Chi Omega - University of North Carolina

From left: Susan with her sisters-in-law Betsy Ross Frazier '78 and Libby Holding Ross '80. Susan with one of her gifted VIETRI artists, Stefano. Susan shows off some of her lovely VIETRI bowls. Born to Lead Entrepreneur Susan Gravely '73 Shares Her Story of Success As a globally successful business owner, Susan's advice for entrepreneurs is "TO TRY. Failure is only a steppingstone on the path to success. Do your research, know your risk, and try; meet every person you can; don't be afraid to ask for advice; never be afraid to make a mistake, you can always turn around and TRY AGAIN!" I n 2023, Susan Gravely '73 celebrates 40 years of adventure and beauty since founding her own business, VIETRI. The nation's largest importer of Italian dinnerware and home decor, VIETRI is handcrafted, handpainted, and greatly admired as some of the most beautiful stoneware in the world. Susan's journey to build VIETRI's success has come with great challenges, soaring triumphs, and a lot of hard work. Susan's family was a huge inspiration as she started VIETRI with her sister and mother, but Chi Omega was as well. Susan loved the opportunities that Chi Omega provided for her to make new friends and develop her interests. She also loved the energy of recruitment. It was rewarding to help her sorority nurture friendships. Epsilon Beta echoed her family's values: Treat all people with respect and interest. "Chi O was a great place for me to start my time at UNC," she said. "There were women in Chi Omega from many states and backgrounds; so many Chi O women were very active at UNC, learning how to make a difference in the world." THE SPARK Susan grew up in a home filled with guests, dinner parties, and Southern hospitality. Her parents were loving, strong, and strict, and she and her three siblings adored them. Her father was the president of a global tobacco company, and they had his foreign business colleagues over for dinner often. "I learned to set a table, serve drinks, and listen to their tales of life in other parts of the world." After their guests would leave, her father would pull out a globe and show her where they had come from. He would say, "The world is really small; no matter where you are, you're only a plane ride or phone call away." By saying this, he instilled in her a curiosity and excitement to explore, two qualities that have been with Susan her whole life. Susan has traveled to Italy hundreds of times, working with artisans, designing new products, and soaking up the country's incredible culture. VIETRI has grown to more than 75 employees, and they are America's largest Italian ceramics importer. "Every day, I am honored and humbled that VIETRI products are part of our customers' daily lives and occasions, big and small," Susan shared. "If I were to pick a distinct highlight, it would be receiving the keys to three cities in Italy in thanks for VIETRI's contribution to their economic growth." LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST When she's not creating new pieces for VIETRI, Susan loves to hike with her husband, Bill, and dog, Franco. They also love fly-fishing, traveling, and spending time with their family and friends. "I love to read, and I have begun to write books myself in recent years." Susan wrote a series of five children's books about Old St. Nick, the beloved character featured on VIETRI's bestselling Old St. Nick dinnerware. "I am also very excited about my latest release, Italy on a Plate," Susan said. "The book is part memoir, part cookbook, and it highlights the people and foods that have made my VIETRI career and time in Italy so fascinating and delicious." You can connect with Susan at sgravely@vietri.com. CHI OMEGA 3

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