We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Hannes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to share my love and knowledge of beach tennis with everyone and make beach tennis a popular sport and activity in the USA

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very proud that I was able to reach the number 30 in the world rankings for beach tennis & number 1 in the USA. Training and competing beach tennis in the USA is a very hard thing to do due to the lack of tournaments and training resources and support. Even tho with all the challenges, I was able to achieve great results. I believe discipline is a big aspect. The fact that I stay motivated and focused to keep on training even when beach tennis was exploding in other countries such as Brasil and Puerto Rico a lot more than in the USA. I would like everyone to know that when we start something new, you need to really love it. Because as a business owner or as an athlete, you will have good days and bad days and if you dont truy love what you do, every issue or bad day, you will get closer to giving up. If you love it, you will always find a way to move past it, get stronger and keep on going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On saturday, Definitely a beach tennis lesson with Beach Tennis Santa Monica, followed by our open play. After, we would take a stroll on the boardwalk all the way to the Pier. We would get a quick meal at Alfafa on main street and watch the finish the day with the beautiful and iconic California sunset from the beach.
On sunday, we would go down to Torrance Beach. A non touristic beach, but in my opinion, one of the most peaceful and beautiful ones in the South bay. We would play a little bit more of beach tennis, watch the dolphins and walk on the sand to the Palos verdes cliffs. After, we would get a late lunch at any of the restaurants in Hollywood Riviera, walking distance from the beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my wife Shanda. When we first moved to California, if it was not for her love, emotional and financial support I would have not been able to start BTSM. Also, my parents always believe I could do it if I wanted to and worked really hard at it, just like they did when they were starting their business in Brazil. Their support and extra belief in me saying that it was possible to have beach tennis be my full time job, I never gave up. We definetely have ups and down til this day, but I will always work a little bit harder and get through whatever it comes our war and keep bringing the joy of beach tennis to everyone.

Website: https://www.beachtennissantamonica.com

Instagram: @btsantamonica. @ca.training

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