Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Henry.
Hi Tracy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started as a client with I Love My Doubles Partner, Beverly Hills, California. I loved my initial purchase so much, I would wear it the minute it was clean, and then wait for wash day again. I then purchased several other outfits and was equally as pleased with my purchases.
The owner/designer of the line, Adeline Arjad Cook, and I became friends over time and we met and discussed starting my own boutique here in Houston. After a brief trial run in 2019, Tenni Love Houston was established in 2020. Since then, I have been bringing functional and fabulous fashion to the Houston courts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a learning curve. I started selling to my friends, and through word of mouth. I was in the middle of establishing my store in 2020 when COVID struck and everyone stayed home and tennis leagues were canceled and clubs were closed. I continued to establish my store showroom in my home and started marketing online through Instagram and Facebook.
I did several holiday markets and shows to establish my name, brand, and logo. I am excited to have advertising coming out in a couple of local publications and have been making the rounds to tournaments, and courts to show off our fabulous clothes and tennis accessories. The biggest obstacle so far has been continually navigating the COVID situation, and establishing a customer base in a time when interactions have been distant and retail sales have been low.
It’s great to see full tennis leagues back on in Houston. The rise in the interest in tennis and pickleball in Houston is evident, and it’s been nice to see all the activities on the court. As a tennis, pickleball, and golf player myself I realize how versatile my line is and look forward to introducing it to others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Tenni Love Houston is a passion business. I started work out of college as a paralegal and when my children were born, I left the field. During my time as a full-time mom, I picked up tennis for exercise and social connections. I absolutely fell in love with tennis. I loved everything about it: the ladies I played with, the activity, the lunches and happy hours after matches, the parties, and the tournaments. And I love a short skirt!
When my children were in high school I returned to the workforce, as an Invoicing and Collections specialist for a local Houston IT company. It’s been 9 years and I still work this job part-time. I have an incredibly flexible schedule that allows me to book tennis during the week. Two years ago, I decided to work towards building a business of my own around my passion for tennis and a more functional and fashionable choice for court attire.
My commitment to quality and value, and my personal attention sets me apart. I try to understand each of my clients on a personal basis, to know her likes and dislikes, to understand her body issues and styling wants in order to tailor the entire client experience. We are a truly customizable line, and you can even design your own dress. I am proud to say we are designed and made in America.
All our clothes, jewelry, and bags are made in downtown Los Angeles, by the kindest and best workers in their trades. I have had the pleasure of meeting almost all members of the manufacturing team in their workplaces in Los Angeles. We are a “family” and we aim to bring the very best to our customers.
In the metropolitan Houston area, once you are out of the house, you are on the go all day. We have the most beautiful line of court to cocktails dresses, that can take you through your day elegantly.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I am an avid consumer of tennis and fashion. I try to keep on top of professional tennis, the latest tennis wear releases, and which designers are doing tennis-related items. I subscribe to Racquet Magazine, they have an artistic viewpoint about tennis which I enjoy as a fine art major.
They like to marry art and tennis, as well as report on tennis all over the world. I also enjoy the tennis blog Fiend at Court which is written by a player from Wichita Falls, TX and she has some truly insightful blog posts. And I have recently joined the NWTO which runs tournaments all over the country.
Houston is very lucky to be home to the National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships which is held each year at the Houston Racquet Club. I’m just getting started with NWTO, but I see a great future ahead for them.
Pricing:
- Clothing $150-$425
- Bags $1000-$1500
- Gold jewelry $500 and up
- Accessories Under $100
Contact Info:
- Email: tennilovehouston@gmail.com
- Website: www.tennilovehouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennilovehouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tennilovehouston
Image Credits
Monarch Atelier
