Over the years, Venus Williams has spoken with deep admiration for her mother, Oracene. She often calls her the grounding force in both her and Serena’s lives. Venus credits much of their success, not just on the court but as a person, to the values their mother instilled in them: resilience, humility, and perspective. What she treasures most, though, is how Oracene normalized mental health. She taught her children to see therapy not just as a tool in hard times but as a proactive way to grow stronger. That foundation of emotional awareness, Venus says, has been a lasting gift, even if carrying those lessons into adult life hasn’t always been easy.

On September 17, Venus and Serena Williams dropped the first episode of their podcast on X. It’s called Stockton Street. The sisters open up about their lives as pro tennis players, the hardship of facing each other, and the struggle of constantly improving. While on the subject of growth, the 45-year-old Venus made an honest admission about where her head is today.

Venus revealed she’s still in a “growth-uncomfortable zone.” She recalled that last year she had to go raise money, a challenge that left her uneasy every step of the way. Even when Serena reassured her, telling her she was good at it, Venus Williams confessed, “I can fake it till I make it. But I hated every second of it. I was so uncomfortable. I would literally get the Sunday scaries, you know? Because Monday was coming, and the calls were coming, and I was going to have to ask for money.”

Her discomfort, she admitted, came straight from childhood. Their mom, Oracene, always insisted, “Don’t ask anyone for anything,” or as Venus put it in her mom’s voice, “Don’t ask anybody for nothing ever!” That mindset, Venus said, made fundraising feel almost impossible. “How do you ask? I don’t even know what I’m doing. I’m asking for money, and I don’t even know if I know what I’m doing.” But what exactly did Venus have to raise money for?

Last year, Venus prepared to launch Happy Viking, her vegan superfood nutrition brand. The mission? To spread awareness and make plant-based diets accessible. Her drive attracted a star-studded $2 million investment round. Among the backers were Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Peloton’s Robin Arzón, golfer Michelle Wie West, Megan Rapinoe, tennis pro Reilly Opelka, and NBA talents Isaiah Hartenstein and Collin Sexton.

Reflecting on the milestone, Venus said, “I’ve seen first-hand what the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet has done for my body and performance. With Happy Viking, I want to give everyone the opportunity to be healthy, feel good, and live their dreams. I’m so excited to have these other world-class athletes on board to support our mission!” Her excitement is contagious, fueled by her passion for wellness and teamwork.

And through the ups and downs, Venus circles back to her mother’s influence. Oracene’s tough-love approach didn’t always make things easy. But Venus carries no bitterness. She calls her mom the “grounding force” who shaped not only her career but her life.

Venus Williams hails her mother for her support

In May 2024, during an interview with the Hamilton College community, Venus was asked about the role her mother played in her upbringing. Without missing a beat, she said, “She’s the woman with the values. She’s the grounding force. So without my mom, I don’t think we could have done anything we did in the sport.” Those words highlight just how central Oracene Price has been in shaping Venus and Serena’s journey.

The 45-year-old’s impact on tennis is undeniable. With four Olympic gold medals and becoming the first African American to hold the No. 1 ranking, she’s a trailblazer. But through all the success and spotlight, Venus has stayed true to herself. The values her mother instilled go beyond tennis; they’re about standing firm in who she is, no matter the outcome.

When asked how much her mother’s values shaped her success, Venus didn’t hesitate: “Everything.” She credited Oracene with giving her the strength to stand up for what she believes in. That conviction was clear when Venus fought for equal prize money for female athletes, a cause she championed fiercely. Venus Williams has always spoken openly about how her mother was a “strong role model” growing up, teaching her to think and feel independent.

Now, after a 16-month break from tennis due to injuries, she’s back on the court, ready to prove she still has what it takes. And off the court? She’s bringing fans some warm memories, co-hosting a podcast every Wednesday with Serena on X. What do you think about Venus’ comeback? Share your thoughts below!