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A Conversation With Venus Williams

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 4, 2007

Four-time and defending Wimbledon women's champion Venus Williams visited Tampa over the weekend to promote her new clothing line, EleVen, distributed exclusively by Steve and Barry's.

Williams took a few minutes off her busy schedule for a quick conversation with The Tampa Tribune.

Tell me about your clothing line, EleVen, and how it came about?

It got started because I love fashion. I've been involved in it all my life. On the court, it's a way of life for me. I always wanted something that was affordable for people, that's why I went with Steve and Barry's. I'm actually getting my degree in fashion design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (this month).

Some say New York is the fashion capital of the world. You're a California native, so do you think Cali will eventually become the new fashion capital?

I don't think it's going to happen too soon. New York is way too established. It'll take a long time for that to happen.

You also have an interior design company, V Starr Interiors, based in Jupiter. Is fashion going to be the next step in your life once you retire from tennis?

I'm always going to be involved in both. It's the before and after in my life.

Let's talk about tennis for a moment. You've been ranked No. 1 in the world, you're the defending Wimbledon women's champion, you've won an Olympic gold medal, 14 Grand Slam titles ... what else can you possibly achieve?

Doing it again! (as she laughs). It never gets old. It's thrilling ... it never gets old when I win.

What keeps you driven?

The fact that I can do things that I love. Fashion and tennis are things that I love.

You pushed for men and women to have equal prize money at Wimbledon and the French Open. Your campaign was successful and you became the first woman to benefit from the equalization of prize money (by winning the 2007 Wimbledon tournament). Can you explain what that victory meant to you?

I fought so hard to win the title and to be the first woman to win equal prize money was like 'oh my God.' It was definitely a wonderful moment. Some of the older, former players were there. I was able to honor what they had done in the game. It was special.

What message do you think your life, your career, sends to young people of all races?

That you can live your dream no matter where you come from. If you believe and work hard, the sky is the limit and that it's always important to enjoy your life.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Just being happy and having a nice family I get along with. Those are my biggest accomplishments.

Let's go back to fashion. Who's more fabulous, (former model/actress) Tyra Banks or (former model/Baby Phat CEO) Kimora Lee Simmons?

Kimora. She has the fashion line. Kimora is more into it. Tyra was a model, but Kimora was a model, too.

2008 is right around the corner. Any New Year resolutions?

Yeah. I want to learn to play the piano and read the Bible more often. I had two more but I forgot what they were. Oh, talk to my nieces and nephews more.

Nick Williams

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