Born in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia in the small town of Grundy, Tracy is passionately curious about life and its many facets. Following in the footsteps of her father, she played college sports and majored in Business. Her love of fashion led her to open her first business, a children’s clothing store, at the age of 24. She soon expanded the store becoming the largest men, women and children’s clothing store in the area. Her creativity and love of design led her to her second business venture, an Interior Design retail store in Charleston, SC, where she spent half her time.
Tracy’s world changed forever in 2008 with the passing of her father. She quickly left SC and headed back to the mountains to help with the family businesses. Soon after, she met and married the love of her life, her husband, Don, a lawyer and retired judge, as well as a part time farmer.
Loving farming, nature and everything in it, Tracy quickly made herself a commercial organic heirloom tomato farmer. Wife, tomato farmer, caterer, public speaker and filling pulpits became Tracy’s new roles in life.
Once again, in January 2023, her life crumbled when her mother passed away. A few months later, in June 2023, Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Tracy found herself at the foot of the throne and prayer became of utmost importance along with her husband’s healing. In August, Don had surgery and the cancer is completely gone. But, October brought the final and biggest trial of the year. Tracy was diagnosed with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and her deteriorating body limited her daily activities. As her health continued to decline, she found herself facing a life and death situation.
“I don’t want surgery, I feel fine.” “Just get the fluid off me and I’ll be fine,” Tracy would argue, while lying in her hospital bed as her weak body was unable to heal on its own.
As she prayed constantly, and felt the prayers of others on her behalf, her faith grew and she felt assured she would have the same good fortune with her health as Don. After weeks of prayer, finally on March 29, 2024, Good Friday morning, Tracy prayed the prayer that Jesus prayed while in the Garden of Gethsemane, “God, if it is your will, let this cup pass from me.” After several moments, a peace came over her and she knew it was time for the surgery.
On May 15 & 16, 2024, Tracy underwent a 9 hour surgery. The next two months were tough. In and out of the hospital following the surgery, Tracy coded 3 times, including once at home, as Don saved her life. Her wound from surgery had to be re-closed resulting in a MRSA infection. Nonetheless, she made her way from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, back to the mountains of Virginia on July 4th, 2024. As her strength slowly returned during her recovery, Tracy decided to make good use of her “down time”. She enrolled in classes in Cornell University’s on line Fashion Design program where she received her certificate on December 24, 2024. She is now the Owner/Designer of Traci Suzanne Apparel Company which will be available on line, January 2026 and in stores, October 2026.
After a year under the close watch of her doctors, weekly blood draws, several medications, and the loss of her hair, she has fully recovered (except for her hair) and gives God all the glory for the work He has and continues to do in her life. She is currently a member on the support team at the Mayo Clinic where they meet weekly, virtually, to support and inspire those experiencing similar life threatening diseases. Besides owning Traci Suzanne, she is also a motivational/inspirational speaker and loves to share her story to encourage men and women to follow their dreams, believe in themselves and achieve the impossible, no matter how out of reach it may seem.
When not designing or speaking, Tracy loves woodworking, anything outdoors, including animals and especially flowers, and spending time with her friends, her cats and most importantly, her husband Don.