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Serena Williams Shines at the TIME100 Gala

Serena Williams graced the TIME100 Gala in New York City, celebrating her inclusion in this year’s list of the 100 most influential people globally. The event took place on April 24, 2025, and Williams’ striking black Stella McCartney dress, adorned with cutouts, sparked much discussion. She completed her look with sheer black gloves, an eye-catching diamond necklace, and elegant drop earrings.

Among the star-studded attendees were notable figures such as Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively, Kristen Bell, and gymnast Simone Biles, who was honored with the TIME Impact Award at the gala. Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the evening featured performances by Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Reflections on Life Beyond Tennis

In a recent profile with TIME, Williams shared insights about her evolving career and her passion for tennis. While she is engaged in various business ventures, including her new role in the management team for the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, she revealed that she deeply misses the sport that has defined so much of her life. “I miss it a lot, with all my heart,” she expressed, emphasizing that her health allows her to feel this longing.

Williams has been careful not to frame her departure from professional tennis as “retirement,” opting instead to describe it as “evolving away from tennis.” As a mother of two, she underscores the significance of being present for her daughters, Olympia and Adira. “I can’t peel myself away from these children,” she explained, reflecting on her desire to expand her family, and affirming that her decision was absolutely worthwhile.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits

Over the previous 15 years, Williams has made significant investments in over 120 companies, with 14 of those surpassing a valuation of $1 billion. Through her firm, Serena Ventures, she has raised more than $100 million to support over 30 companies since 2021 alone. She also stepped in as an executive producer for the Netflix adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s acclaimed novel Carrie Soto Is Back, a story centered around a tennis champion’s return to reclaim her Grand Slam achievements.

In April 2024, Williams launched WYN Beauty, focusing on empowering individuals in their beauty routines. She expressed contentment with her current endeavors, stating, “I’m done! I’m not launching anything else like this. I’m happy with WYN Beauty, I’m happy being a mom, and I’m happy with my venture company. That’s a lot. We’re good!”

Beauty and Advocacy

Williams emphasizes the importance of instilling a positive message about beauty in her daughters, promoting the notion that true beauty comes from within. She articulated that her beauty brand enhances inner beauty alongside external appearance. The choice of tennis ball green for WYN Beauty’s packaging is a nod to her love for tennis, symbolizing energy and authenticity in her journey.

Her foray into the beauty industry stemmed from a personal quest to find suitable makeup shades during her early travels, where options were limited. Williams felt a strong urge to create products that cater to diverse skin tones, marking her commitment to inclusivity in beauty.

As a dedicated mother, Williams is embracing her new role fully. In a conversation with TIME in 2022, she reflected on her intentions to grow as a mom, stating, “I want to explore if I can be great at it.” Three years on, she proudly asserts, “I’m a wonderful mom,” appreciating the myriad roles she fulfills, including being actively involved in her daughter Olympia’s school.

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