Venus Williams was destined for athletic success. By the age of ten, her serve on the tennis court reached an astounding 100 miles per hour. When she made her professional debut in women’s tennis at the age of 14 she was already widely known. Only three years later she was an international celebrity. Along with her younger sister Serena, she is acknowledged for ushering in a new era of power and athleticism on the women's professional tennis tour.
In 2000 Williams won Wimbledon, becoming the first Black female since Althea Gibson to do so. In the same year, Williams also won two Olympic gold medals: one in singles and one in doubles with her sister as her partner. She continued her success by also winning the U.S. Open in 2000 and signing a $40 million sponsorship deal with Reebok. By March of 2002, Williams had already reached the top of her sport, becoming the number one ranked tennis player in the world by the Women's Tennis Association. Williams revealed in 2011 that she had been diagnosed with Sjögren syndrome, a chronic, incurable immune system disorder. This did not stop her from competing, however, and she went on to win gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon.
While many people may recognize Williams as a tennis champion, they may not know that she is a successful entrepreneur as well. Drawing on her passion for design, she is the CEO of both V Starr Interiors, an interior design firm, and her own fashion line, EleVen by Venus. From apparel to commercial interiors, Williams has been deeply involved in virtually every design. "Eleven is better than a 10," she says, in explanation of her brand’s name. "It's about reaching your best, pushing beyond the limits, and coming to win. Even if you don't get there, it's about that journey."
Both businesses have experienced a considerable amount of success and – with sustainability in mind – Williams decided to continue her education. She has a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University East and is now working on her Master's in Interior Architecture. It is this dedication and drive that has made her a champion on and off the courts.