretty much anything with high fructose corn syrup," she laughs.

Closing Note

A woman evolving with intention. Grounded in faith. Rooted in love. Choosing joy. Every. Single. Day.

There is power in quiet confidence. Naomi doesn’t just teach it. She lives it.