What inspired you to start Little Tennis Aces?

Tennis has been a passion of ours for as long as we can remember. After playing on the professional international tennis circuit, we both stepped away to follow a traditional corporate career path.

Shortly after having our children (respectively) and through our experiences as mums and with other mums, we realised there was an opportunity to bring our two passions together – kids and tennis.

And we couldn’t wait! So that’s how we started.

We have both always spoken about wanting to pass on our knowledge and experience that we gained (about tennis) to the next generation of tennis stars. Helping kids learn and develop the skills needed to play a sport we both grew up loving is extremely satisfying. Being able to do it alongside my best friend of 15 years, now that’s just amazing!

How would you describe your business ethos in one sentence?

Building children’s fundamental gross motor and tennis skills, in a fun and interactive environment, to build confidence and guide the next generation of tennis stars 

What is your favourite part about running your business?

Seeing the Little Tennis Aces running on court with smiles on their faces and watching them improve and build confidence but most importantly have fun!

 

Its so rewarding to see our business have a positive influence on children in our local community.

What does a typical Monday look like for you?

Eleni- Wake up, COFFEE and then respond to any emails and enquiries. I then drop the kids to school and head out on court for a few hours to coach our youngest little tennis aces. And like every mum it’s home for the clean, cook routine before pick-up fast approaches. If I do this quick enough I sneak in a quick weights or cardio session at the gym or coffee with the amazing network of local school mums. Lejla and I always catch up every afternoon on the phone to discuss the next day’s group or private lessons and the plan for it. We are used to all the noise of the kids in the background. It’s just how we work. 

 

Lejla – Chaos! Haha when isn’t it with kids and everything else us mums do. My Monday usually involves a few hours on court to coach our adorable group of Little Tennis Aces, attend to emails, run a few errands, sort the house, prep dinner, and entertain my toddler. Eleni and I are constantly in touch to discuss the next day’s plan.  

Do you remember your first customer/client? What do you remember about that moment?

Yes, of course! It was an overly exciting moment; you do not know what to expect when you put yourself and the business out there so getting our first customer was a great feeling.

We had just launched our website and social content and waited anxiously refreshing our email. Within half an hour we received our first enquiry and we called each other immediately with excitement. We designed an entire class based on the needs of that first customer.

What advice would you give another mummy looking to start a business?

Go for it! Just get a start! The first step is always the hardest. If it’s a great idea and something you’re passionate about then its worth taking the risk. It might seem scary at first but once you start building momentum you’ll realise what a great feeling it is to run your own business and make your own business decisions. Its definitely rewarding!

And get yourself around a supportive network of people who want you to succeed and you can bounce ideas off.

If you had to choose; Jeans or Tights?

Eleni- Since being a mum it’s tights all the way. I mean look at all the amazing active wear labels! We can run errands, school pick/ups in our sweats and still look good doing it.

Lejla – If you had asked me prior to having a baby I would have said jeans, but mum life has definitely changed that. Tights all the way! Plus I find they’re more comfy.

What’s your favourite quote? 

Stay positive, work hard and make it happen, and don’t forget that a beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset 

Available in St George & Sutherland Shire, check them out at www.littletennisaces.com.au or follow them @littletennisaces