Naomi Osaka, the tennis champion, has debuted a luxury accessories brand at Uncharted’s Fame to Fortune Summit in the Hamptons.
Osaka unveiled the luxury leather goods brand on Friday. She announced a fireside chat at the event.
The tennis star also showed a prototype of one of her handbags. She presented the creation alongside business partner Mike Cherman.
Cherman is the founder of Los Angeles streetwear brand Chinatown Market.
Osaka described the new venture as her “biggest dream” outside tennis. She also said she wants to build something of her own.
Osaka reflects on her business journey
Speaking with Fortune’s executive editorial director Diane Brady, Osaka discussed her career beyond tennis.
“Being a really good tennis player has given me a lot of amazing opportunities to invest and also just to surround myself with some really great people, and I feel like that’s gotten me to this point where I want to create my own thing,” Osaka said.
“It’s something that I want to pour all my energy into because I believe in it too with all my heart.”
The appearance came as Osaka prepared for this year’s U.S. Open. The 28-year-old has also become known for her interest in fashion.
Her Nike outfits have often been paired with pieces created with designers. These include Hana Yagi and Robert Wun.
Fame to Fortune connects stars and investors
Uncharted organised the Fame to Fortune Summit. The event brought celebrities, business leaders and investors together.
The summit took place at the Southampton, New York, estate of Uncharted co-founder Michael Loeb.
Loeb and co-founder Justin Barth encouraged guests to meet people outside their usual circles. They hoped the connections would help turn new ideas into businesses.
“I don’t think anybody is going to walk out of here today with a $100 million business or a billion-dollar business, but you’re going to come out with ideas, and also some of the enablers that are going to help you do it,” Loeb said.
The event also featured Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s agent and business partner.
Kleiman said networking outside familiar circles was one of the benefits of attending the summit.
“I’m not trying to come offstage and close a deal,” he said.
“I think we all live in our bubbles … The more you get out of the world, the more you’re outside around people; that’s the best news of what’s happening.”
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