On Friday 29 June, Venus Williams, tennis superstar, and entrepreneur opens a pop-up shop at Selfridges in London for her activewear line EleVen.
With 7 Grand Slam titles, 5 Wimbledon championships, 4 Olympic gold medals, and an ever-expanding fashion empire under her athleisure belt (she’s already launched a capsule collection with Lane Crawford in Hong Kong), Williams is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and inspiring sportspeople in history.
Encouraged by her mother from a young age to explore her creative side, whilst also juggling her pro tennis career, Williams studied fashion design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Continuing with her love for design, Williams later obtained an Associate of Science in Fashion Design and in 2007 launched the activewear brand, EleVen, the largest apparel line ever launched by a female athlete. Who better to ask about the things that have inspired her most, than Williams, not only one of the most inspirational players of all time but someone who has quietly transformed into a fashion mogul too.
Below she shares the people, places, and things that have made the biggest impact on her life and career.
The book
That’s a tough one! I’ve always loved science fiction and fantasy books. I guess you can say I’m still a kid at heart. A few years ago, I was introduced to The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis and I was instantly captivated by the fantastic tales of beasts, monsters, and kids. C. S. Lewis’s ability to entertain while also telling a story about the power of faith is truly remarkable.
Whenever I read stories like this of victory and triumph through the worst circumstances, it helps me put things into perspective. You start to think, okay, perhaps I should have more faith in myself and keep pushing myself to be my best.
The film
I just finished the Thurgood Marshall biopic, Marshall with Chadwick Boseman. I loved seeing the early life of a man who not only greatly influenced the civil rights movement, but who would become the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. You know, it’s very empowering to see what African Americans have accomplished and how everyone, no matter what colour, can work together to better the world!
The piece of advice
I’ve had a lot of advice over the years, however, the best advice I’ve ever received was from my mom and dad who told me to always put God first. If I’m ever having a rough or a not so good day, I turn to that piece of advice for solace. It helps me keep the balance in life and allows me to not let the little things affect your happiness.
The piece of music
There is a song called “All Mixed Up” by my favourite rock band 311, which I love. The song’s message of trusting your instinct and being your best was really inspiring for my 2005 Wimbledon win!
The trip
Honestly, because I travel so much for tennis competitions, speaking engagements, etc, I’m a true homebody! However, if I had to say the trip or trips, in this instance, that have inspired me the most, it would have to be the times I travelled to compete in the Olympics. It’s super impactful to be surrounded by like-minded athletes who are all working tirelessly to accomplish their dreams. It really changes your outlook on life.
