This self-proclaimed non-athlete is now CEO of a pickleball company
Love at First Dink: Interview with Catherine Baxter: Founder & CEO of Nettie
Happy November! This month feels like a pause after the “back to school/home from Summer frolicking” busy-ness, and a time for reflection and gratitude before the craziness of the holidays happens.
It’s also a time to be thoughtful about where you’re spending your money - and I’m excited to be highlighting a few small businesses in the pickleball world that deserve your attention and support. My first interview (below) with Catherine Baxter, CEO and Founder of Nettie, is very special to me.
Have you had that experience of randomly connecting with someone that then becomes an important person in your life? Over a year ago, a colleague mentioned “A guy I knew back in high school is dating someone that started their own pickleball company, and I know you’re obsessed with it - it’s @PlayNettie”. In overeager fashion, I dm’d via Instagram and lurked on LinkedIn to message the founder Catherine Baxter, and a match was made!
Editor’s note: Visit Nettie.com to shop, and use code lydia15 for 15% off your entire purchase!
Lydia: How did you discover pickleball and get the inspiration for Nettie?
Catherine: My now fiance’s parents created a makeshift pickleball court in their apartment in Manhattan during the pandemic. Even the memory makes me smile - they had to move their furniture to create the space. I immediately thought it was charming, and then I was compelled to dig a little deeper: there’s a reason they felt compelled to keep playing even while not going outside - pickleball makes people so passionate.
I was never athletic growing up - I was the last to be picked for a team and would prefer to write notes to the opponents instead of actually playing. Pickleball felt like a game I could actually participate in.
Nettie is a pickleball and outdoor recreational company that works to bring joy in to people’s lives through quality products & great design - and is for every skill level.
Lydia: Tell me about starting Nettie!
Catherine: I had been working in social impact at social justice organizations, most recently Planned Parenthood (editor’s note: when I learned this about Catherine on her first call, I loved her even more). These organizations encourage women to raise their hands and participate in spaces they can have an impact in. As I started to consider starting my own company, I realized that pickleball doesn’t have to be frivolous - it’s such a joyful game, people can spend time together, and it’s very unique in connecting people of different generations, which is important to society!
Lydia: Why do you think it’s important to support small businesses?
Catherine: People are taking really brave risks to start their companies - and they’re likely forgoing other opportunities and time away from their friends and families. This time of year is where it comes to fruition for a lot of people, especially in consumer products.
I do ask that buyers give grace on shipping times - every small business I know, including myself, is trying their best to be speedy - please know we’re working our hardest to get you your order, and do appreciate the support.
Lydia: Who would you like to play pickleball with, and perhaps get pickled with after?
Catherine: The person I’d most like to play with is Brene Brown. A) She loves pb and it is one of her self care routines and B) She brings so much openness and honesty and goodwill in to the world, and we need more of that.
Serena Williams is my second. I don’t know if she’s getting in to pickle, but I would like to bask in her presence. She’s a business owner, investor, leader - I’m new to the racquet sports arena as a business owner, but I’ve followed and admired Serena for years.
Thank you Catherine, and wishing you & Nettie astronomical success!
Visit Nettie.com to shop, and use code lydia15 for 15% off your entire purchase! Follow Nettie on Instagram & TikTok
Other noteworthy moments since you last heard from me:
CityPickle, NYC’s first indoor pickleball club, hosted a pop-up in Hudson Yards the month of October, and I had the chance to play! See some highlights from the day here and here. Sign up for their newsletter to be in the know here.
I traveled to Newport Beach, CA to participate in the first annual Susan G. Komen ‘Pickleball for the Cure’ tournament! While my record didn’t show it, I had an AMAZING time, and am excited for pickleball to make an impact in the world of breast cancer research, and I got to spend time with wonderful friends. Highlights here (and the Newport Beach Club is glorious, with more than 30 courts!).
Some local parents in NYC are still not happy with pickleball in the parks (aka the only shared public spaces we all have, and in my opinion, to share). We had a 90 minute community board call - nothing is settled. I will be including action items in a future newsletter.
Onward,
Lydia