Kelly's Notes on Yianni Souvatzoglou

Although my visit felt like a series of coincidences and unusual events, I couldn’t help but feel that the happenings on the evening of my visit with Yianni were not unusual at all. I spent a few hours with Yianni discussing the evolution of his culture, art, business, family, and ethical ideas. Throughout our conversation, he was attentive, grateful, generous, informative, excited, and passionate. It was easy for me to envision a customer in his store becoming excited right along with him as he spoke about the inspirations and meanings behind his works. There is always a meaning, and usually a very honest one; one that we can all relate to.

After about an hour, a group of previous customers had stopped by to say good-bye to Yianni and purchase a few more items they hadn’t been able to shake from their minds. I was amazed to see such an interested group. They were all vocal about their own passion for his work and made many unsolicited offers to tell friends and family back home about Yianni. I captured a few photos of them in the store. One of which is Yianni accepting an embrace from one fan in the group. They also took many photos of their own in the shop and all left in the end with smiles of satisfaction.

Over the next hour another couple came in who had miraculously saved Yianni’s business card from 10 years ago. They explained that they had loved his works so much 10 years ago, they had purposely kept the card hoping to return to Greece to see his works again. So there they were, and there was Yianni, like old friends, each so appreciative of the other.

Eventually, Yianni and I wrapped up our conversation and said our goodbyes. He offered gifts to my daughter and she accepted them with great pride. Since that day, I have continued to work with Yianni in hopes to encourage others to also visit his shop. I met his family and found the energy there always pleasant. I hope you can also make time to see his works and perhaps get to know him a bit as well.