Serena
GLAMOUR South Africa|May 2019

Like other goddesses – Athena, Artemis, Oprah – Serena only needs one name. She opens her home, and her heart, to us, as she talks about body, beauty and baby.

Ashley Ford
Serena

When I take off my shoes in Serena Williams’ entryway, I say a silent prayer: “God, please don’t let her notice I’m wearing Pac-Man socks.” In addition to being the world’s greatest athlete (no argument), she’s a known fashionista. Serena holds an astonishing 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a slew of doubles trophies and four Olympic gold medals. In her spare time she had a baby, got married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and started a clothing company. And here I stand in her lovely home wearing novelty video game socks.

Luckily for me, Serena is also dressed casually. I recognise her sweats, the grey weekend lounge pair from her clothing line, Serena. More importantly, I see the bundle of unmitigated joy on her hip – her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr (one). Little girls who share a full name with their fathers are uncommon, but Serena isn’t the kind of person to follow a norm just because it exists.

From the time I step into the house until we prepare to leave for a walk around the neighbourhood, Serena never stops moving. For someone with a one-year-old, she has quite a bit of white furniture, and as she spins from room to room, I notice that every surface holds two or three toys.

Within minutes, she goes from offering me something to drink to changing a diaper to preparing for a walk (yes, anything to put my shoes back on), stopping to soothe and correct her daughter in French, and finally finding Olympia’s wagon (made to look like a horse-drawn carriage) so she can be pulled along as we stroll. Serena moves her body confidently in every direction, gracefully, with little hesitation. She makes a decision, and she makes the necessary moves. It doesn’t seem to matter whether she enjoys the task or not. She knows she can do it. She decides; she moves; she gets it done. She sets the example and the standard. Who else would she have to look to?

Bu hikaye GLAMOUR South Africa dergisinin May 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye GLAMOUR South Africa dergisinin May 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

GLAMOUR SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Are you considering moving to UK?
GLAMOUR South Africa

Are you considering moving to UK?

Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A beauty solution
GLAMOUR South Africa

A beauty solution

At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
GLAMOUR South Africa

3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything

How to overcome analysis paralysis.

time-read
5 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A la MODE
GLAMOUR South Africa

A la MODE

With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
GLAMOUR South Africa

Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE

Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
GLAMOUR South Africa

CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT

Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
GLAMOUR South Africa

TAX SEASON UNPACKED

The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
It's a COMPARISON trap
GLAMOUR South Africa

It's a COMPARISON trap

Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Embracing CHANGE
GLAMOUR South Africa

Embracing CHANGE

It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.

time-read
9 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
GLAMOUR South Africa

Healing YOUR INNER CHILD

The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.

time-read
3 dak  |
December 2023 - January 2024