Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story with tennis began long before I became a business owner. In 1970, my dad opened our family’s first tennis specialty store, and from the time I was little, the store felt like a second home. I grew up walking the aisles, watching racquets being strung, helping out whenever I could, and learning that great customer service is about building relationships, not just making sales.
As I got older, my appreciation for the business grew. I saw firsthand the dedication, hard work, and passion it took to build a trusted name in the tennis community. Those lessons shaped who I am today.
When my dad retired, I was given the opportunity to take over the family business—a decision that would change my life.
Stepping into ownership wasn’t just about continuing a legacy. It was about creating my own. Today, I proudly own and operate three tennis specialty stores, making me one of the few multi-store tennis retailers in the country and the only female owner of three tennis specialty stores on the East Coast.
Taking over the business came with challenges, but it also came with an incredible opportunity to grow something I deeply believe in. Every day, I’m committed to providing expert service, building lasting relationships with our customers, and creating welcoming spaces where players of every age and level can find the right equipment and advice.
While the stores have a rich history, I’m excited to lead them into the future with fresh ideas, innovation, and the same passion for tennis that inspired the business from the very beginning.
Owning three stores isn’t just a milestone—it’s a responsibility I take seriously. I’m proud to represent women in an industry where female ownership is rare, and I hope my journey encourages others to pursue leadership, embrace new challenges, and build something meaningful.
This business is more than a place to buy tennis gear. It’s a community, a passion, and a legacy that I’m honored to carry forward while making it uniquely my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was a difficult and stressful experience on many occasions. As a young-looking woman, many people did not realize that I was the owner of the business. When I greeted customers and offered to help them, I was frequently dismissed. Instead, many customers would go directly to the men who were my employees—employees that I had personally hired and trained.
When my employees did not know the answer to a customer’s question, they would direct the customer back to me because they knew I had the knowledge and expertise. Customers were often surprised to learn that I was the owner and the person with the answers.
In addition to these challenges, I also faced unfair actions from competitors who were unhappy with my success. They attempted to damage my reputation by posting fake one-star reviews and spreading false claims that I did not know what I was doing. These experiences made running my business much more stressful, as I not only had to overcome unfair assumptions based on my age and gender but also defend my professional reputation against dishonest attacks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are an upscale tennis boutique dedicated to providing a personalized experience for every player. Our specialty is helping customers find the right racket through one-on-one consultations, professional assessments, and expert fittings. We take the time to evaluate each player’s style, skill level, and goals to recommend the best equipment for their game. We also customize rackets to each player’s exact specifications, including weight, balance, grip size, and string setup, ensuring optimal performance on the court. In addition, we offer professional same-day racket stringing services to help players get back on the court as quickly as possible.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, our incredible team, our loyal friends, and our amazing customers. Each of you has believed in us, encouraged us, and stood by us throughout this journey. You are the heart of everything we do. Without your trust, support, and dedication, we would not be who we are today. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for being part of our story.
“Behind every successful business is a community that believes in it. We are who we are because of all of you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tennisstringtheory.com
- Instagram: @TennisStringTheory
- Facebook: TennisStringTheory
