Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, recently opened up about the difficult decision to retire from tennis. While she was still a dominant force in the game, her passion for having a second child ultimately led her to step away.

After a celebrated farewell at the US Open, Williams acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the elusive final Grand Slam title that would have tied her with Margaret Court’s all-time record.

However, her desire to expand her family, following the birth of her daughter Olympia in 2017, proved to be a stronger pull. Her second daughter, Adira, arrived in August 2023 with husband Alexis Ohanian.

Now retired from tennis, Williams is embracing a new chapter. She recently launched her own makeup brand, a venture she discussed in Byrdie magazine.

While admitting it was a tough choice to leave a sport she excelled in, Williams emphasizes the joy of motherhood: “I love sports and being active. Leaving something I was still good at to be a mom was such a difficult decision. But I wanted another kid, so I had to do that. Now it’s about finding balance and doing other things I’ve always loved.”

Williams also discussed her love of expressing herself through fashion and jewelry, even on the court, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining glamour during long matches.

“Tennis is different than other sports,” she explained. “With tennis, you can play for three hours and have sweat pouring down your face. So I had to find little ways to enhance my features. It started with the beads—that way to express myself. From there, I leaned into eyeliner and lipstick.”

Looking to build upon her athletic legacy, Williams hopes her makeup line will be a success. Inspired by her own struggles to find suitable products, she aims to create a brand that caters to a wider audience.

“It all started with the skin tint,” she said. “I realized that if I’m having this problem, other people are as well.”

With a focus on everyday wearability, long-lasting formulas, and “clean” ingredients that reflect her personal approach to health and wellness, Williams hopes her brand will empower people to enhance their natural beauty.