As told by the founder, Jill Christiansen

For over 15 years, I lived and breathed advertising and marketing. It was my world, and I loved every minute of it—helping brands find their voice, creating campaigns that resonated, and seeing the impact of my work. But there was always this little dream tucked away in the back of my mind, a dream of opening my own retail store. I just couldn’t quite put my finger on the perfect niche, something that would make my store truly stand out.

Then, in 2019, something unexpected happened. While on a business trip to Mexico, I stumbled upon a game that I hadn’t played since high school—pickleball! I was instantly hooked all over again. The sound of the paddle hitting the ball, the quick movements, the fun, and the camaraderie—I knew I had to start playing again as soon as I got home.

But when I went to buy a paddle, I couldn’t believe what I found. Or rather, what I didn’t find. The paddles were so… dull. They were utilitarian, plain, and just didn’t capture the spirit of the game I’d fallen back in love with. I remember thinking, “I can do better than this.”

That’s when the idea for PEP Pickleball was born. With my background in design and my newfound passion for the game, I knew I could create something special—paddles that were not just top-notch in quality, but also stylish, fun, and full of personality. As the world slowed down in 2020, PEP Pickleball became my COVID passion project. It was my way of bringing a little extra pep into people’s lives during a challenging time.

So, I got to work, combining my love for pickleball with my design skills, and soon enough, PEP Pickleball came to life. It’s been an incredible journey, watching people light up when they pick up one of our paddles, knowing they’re about to have as much fun as I do when I play.

PEP Pickleball isn’t just a brand to me; it’s a reflection of my passion, my creativity, and my belief that life—and pickleball—should always be played with a little extra style and a lot of joy.

So, whether you’re a pickleball pro or just starting out, I invite you to join the PEP family. Let’s serve up some fun, hit those shots with style, and keep the game as lively and exciting as it deserves to be.

After all, life’s too short for boring paddles. Let’s play with pep!