Serena Williams is one of the best athletes in the world today. She's also a pretty fantastic mother to 3-year-old Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., best known as Olympia. Little Olympia is following her mom's footsteps in a couple of ways. For one, she's already out on the tennis courts — and looks like she's got quite an interest in the sport.
But she's also starting to work on campaigns alongside her famous mom. The campaign is for footwear designer Stuart Weitzman, and the message is very sweet. And, funny enough, it's called the "Footsteps To Follow" campaign, making these two an even better fit.
In the campaign, Serena isn't afraid to be herself and talk about some of her favorite aspects of motherhood.
"The best part of being a mom, for me, is having responsibility," Serena shares in one of the promotional videos. "Someone that really relies on me. And it is waking up every day to see her so happy to see me. It's a feeling I never thought I would experience."
Serena shared media on both her page and one set up for Olympia. In one video, she refers to Olympia as her "mini me." And the comparison is pretty accurate. Watching the two together, it's very obvious that they're close and that Olympia absolutely idolizes her mom.
In the shared content, it's sweet to see such a happy little girl. She may not know how special these ads and moments are right now, but one day they'll be keepsakes. Even though Serena is great about updating her fans on Olympia's news, there's something magical about seeing both of them together, having conversations.
Serena has done her best to try to continue with her career while also being a present and loving mom. And moms often look up to Serena, as she's not afraid to vocalize how tough both jobs can be. It seems as if she's also a very hands-on mom, which is important — it looks as if she values all the time she can get with her daughter.
Thus, the Footsteps To Follow campaign was a great way for Serena to combine both things she loves — work and time with Olympia. "I love that it's called #FootstepstoFollow because she inspires every step I take and I hope I inspire her, too," she explained on Instagram. "Because while I try to teach her how to be a positive influence, she in fact teaches me how to be a stronger person every day."
One of the best images so far shows Olympia holding hands with her mom and smiling hard. The two are wearing matching shoes, and you can tell Olympia feels incredible in heels. It's very cute and a photo worth holding on to. "I guess a love of shoes runs in the family!" Serena said in the caption.
Olympia was born in September 2017. Serena had no trouble telling it like it was — from her complicated and nearly fatal birth experience to trying to reason with an infant. In February of last year, she posted a picture of the two of them together. But it was the caption that really gained the most attention.
"I am not sure who took this picture but Working and being a mom is not easy," Serena said. "I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out. I'm proud to be this baby’s mama @olympiaohanian. #nofilter #nomakeup #nohairbursh lol #justme."
She also talked with Today about how balancing both is a struggle. "I don't know how moms do it," she said. "I work a lot, and I can't imagine working a full day like most working women and then go back to their babies. I'm fortunate enough that I have days off, and I get to make my schedule and then can spend the rest of the day with her. And that's still hard."
She also admits that emotionally, being away from her daughter while she's working can be a lot to handle. "The hardest part is walking out of the house while she's crying because she wants to be with me," she said. "It's very hard and makes me vulnerable and upset. Even in Australia, my heart was aching when I left the door."
But perhaps more opportunities will come around like the Stuart Weitzman campaign. Serena became involved with the brand back in 2020. When she first signed on, her photos were used to showcase confident and strong women, which — again — describes Serena perfectly.
"Now, more than ever, is a moment to focus on hope and moving forward," Serena said in regard to last year's campaign, per Grazia. "I want women of every generation to be inspired to do so, one step at a time." The shoes themselves are also meant to enhance a woman's confidence while keeping her feet comfortable.
Thanks to her mom, Olympia can officially say that her professional modeling career started at the age of 3. But no matter what Olympia chooses to do — whether it's model or play tennis or something completely unrelated to the chosen professions of her parents — it's obvious that Serena will support her every step of the way. Olympia has two loving parents by her side.
It's always sweet to see celebrity kids in the spotlight. But in this situation, it's not as much about selling shoes for a brand. It's obviously a memory between Serena and Olympia that both will hold with them. It's one of the first — and hopefully not the last — times that Serena can easily combine both work and family life.
