From Tennis Player to Entrepreneur: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is a name that resonates with tennis fans around the world. With a career filled with remarkable achievements, including five Grand Slam titles, Sharapova’s legacy in tennis is undeniable. However, her story doesn’t end there. As her tennis career came to a close, Sharapova embarked on a new journey, proving that her talents extend far beyond the court. This journey led her to create Sugarpova, a premium candy brand, and to explore various business ventures, showcasing her versatility and business acumen.

In this article, you will be reading some exclusive interesting facts about what makes her a world-class tennis player, an entrepreneur, and more than this, a good human.

The Story of Sharapova’s First Brand: Sugarpova

As a child, Maria’s father used to reward her with candies after long practice sessions of tennis, leading her to develop a fondness for sweets. Somewhere, this love for candies played a pivotal role in the creation of Sugarpova.

However, the main reason she started the brand was due to a tough time in her life. She had a shoulder injury that made her reconsider the direction of life. With the injury, she realized that tennis might not last forever, so she started focusing on business ideas, and skills, which led to creating Sugarpova. During her time away from tennis due to injuries, Ms. Sharapova pursued studies in management and leadership at Harward University.

In 2013 finally, the day came when Sharapova started Sugarpova. It is a candy brand that sells chocolates, gummies, gumballs, and truffles. They all are made from natural, non-GMO ingredients, and are available in the stores nationwide. 

Future of Sharapova’s First Brand

Maria Sharapova’s future looks bright as she continues to evolve and expand her business empire. With Sugarpova well-established and her ventures in wellness and technology gaining momentum, she is well-positioned for further success. Her ability to identify trends and her relentless drive ensure that she remains at the forefront of entrepreneurial innovation.

Moreover, Sharapova continues to inspire aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs with her story of perseverance and success. Her journey from the tennis courts to the business world is a powerful example of how passion and hard work can lead to lasting impact.

Sharapova Partnerships With Other Brands

1. Partnership With Nike

Maria Sharapova’s partnership with Nike has been one of the most notable collaborations in sports. In 2008, Cole Haan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nike announced Maria Sharapova as a lead collaborator and the face of Cole Haan Sporting.   

Her influence helped Nike blend athletic performance with style, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes. This long-term partnership underscored Nike’s commitment to supporting elite athletes throughout their careers.

2. Partnership With Porsche

The cooperation between Porsche and Sharapova began in 2013. She was the first female brand ambassador for Porsche. For Sharapova, the collaboration was not just a sponsorship, she actively participated in Porsche events and promotions. 

Through her association, she helped in enhancing Porsche’s visibility in the sports and luxury markets. 

3. Partnership With Therabody

Maria Sharapova has partnered with Therabody, a wellness technology leader known for its percussive therapy devices. As a strategic advisor and investor, Sharapova supports Therabody’s mission to enhance health and well-being. Leveraging her experience as a former tennis champion, she promotes the brand’s innovative products designed for recovery and performance optimization. This collaboration highlights her commitment to holistic wellness, emphasizing the importance of effective recovery tools for athletes and health enthusiasts. Sharapova’s involvement aims to amplify Therabody’s global reach and influence in the wellness industry.

4. Partnership With Rova Concepts

Maria Sharapova, the famous tennis player, launched her furniture collection and joined Rova Concepts( a company known for its contemporary furniture designs). This collaboration marked a significant step for her to explore her passion for design and architecture beyond the tennis court. Sharapova designed all the pieces of furniture in the collection. It includes items like chairs, tables, sofas, and other accessories. Each piece reflects her unique aesthetic sense, combining elegance, sophistication, and functionality. 

Rove’s concepts enabled Sharapova to showcase her creativity and expand her influence in the design world. It provided her an opportunity to express herself in a creative medium and reach a wide range of audience. 

Maria Sharapova’s Achievements in Enterprise

1. Sharapova established the Maria Sharapova Foundation to provide free education for the children who were affected by the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. She donated $100,000 to this project. 
2. Sharapova was the first female brand ambassador for the sports car Porsche. 
3. She has collaborated with wellness brands and launched initiatives promoting holistic health. It reflects her commitment to a balanced lifestyle.
4. Sharapova authored the book “Unstoppable: My Life So Far” in 2017. The book says everything about how she migrated to US, her tennis career, challenges, and victories. 
5. Maria Sharapova won five grand slam singles titles: 

• Wimbledon in 2004, where she defeated Serena Williams. 
• US Open in 2006. 
• Australian Open in 2012 London Olympics. 
• French Open 2012 and 2014.

6. She became the World No. 1 in women’s tennis multiple times.
7. She got a silver medal in 2012 London Olympics in women’s singles tennis. 

Lessons To Be Learned From Maria Sharapova

1. Consistent hard work: Maria Sharapova’s story teaches us how one can achieve their goals if he/she is consistently working hard. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, she never gave up. She continued working hard, improved her skills, and eventually became the top-class tennis player of her time. 
2. Excellence would come at a price: In the USA Maria had to face 2 year separation from her mother. This was heart-wrenching for her. But later on, after winning Wimbledon at the age of 17 she learned an important lesson that excellence would come only at some price. 
3. Courage: Maria’s habit of taking risks whether on the court or in the business, inspires us to be courageous and step out of our comfort zone. 
4. Passion: Whether it was tennis or business Maria’s interest never low down. It reminds us to pursue our interests with full of enthusiasm and dedication. 
5. Adaptability: Maria’s transition from tennis to business shows us the importance of being flexible and always open to new opportunities.