Fans are aware of the special love Maria Sharapova has for candies. She not only likes to consume them but has been a successful businesswoman because of them. Sharapova started her own candy business ‘Sugarpova’ in late 2019 just before she announced her retirement from tennis.

In a recent interview, the 5-time Grand Slam winner revealed what encouraged her to open her candy business. She also talked about how a shoulder injury accidentally made her an entrepreneur.

“I was faced with a really serious shoulder injury. I’ve had to have shoulder surgery for that. Looking back, it was a really scary time because not many people came back from shoulder surgery in a sport…and that’s when the business juices started flowing and I said why don’t I take what I have learned in these last few years,” said Sharapova.

She further said that she believed she was still young and passionate. This was largely the reason why she began the business.

“I know I’m still young, I know I’m still green. But, why don’t I apply it to something I’m really passionate about and sweets was a category that came up really unexpectedly,” added the former World No.1.

“Wanted to create a brand in which people could contribute to their friends”- Maria Sharapova

In the interview, Sharapova interestingly disclosed her love for candies since her childhood. She even shared some of her childhood memories.

“It (the idea of starting the sweet business) was drawn from my childhood. From spending years in my grandmother’s kitchen, from wanting a treat for good practice. I would get a coconut bar and my father would tell me that I could have half of it after one practice and another half after a week if I performed well. So, it took those memories,” continued a cheerful Sharapova.

Apart from this, Sharapova also remarked that she wanted to start a brand that would connect people. She also believed that she could change the flaws which were there in many brands’ packaging.

“I wanted to create a brand in which people could contribute to their friends, to holidays. After doing so much research, I would go on to grocery stores and retailers and found out… like the packaging wasn’t done well. It wasn’t branded well. There is no artistic direction. And, I felt like I could change that,” concluded the 33-year-old former player.

According to Forbes, the net worth of Sugarpova is worth $195 million today. With her consistent efforts, Sharapova has certainly proved that she could not just be a phenomenal player but a successful businesswoman as well.

Also Read: Maria Sharapova reveals why she chose to become an entrepreneur at a very young age