Today we’d like to introduce you to Celia Quintero.
Hi Celia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
It all started in New York City as I worked at a tennis club from ages 16 – 25. During this time, I tried my best to elevate my game but also how I teach tennis, and to be aware of what people want in tennis. I came up with fun and engaging challenges and events so much, so I was asked to consult and help other companies plan events for tennis.
Once I moved to Los Angeles to manage a club, I realized that working for other people was not what I wanted to do, and I was tired of putting my ideas out there, knowing the community would love them. Getting shut down again and again because the people in charge didn’t always see the vision, just the money aspect, and that was growing tiresome. Sadly, I suffered a terrible lower back, knee, and foot injury while working too many hours on the court and had to be on bedrest for a while. During this time, I had extensive rehab and was able to walk again. I learned that I had to put myself and my body first, but as an athlete who couldn’t do anything for months, my mind started to get the best of me, and I fell into a depression. I gained a lot of weight, hated myself, and didn’t want to do anything really. I felt like a failure.
After a few months, I continued my consulting, and I decided to form my own company, CQ Sports Consulting, and through that worked with many Companies and Brands to create some very exclusive events. After a few events, I got tired of not seeing a lot of people that looked like me at these bougie events and wanted that to change. I started working background on the show All American Homecoming (AAH) and at the start on season 2 was asked to be the tennis coordinator. Of course, I was truly honored to be on a show with such lovely people and writers who tell the story of what African Americans are facing in the world still today. Working with Game Changing Films and the show AAH is one of the best things I have been a part of, and I have done many, many, many events around the US. Game Changing Films has believed in me so much they have allowed me to put on an event at Indian Wells for the cast and crew of AAH and have sponsored my events i.e. Toy Drive for low-income city kids during the holidays and my Celebrity GlowBall Sports Basketball Tournament! I also was able to teach many celebrities tennis for different shows and it has been a dream!
My newest adventure is rebranding my company CQ Sports, we are a mini social tennis club that serves the Brentwood Community with private lessons, groups lessons, and fun events. Last year I started GlowBall Sports, a Glow in the Dark Sports company to provide a fun experience for adults and kids alike. We have worked with local parks and even the Salvation Army to bring this experience to everyone in the community. We are looking forward to continue the work and impact we are making.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. I like to think of the road as a lesson. I dealt with a lot of people who were users and only thought about themselves. I was young, and I would like to thank them. I learned so much from them about keeping my peace and saying no if it’s not in my best interest. I put myself first and listen to what I want and how I can make my own impact. Working under these people helped me realize why I am helping you. You came to me for my knowledge and connections, but you didn’t earn it. This gave me the courage to stand up and make my own company and to only work with people who have the same passion and drive for community work. Tennis and sports, in general, have shaped my life and given me an amazing opportunity, and I want to pass that on to the next generation. We can do whatever we put our minds to. I am still standing after moving 3000 miles away from my home and family to then be overworked and underpaid, resulting in my injury. I am still standing after being used for my knowledge and connections and then being fired after helping out a struggling company. I am still standing after dealing with 3 close family deaths since 2018. I am still here, and I am not going anywhere!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CQ Sports?
CQ Sports does a lot of different things. I have been so passionate about community work that we are rebranding to incorporate more experience and fun for the community.
We started a junior tennis program in Brentwood in which we volunteer our time to teach the kids. When we started, it was only 2 hours a week, and now, we provide all levels and ages 4 -1 4 years old, and our junior program is now 10 hours a week with certificates and prizes at the end of each session. We are incorporating Matchplay and tennis tournaments/festivals for the kids who want to take it to the next lesson, and we are reaching out to neighboring parks to see who would like to participate in our tournaments/festivals.
Our adult program starts at beginners and goes all the way to intermediate for instructional classes and even fun cardio-based classes like liveball and cardio tennis. We have put on free/low-cost Wellness Events at this park, too, with tennis/boxing/zumba/soundbaths/ and a wellness panel with amazing experts. We also have a more social aspect to it with more monthly events like movie night, bar night, and top golf! Why should we only hang out on the tennis court when there is more to life and we should take the time to get to know each other better, we all love the same sport!
Our newest and most fun company is GlowBall Sports, we offer glow in the dark sports experiences like glow in the dark basketball which has been a hit for adults and kids. We are excited to grow this company and be a part of the community of basketball in LA. We are excited to drive into other sports like football, pickleball, and soccer soon!
I feel our sense of community and bringing people together sets us apart. We don’t just say we are about community we prove it every day in our classes and events that we put on. So, I hope more people can join us in this journey.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for someone just starting out is to not shut yourself down, you can do anything you put your mind to. Have a plan, get a team of people who you trust and will back you up and just start it. It may not be pretty at first and you might not even make any money back but always try and there will always be a lesson to learn because you only fail if you don’t try.
Pricing:
- $50 per drop-in class for tennis 1.5-hour group classes
- $35-$45 if you buy a membership and get a package
- Free – low-cost Wellness Events
- Glow in the Dark is based on amount of people, timing, and space
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cq-sports.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cece_q/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/cq_sports/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-quintero/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/glowball_sports/
- Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/glowballkidz/
