Meet Volée

By: Kym Whitney

For those who enjoy court sports and appreciate fashion-forward items - Volée is your brand, your community.

Just over one year ago, three friends from Port Streets took their first pickleball lesson together and, like many others, were immediately hooked! Pickleball was, literally and figuratively, a breath of fresh air. The friends found a new way to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, stay active, and be social. Shortly after they started playing regularly, they noticed a lack of fashionable and functional pickleball bags for both men and women. It was then the trio decided to begin their journey together, not just as best friends but as business partners, forming Volée.

Volée brings elevated and functional bags to court sports. The bags are a lifestyle - they are multi-functional while also standing out as a statement piece. "We want people to have the ease of going straight from the court to lunch - all with the same stylish bag." Take the Volée duffle, for example; you can play tennis or pickleball and then use it as a carry-on or weekend bag for your next trip.

Volée is unique because the brand outfits the court community with style and function for any situation. The bags aren't pickleball specific - they can be used to play pickleball, tennis, or pádel and go straight to lunch, shop, or travel, all with the same bag.

"Make your Mark" is the Volée motto. Founders Ashley Rose, Kristin Leffel, and Kasey Martin want to make their mark by creating memorable, high-quality products that will stand out. They are passionate about their designs and want people to feel that same love when shopping their brand. They also enjoy cheering on their supporters to make their mark on the game and life.

All three ladies are inspired by those who live their brand and build community through their brand, especially Paige Mycoskie, the founder of Aviator Nation, and Matt Chelvallard of Blu Scarpa. Both entrepreneurs are true talents who are known for their innovative designs. They don't create products just because they see a demand. They sincerely care about what they create, make, and sell, which gives them an edge. Like Mycoskie says, "Without the edge, you just can't survive because you can't compete with the person with the edge"

The besties love that they truly live their brand. To create and build a brand for sports they love to play is a dream. Court sports are "forever" encouraging a healthy and social lifestyle, and Martin, Rose, and Leffel hope to continue to play a part in this unique and welcoming community.

It has been a fun journey for the trio so far, from their initial idea and drawings to their upcoming bag launch. They have had some successes and some significant bumps, but they have become resilient and stronger as a team. After many months of diligently working on their new bag line, they are excited to announce Volée's bags will be available to purchase next month.

Follow @thevolee on Instagram to receive updates about their reveal and launch. They also encourage you to tag @thevolee and share how you are making your mark on the court and in life. They love connecting with their fellow community!

Message to the Community: 

"We are excited that we have created Volée and will continue to build our brand and community for all our fellow court lovers to make their mark. It will be a fun journey, and we hope you join us." 

About the Founders: 

All three best friends currently reside in Port Streets. 

Ashley Rose was born and raised in New Orleans. She attended the University of Georgia and received a double major in advertising and sociology. Rose also competed in the USTA Juniors. Before Volée, she worked in medical device sales. 

Kristin Leffel was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. 

She attended Loyola University of Chicago, where she majored in marketing. Prior to Volée, she was a model and actress. 

Kasey Martin is a Port Streets native who received her communications degree from the University of Arizona. She also worked in medical device sales before starting this venture. 

The Volée co-founders and their husbands are involved in their community and their kids' school, Andersen Elementary. They also live their brand by playing in PPA and APP tournaments, at the local Bonita Canyon pickleball courts, and at the Newport Beach Tennis and Pickleball Club. They are also committed to giving back by supporting tournaments for charity - a high percentage of them are held at the Newport Beach TTC. One charity they love to support is Project Access - a local foundation that helps low-income families with housing, health care, and education. As they grow, they hope to get more involved in supporting other great causes.

Rose, Leffel, and Martin hope to see their Volée products on the court and around town! Shop online: https://thevolee.com/