Some people live with intention. For them, wellness isn’t aspirational, it’s essential. For tennis champion and entrepreneur Sloane Stephens, that philosophy has evolved into something tangible. From her In Motion Wellness Journal to her Doc & Glo haircare line, her approach is rooted in simplicity and real life. The journal isn’t about perfection or performance, it’s about presence. It reflects a modern approach to balance, one that embraces consistency and living with intention.
In this interview, she opens up about creating healthy habits that travel with her, the power of small daily check-ins, and why staying grounded has less to do with where you are and everything to do with how you show up for yourself.
What inspired you to create the In Motion Wellness Journal, and how does it reflect your personal approach to staying grounded?
The In Motion Wellness Journal was really inspired by the reality of my life, constantly moving between training, travel, competition, and everything happening off the court. I wanted to create something that feels approachable and real, because wellness does not always look like an hour long morning routine. For me, staying grounded comes from small intentional moments throughout the day: checking in with myself, recognizing how I am feeling, and making space for gratitude and reflection. The journal reflects that exact approach, simple, honest, and designed to fit into real life.
Your journal focuses on quick daily check ins. Why was it important for you to keep the process simple and realistic for everyday use?
Because life is busy. I know firsthand that when something feels too complicated or time consuming, it is hard to stay consistent. I wanted this journal to feel like something anyone can actually use, whether you have five minutes in the morning, a moment between meetings, or time before bed. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause and ask yourself, How am I feeling today? What do I need right now? Keeping it simple makes it sustainable.
What do you hope users take away from the In Motion Wellness Journal, and how do you envision it helping people stay grounded and focused in their daily lives?
I hope people walk away feeling more connected to themselves. My biggest goal is to help people create a habit of checking in mentally and emotionally, especially during busy or stressful seasons. Even a few minutes of reflection can help you reset your mindset, celebrate small wins, and move through your day with more intention. I want it to be a tool that reminds people that wellness does not have to be perfect, it just has to be consistent.
Between training, travel, and competition, how do you personally make time for wellness and mental resets?
For me, it is all about finding small moments throughout the day. Wellness does not always happen in big blocks of time. Sometimes it is a quiet cup of tea in the morning, a journal check in before practice, a good stretch session, or simply putting my phone away for a little while. Travel can be hectic, so I try to create routines that travel with me: skincare, hair care, movement, hydration, and mental resets that help me feel centered no matter where I am.
Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets busy or overwhelming?
My family and my foundation work keep me incredibly grounded. The work we do through the Sloane Stephens Foundation is such an important reminder of purpose and perspective. Giving back to young people and seeing the impact of mentorship always brings me back to what truly matters. Beyond that, my close circle, family, friends, and my team, keeps me centered.
What has been the most memorable or defining moment of your tennis career so far?
Winning the 2017 US Open will always be one of the most defining moments of my career. It was a moment that represented resilience, belief, and everything I had worked for. Coming back from injury and being able to achieve something so special made it even more meaningful. It is a reminder that setbacks do not define you, how you come back does.
As someone constantly on the move for training, matches, and travel, what does your typical hair care routine look like while you are on the road? Are there any must have products or essentials you always keep with you?
Hair care is such a huge part of my routine, especially with how often I am training and traveling. Honestly, that is a big part of why I started the hair line. Hair has always been such an important part of my life, and I know firsthand the struggles that come with maintaining healthy hair while constantly being on the move, sweating, styling, and traveling from city to city. Creating products that truly work together and fit into an active lifestyle felt like such a huge opportunity for me.
I always keep my essentials with me: a gentle cleansing shampoo, a hydrating conditioner, our hair supplement, and hair oil. The supplement supports healthy growth from within, while the oil helps keep my hair hydrated, nourished, and protected on the outside. For me, it is about creating a full routine that supports healthy hair from root to finish, no matter where I am.
How do you protect and maintain your hair during tournaments and intense training periods?
Protective styling is key, along with making sure my hair and scalp stay hydrated. Between sweat, sun, and frequent styling, I focus on moisture and scalp health. I love using oils and serums that nourish the scalp, plus silk wraps or bonnets at night to reduce friction. It is really about consistency and making sure I am caring for my hair the same way I care for the rest of my body.
What beauty or hair trends are you currently loving, and which ones do you think are especially relevant for women with an active, on the go lifestyle?
I am loving the shift toward wellness first beauty, products that not only look good but actually support your lifestyle. Scalp care is a huge one for me right now, and I think it is so important for women who are always on the go. Beauty that fits into real life, whether it is multi use products, easy protective styles, or skincare and body care that works after workouts, is where I think the industry is moving.
Through your Sloane Stephens Foundation, you are helping young girls gain access to sports and mentorship. What inspired you to start this work, and what impact do you hope it has on the next generation?
The foundation was inspired by my own journey and the opportunities that sports gave me. I know how powerful access, mentorship, and belief can be in shaping a young person’s future. I wanted to create spaces where young girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to dream bigger. My hope is that through sports, education, and mentorship, we are helping build confidence, leadership, and opportunities that last far beyond the court.
