World-class tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova knows a few things about being in it to win it. From winning Wimbleton at 17 years old to founding Sugarpova in 2012, which specializes in making confections that are filled with antioxidants and deliciousness, Sharapova always brings her A-game.
From 9-to-5, Sharapova oversees the day-to-day decision-making, company growth strategy, creative branding (from packaging to product), research and development initiatives, and retail expansion. When she’s off the clock, she continues to enhance her knowledge about design, art, architecture, and hands-on entrepreneurship.
While a passion for hard work can get you far, finding balance in work and in life will get you farther, and Sharapova’s success is a testament to that. Her secret is to engage with her time and take advantage of the opportunities it holds.
You’re a world-class tennis champion. You went pro at 14 and won Wimbledon at 17—the first of your five Grand Slam titles. But going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?
I think it’s a little bit of both. Starting my tennis career at such a young age, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many smart and powerful people. From working with different brand partners to new agents and trainers, I definitely had to grow up quickly. I learned a lot from them, but I also learned how to be confident in myself in order to voice what I need and what I want.
We often find ourselves to be our own biggest critic, which is why I think it’s so important to know yourself and not doubt your own abilities. Much easier said than done (and something I still work on today!), but being decisive and having confidence in my decisions has really helped me navigate my career, especially now, as I explore new spaces like business and design.
In 2012, you founded your premium confection line, Sugarpova, where you oversee the day-to-day decision-making and growth of the company, from creative branding and packaging to product R&D and retail expansion. Take us back to the beginning—what was the lightbulb moment for Sugarpova and what inspired you to pursue this path?
People are always surprised to hear that a professional athlete is running a candy company, but sweets have always been a passion of mine and a big part of my life growing up. I am a big believer in balance and, to me, sweets represent a sense of accomplishment. I often used to celebrate a long session on the court with a piece of candy at the end of the day.
Sharing this sense of accomplishment with the world was a big motivation behind starting Sugarpova. I was also excited by the opportunity to create and run my own business. After working with many leaders at major companies throughout my tennis career, I had learned a lot, and I knew I had what it would take to make it in the business world.
Entrepreneurship is all about taking calculated risks. What’s the most pivotal risk you’ve taken, and how did it change your path?
I had great exposure to the business world throughout my career in sports. While working with a variety of different partners, I always made a point to take a hands-on approach to the direction of every project. That being said, however, I think even after seeing the in’s and out’s of businesses through these relationships, nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you take the reins and run your own company on a day-to-day basis. Launching and running Sugarpova has been a great challenge and the most pivotal risk I’ve taken by far, but it’s also one that has been the most rewarding. It taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of in addition to helping me grow my entrepreneurial senses today.
2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success?
This year has been an incredibly challenging time for so many people in so many ways. For me, finding success this year has been in taking advantage of the more time I have. I have more time to connect with family and friends, but also, to dedicate towards Sugarpova and exploring new projects and interests. Having the time to slow down and really dig into some of my passions beyond sports like food, art, and design has led to new opportunities and connections.
I’ve also been able to take on a greater role with some of my existing partners like Bala and Therabody to help advise creative and strategic direction for each company. Being able to devote more time to these interests and projects has enabled me to collaborate with different partners and explore opportunities in diverse fields. It’s something I didn’t have the chance to do before, and I am grateful for it now.
With success comes opportunity, but that also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?
I have always been a curious person, and I think this natural desire to learn and interest in trying new things is what really pushes me to take on new challenges. I’m a big believer in balance, and while sport often took up quite a bit of my time, I always made sure to balance practice with other passions that inspired me such as travel, design, and food. My interest in these fields has pushed me to grow in a variety of areas; it keeps me motivated to try new things in order to better understand myself and the subjects that excite me.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, you said you “realized tennis was a business at 11.” For those who haven’t started a business (or are about to), what advice do you have?
Do your homework and focus on what you want. Make time to understand the in’s and out’s of the industry or business you’re interested in, and maintain a clear vision of where you see yourself to help guide decisions as you move forward.
When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do? How have you remained true and authentic to who you are?
As I’ve mentioned before, to me, life is about balance, and it’s something I’ve tried to prioritize more than anything. While tennis often consumed nearly every minute of every day, I always made sure I took the time to explore other passions that excited me in order to give myself a mental break, but also to maintain that sense of balance outside of my sport.
I have so many other passions in life, whether that’s travel, art, design, or business. Giving myself time to explore these interests has helped me remain authentic to who I am, but also to be, put simply, just happy.
It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you?
Failure is just a natural part of life, and like anyone, I have definitely experienced my fair share throughout my career whether it’s losing a match or missing a business opportunity (to name a few). By not looking at failure as being defeated, but instead, as an opportunity for change and growth, some of the most important lessons I’ve learned came not from the matches I won but those I lost. Something I gained from sports was the importance of being critical in both my professional and personal success.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself?
Learn along the way. When you’re in a high-pressure environment, and mentally locked in, it can sometimes be hard to realize that there are so many other opportunities and experiences around you. Take advantage of those opportunities and learn from them. There are so many lessons that sports can teach you and that you can apply to other aspects of life.
Fill in the blanks:
The best career advice I always give is...
Don’t forget to say please and thank you. It goes a long way.
When I feel fear, I...
I focus on the things within my control. My attitude is the first that comes to mind.
The three qualities that got me to where I am today are...
Drive, fearlessness, honesty, and curiosity.
My perfect day begins with…
Morning light, a coffee with extra foam, and a 20-minute meditation.
To be successful, you need to be…
Relentless, humble, and mindful.
