Venus Williams' apparel line, EleVen, is more than a fashion brand. It's part of Williams' identity.
In an interview with Bloomberg Business conducted prior to the start of this week's Hong Kong Tennis Open, Venus says starting a business was both a challenging and character-building experience. See Venus' full interview here.
Video: Good Stan, Bad Stan, Smiling Stan
"I always wanted to know who I was outside of tennis because when you're a young person, you start playing tennis at four years old. At 30 years in, it's who you are," Venus told Bloomberg. "So for me, it was important to know who I was off the court. So starting a business is a big challenge. It's important that I have good team members, but also important that i understand the industry as well. Because you can only rely on other people so much."
Building her brand in a crowded apparel field that includes industry giants Nike and adidas, has also helped the seven-time Grand Slam champion appreciate the effort she's expended sustaining her place as a Top 20 player.
"I definitely learned a lot in business, it's also helped me to appreciate being at the top of my game in tennis," Williams said. "Because when you start, you start at the bottom."
The 14th-ranked Venus suggested she could join forces with sister Serena again in 2016 as the sisters are expected to play Grand Slams and the Olympics.
"Obviously the best moments are when we're playing in the finals against each other or when we're in the doubles finals playing for a big trophy," Venus said. "Those are the moments that we dream for. We've an opportunity do that quite a few times and I really am hoping we'll get the chance to do it again as well."
The 35-year-old Venus, who won her her 47th career title in Wuhan earlier this month, opens her Hong Kong campaign tomorrow against lucky loser Yuliya Beygelzimer tomorrow.
"I want to finish it with a bang and if I can get a win I think I'd be the happiest girl in Hong Kong," Venus said.
Photo credit: Bloomberg