Today we’d like to introduce you to Matteo Marotti.
Hi Matteo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Italy, and my journey to Houston didn’t start with fashion or business — it started with sport.
I moved to the U.S. in 2015 with a background in soccer coaching and a deep belief in movement as a way to build confidence, discipline, and community. When I eventually settled in Houston, I found a city that mirrors many of the values I believe in — a place that doesn’t hand you anything, but rewards consistency, resilience, and people willing to do the work.
As I became more involved in pickleball and recreational sports, something became very clear to me. Most performance apparel speaks either to young athletes or to trends. Very little is designed for adults who still want to move well, feel confident, and take pride in how they show up.
That realization led to PLAYIAMO, which I co-founded with my wife, Suzanna.
PLAYIAMO is built on a more thoughtful approach to performance apparel. Inspired by the spirit of pickleball and community, the brand sits at the intersection of performance, wellness, and lifestyle. Every product is designed for adults who want to move with confidence — on and off the court.
Our first product reflects that philosophy. It’s a performance shirt tested in Houston and designed with materials chosen specifically for real-world play — breathable and comfortable for outdoor courts, yet refined and versatile enough for indoor play or spending time with friends after the game. It’s built for how people actually live, move, and connect.
Every detail matters. Breathable fabrics, clean lines, and a refined aesthetic are intentional choices meant to support real movement, comfort, and longevity. For us, confidence comes from feeling comfortable, capable, and present in your body.
The journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced production challenges, financial pressure, and moments of deep self-doubt. But Houston has shaped our mindset. It’s a city that teaches patience and grit, and it has influenced how we build — slowly, intentionally, and with purpose.
What keeps us going is the community. Local clinics, partnerships, conversations on the court, and people who tell us they finally feel seen by a brand — that’s what makes it worth it. PLAYIAMO is still in its early chapters, but the mission is clear: to create apparel and experiences that help people keep moving with confidence at every stage of life.
PLAYIAMO isn’t just about what you wear.
It’s about how you choose to move.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Building PLAYIAMO has been anything but smooth.
Like many early-stage brands, I’ve faced production challenges, financial pressure, and moments of real uncertainty. Developing a physical product taught me quickly how many things can go wrong — from manufacturing issues to delays and quality problems that test both patience and trust.
There were also personal challenges. Building a brand as a solo founder means carrying every decision — creative, operational, and financial — often without immediate validation. There were moments when progress felt slow and quitting felt like the easier option.
What helped me push through was perspective and community. Houston has a strong culture of resilience, and the people I’ve met through sport, local partnerships, and on the court constantly reminded me why I started. Each challenge forced me to refine the product, clarify the mission, and build with more intention.
The struggles didn’t weaken the brand — they shaped it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
PLAYIAMO is more than a performance apparel brand — it’s a movement built around values of sport, wellness, and community, and a more thoughtful vision of performance apparel.
The name PLAYIAMO comes from the Italian words play, amo (love), and andiamo (let’s go). It represents a philosophy rooted in movement, connection, and forward momentum. From the beginning, PLAYIAMO was never meant to be just about products, but about building a community people can feel part of.
While performance apparel is the foundation, our mission naturally leads us beyond the product. We actively promote the values of sport, well-being, and longevity, and this has guided us to work and collaborate with respected figures within Houston’s active community — including pickleball coaches, fitness professionals, creatives, and local athletes — who share the same vision.
At the product level, our first performance shirt reflects this philosophy. Tested in Houston, it was designed for real-life movement, using materials that perform equally well on outdoor and indoor courts, while remaining versatile enough for everyday life — from playing to spending time with friends.
I’m especially grateful for the people who have supported and believed in PLAYIAMO along the way. A special thank you to fitness expert Chris Ybanez, photographer Mark Bebawi, and local pickleball athlete Venkatesh Naidu., whose support and collaboration have helped shape the brand and strengthen its connection to the Houston community.
Looking ahead, the vision continues to expand. We’re planning cultural and artistic events across Houston’s creative and cultural spaces, supporting local artists and building bridges between sport and culture. We’re also launching a YouTube channel dedicated to education, featuring conversations with local athletes, doctors, and professionals around health, injury prevention, and longevity in sport, with a strong focus on pickleball.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that PLAYIAMO is being built with intention and integrity. It’s not driven by trends, but by a commitment to confidence, connection, and long-term well-being. Everything we create — products, events, and content — is designed for adults who want to move with confidence and be part of something meaningful.
PLAYIAMO isn’t just something you wear.
It’s something you move with — together.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is helping people continue to move with confidence and feel connected to something meaningful.
Movement has always been central to my life — not just as sport, but as a way to build confidence, discipline, and relationships. As we get older, staying active isn’t about performance or winning; it’s about quality of life, well-being, and feeling present in your body. That belief shapes everything I do with PLAYIAMO.
I also care deeply about community. The moments that matter most to me aren’t sales or numbers, but the conversations on the court, the shared experiences at local events, and seeing people connect through sport, wellness, and culture. Those human moments are what give the work purpose.
That’s why PLAYIAMO is more than a brand to me. It’s a long-term commitment to building something honest — something that supports longevity, confidence, and connection at every stage of life.
Pricing:
- PLAYIAMO performance shirts are priced at $79.
- We will be launching caps priced between $30–$35 in the near future.
- Pricing reflects premium materials, thoughtful design, and small-batch production.
- First-time customers receive 10% off their first purchase as a welcome incentive.
- Periodic community events and local activations may include exclusive offers for attendees.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.playiamo.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playiamo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PLAYIAMO
Image Credits
Mark Bebawi photographer
