Venus Williams honored by Cultured magazine for on- and off-court cultural impact

Venus Williams can be described through so many superlatives, and Culturedmagazine has recently lauded the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion for her on- and off-court cultural impact by selecting her to its inaugural 'Cult 100' list.

*Cultured* magainze, launched in 2011, bills itself as the "leading voice for inspiration and a trusted vehicle for discovery at the intersection of art, design, and style," and its selections for this honor with that vision.

"Whatever their discipline, they share a commitment to listening as much as they speak, cultivating their interests obsessively, and exuding authenticity, even when it's messy or inconvenient," the magazine noted. "The individuals assembled here represent a powerful rejoinder to a culture shaped by algorithms. They advocate for a slower, weirder, more generous and intimate world. And in the process, they are making it a much more interesting place to be."

Honored alongside A-listers including Gwyneth Paltrow, Bowen Yang and Amy Poehler, Williams' selection touches on her myriad of off-court ventures, including the recent launch of her A.I.-based interior design firm, Palazzo. Excited to combine her longtime interest in art with cutting-edge tech, Williams nonetheless admitted to a learning curve in establishing the company; however, she draws a direct comparison between fighting through adversity on court and sticktoitiveness off of it.

“I’ve overcome so much adversity in my career. I know what I am capable of and I know that I can still compete at the highest level, so this mindset pushed me through those tough periods of time," she added.

Williams was also asked to summarize her own influence on culture, and she touched on two defining aspects of her career: her fight for equal prize money for female tennis players, and the portfolio of off-court interests that her sporting talents afforded her the opportunity to develop.

"I am so proud of my achievements on the court, but I take even greater pride in what I’ve accomplished beyond it," she said. "Early on in my career, I utilized my platform to make a positive impact, whether through tennis or through my design firm, V Starr.

"I like to think that my decisions to stand up for what’s right—and be an advocate for gender equity and women’s empowerment—has inspired the next generation."