How would you feel you were constantly compared to a global icon for most of your formative years? Essence and Destinee, 2 black tennis playing twins from North London, who have been dealing with that since the age of 12. When we first met, even we asked them,  “So which one of you is Venus and which one is Serena?” When we interviewed them a year later to talk about Wimbledon and the French Open, we made sure not to ask that question again!

With their tennis careers developing rapidly, we’ve seen them grow and make steps and evolve s. Essence is currently studying Exercise Science in North Carolina, USA, on a full tennis scholarship. As for Destinee, we’ll catch up with her in a later installment.

Essence and her sister have been playing tennis since they were 6 years old. Their father was passionate about the sport and wanted to model himself on Richard Williams. Her feeling towards the game has been a sense of belonging to a passionate community.

“Tennis has given me so many incredible opportunities and experiences, I don't even notice them anymore sometimes. What I didn't expect to receive was probably having friends who are like my family. Tennis has given me a whole community of friends for life and people who completely understand me because they share my struggles.”

Essence is now broadening her horizons. She feels as though tennis will always have a place in her heart and life --  but being as realistic as she is, she knows she probably will not be playing professionally. She’s working as hard off the court as she has been on it, doing well in school so she will be able to continue in the sport she loves as a physiotherapist. 

She’s not only focusing on sport, though. Being away from home, in a new culture and environment has given her the chance to develop a new creative skill.

“I love to play music and I got it on my 18th birthday in 2019. It helped me get through a lot of difficult times because I've been able to express myself with it. 

My guitar symbolises the growth of a new passion I've developed. It was a new stage in my life when I felt like I could invest my time in something else I really enjoyed.”

Even though it’s just you and your opponent on the court, in her eyes it isn’t a solo sport; she has a strong esprit de corps because she knows that it takes a team effort to win tournaments. A memento she holds onto dearly is a long sleeve tee she and her team got from a teammate. 

“The longsleeve reminds me of how lucky I am to be me. Even though things haven't gone to plan for anyone this year, it reminds of all I’ve been through with my team.”

Moving to the USA has been quite a rollercoaster for Essence, but also a great way for her to grow. It’s not easy being away from your family and friends for so long. She is aware of what a great opportunity it was for her to have been offered this position and it’s made her more confident as well. Confident to believe more in her own resilience and power.

The struggles I faced by traveling halfway around the world to study and play tennis forced me to come out of my shell and I'm grateful for that opportunity. I've learned through these moments that I need to have more belief in my abilities.

Essence has made such huge steps she’s we first met. She’s learned more about who she is, what she’s capable of and gained trust in herself. The love she puts in, is also the love that comes out. 

“Do what you love, without doubt. Trust in your abilities, and study harder!”

“Just enjoy the game and you will play the way you want to.”

ESSENCE’S RESET TIPS: 

• Book: Small Island by Andrea Levy

• Book: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

• Movie: About Time

• Music: Becky Hill

• Music: Her own current playlist