Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mullins.

Hi Michelle, 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?

For many athletes, sports are more than just competition—they’re an outlet, a passion, and a way to express themselves. That’s exactly what inspired me to create Funky Ace, a brand that adds a fun, stylish twist to racket sports.

Before launching Funky Ace, I spent years working in healthcare while consulting in the pharmaceutical industry. Tennis, however, had always been my escape—a way to de-stress, stay active, and maintain a positive mindset. Over time, I realized I wanted to bring that same sense of joy and excitement to the game itself.

The idea for Funky Ace took shape in late 2023 when I was preparing for a USTA district tournament and needed a new overgrip. After searching high and low for one that had both quality and personality, I came up empty-handed. That was my lightbulb moment—why settle for basic, solid-colored grips when players could have something that reflects their personality?

I spent months developing a line of high-performance overgrips that are not only comfortable, sweat-wicking, and non-slip but also bold, vibrant, and expressive. Whether you’re a casual pickleball player or a seasoned tennis competitor, Funky Ace grips are designed to bring both function and fun to your game.

Seeing my first set of samples was an unforgettable moment—nine months of hard work finally turned into something tangible. And when launch day arrived in July 2024, the excitement only grew. Now, hearing from players who love the grips and seeing Funky Ace make an impact on the court is the most rewarding part of this journey.

Tennis and pickleball are evolving, and so is the gear players bring with them. Funky Ace is here to make sure that self-expression doesn’t stop at your skills—it extends to your racket, too. I’m Michelle Mullins, owner of Funky Ace.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Starting Funky Ace has been an exciting journey, but it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, especially in the early stages.

One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right manufacturer. Not all factories specialize in high-quality overgrips, so it took time to source a partner that could produce grips with the right balance of durability, comfort, and sweat-wicking performance. Even after finding a good manufacturer, material selection and testing was another challenge. I tested multiple samples to ensure the grip provided the right level of tackiness and non-slip texture, all while holding up under different playing conditions.

Another struggle was meeting minimum order quantities (MOQs). Many manufacturers require large production runs, which can be a major financial commitment for a new brand. Balancing the need for quality production while managing startup costs was a tough but necessary challenge to overcome.

Beyond production, standing out in a competitive market has been another uphill battle. Well-known brands like Wilson and Yonex already dominate the overgrip space, so I had to work hard to differentiate Funky Ace—not just with performance but with bold, unique designs that bring personality to the court.

And of course, supply chain and logistics have thrown their fair share of curveballs. Shipping delays, customs issues, and inventory management have all been learning experiences. Keeping stock levels balanced—without over-ordering or running out—has been a constant challenge, especially since the company is new and still gauging demand.

So no, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has pushed us to strengthen our brand and find creative solutions. It’s all part of the process, and seeing players enjoy Funky Ace grips makes it all worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m Michelle Mullins, the founder of Funky Ace, a brand that brings style, personality, and performance to the world of racket sports. We specialize in high-quality, sweat-wicking, non-slip overgrips for tennis and pickleball players who want to express themselves on the court.

What sets Funky Ace apart is the fusion of function and personality. While most overgrips on the market focus solely on performance, we add a layer of creativity with bold colors and expressive patterns—something that was missing in the industry. Players should be able to customize their gear just like they do their shoes, outfits, and accessories, and Funky Ace makes that possible.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing players—whether casual enthusiasts or competitive athletes—genuinely excited to use our grips. Getting feedback from customers who say Funky Ace makes them smile when they pick up their racket is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why I started this brand in the first place: to make tennis and pickleball more fun and personal while still delivering a high-performance product.

At the end of the day, Funky Ace is about bringing energy to the game. It’s for players who want to stand out, play their best, and have fun doing it. That’s the heart of what we do, and it’s what keeps us pushing forward.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

Luck has definitely played a role in my journey with Funky Ace—both good and bad—but I believe that what you do with that luck matters just as much as having it.

On the good luck side, I was fortunate to have a background in healthcare and pharmaceutical consulting, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, attention to detail, and business strategy. While it wasn’t directly related to starting a tennis overgrip brand, it helped me navigate the challenges of launching a product-based business. I was also lucky to recognize a gap in the market at just the right time—realizing there was a lack of patterned, performance-based overgrips when I needed one myself. That moment sparked the idea for Funky Ace, and I ran with it.

Of course, bad luck has played its part too. Like many new business owners, I faced unexpected delays, from manufacturing hiccups to supply chain issues that were completely out of my control. There were also moments where I put a lot of time and money into something that didn’t pan out exactly as planned. But every setback forced me to adapt, learn, and push forward, which ultimately made the business stronger.

At the end of the day, I think luck opens doors, but it’s hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn that truly shape success. Whether good or bad, I’ve tried to take every twist of luck as a learning opportunity—and that’s what keeps Funky Ace growing.

Pricing:

• Funky Ace Overgrip: $5.99/ea
• Mix & Match 3 Overgrips: $14.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.funkyace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkyace
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamfunkyace

Image Credits

Alysha Walsh Photography