I don’t know life without tennis. No, seriously—I don’t. A racket was put in my hand at the age of 3. I played at the collegiate level and later worked as a hitting partner and tennis pro after graduation. For over 20 years, tennis has been the lifeblood of my relationships, experiences, wellness, and lifestyle.
Toward the end of high school, I also discovered my love for fashion, music, art, and culture, which resulted in me taking up photography. Photography became my way of engaging with a world I may love even more than tennis these days. But there was a tension. Going from shooting a concert or brand campaign one day to working at a country club the next, I felt like I constantly had to leave half of myself behind. These spaces shaped me, but they didn’t always coexist.
That’s where Chemistry comes in. Chemistry is about blending worlds—the interests, ideas, tastes, and perspectives that mix and make us who we are, no matter how eclectic they may be. Chemistry merges tennis, streetwear, and high fashion, with the goal of stimulating dialogue between the sport and culture at large.
While reflecting on my philosophy for Chemistry (and life), I realized tennis played a pivotal role in how I navigate both. Yes, there may be multiple players on court, but you’re ultimately out there alone, figuring things out in your own head. It’s a lot like life—and creativity. No two players hit a shot the same way. Sometimes you have to improvise, adapt to the conditions, and trust your instincts to find a way to win. It’s about taking what’s in front of you, interpreting it through your own style, and making it work. Tennis and creativity serve as arenas to overcome yourself and learn how you truly operate, and I believe you can have that same experience in the rest of life too. So long as you’re mindful about the decisions you make, where and who you lend your energy to, and choosing how to express who you are.
Find yourself in the things you love, no matter how weird or different they might feel—just like in tennis, where every player's style is unique. Embracing it can lead to your best game. Follow your bliss. Create for yourself. Live as authentically as you can, with as little compromise as possible. We only get one shot at this beautiful sport of life, and it would be a disservice not to play it as our most genuine selves.
Peace and love,
JW