Sorella Trading Company’s mission is to reinforce the authentic Italian village setting of Villaggio Verde by seeking unique, authentic Italian artisanal products and providing them for discerning Upstate consumers directly in the Villaggio shops. Facilitating these trades is a dream come true for Victoria Custodi, a long-time devotee of high-quality Italian goods, enthusiastic supporter of cultural exchange, and graduate of the University of South Carolina MIBS program (Italian Track). She is also an active participant in Partners in Friendship – Aiken, SC’s partner-city organization with Orvieto, Italy, where she will be sourcing many of the goods destined for Villaggio Verde. Victoria will act as a broker to facilitate language, trade, and all forms of necessary communication and paperwork for the exchange of goods between Greenville and Italian shop owners. She will serve as liaison between Italian and Greenville shopowners, leading the process from product selection to delivery. Villaggio Verde will accommodate up to fifteen shops, averaging 500 to 1,500 square feet, to sell a diversity of fine Italian products, including but not limited to furniture, jewelry, clothing, linens, ceramics, shoes, leather goods, gift items, and art. Villaggio Verde will also maintain restaurants, cafés and bakeries that will offer Italian wines and food. These shops and restaurants could also carry the Orvietan partners’ names if desired, thus serving as a true “branch” of the Orvietan store. Imagine when the Upstate’s population will be able to browse through a variety of unique shops, then take a break to enjoy authentic Italian gelato, coffee and pastries, or even an aperitivo, on a piazza overlooking the piedmont and downtown skyline. Villaggio Verde will encompass everything from fashionable boutiques and artisanal art to specialty food stores and coffee shops, creating an environment that is pleasing to experience regardless of whether you are in a buying mood. Sorella Trading Company is committed to ensuring this commercial exchange between cities will provide a shopping destination unlike any other – just around the corner from you! Ever dreamed of owning a shop selling highly sought after goods that you personally enjoy and have a passion for? Become a Villaggio Verde shop owner and appreciate firsthand the joy of selecting and managing high-quality artisanal products in your own store. For more information on becoming a shop owner, fill out Villaggio Verde’s online survey.