Vicki Graf of WSOC-TV: FACES of Charlotte
WSOC-TV's Vicki Graf gives us the scoop on weather, being on camera and what she loves about Charlotte in today's FACES of Charlotte.
Meteorologist Vicki Graf can be seen on TVs across the Carolinas as a member of WSOC-TVβs weather team. Hundreds of thousands of Carolinians tune in to Channel 9 daily to watch her hour-by-hour forecasts. The blonde beauty sat down with us to give us a glimpse into her life on and off camera. Meet todayβsΒ FACE of Charlotte, Vicki Graf.Β
Did you know you wanted to be a meteorologist when you were younger?
I knew I always loved weather; I just didnβt know I would make it a career. I started learning about weather from my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Sullivan. We would go outside and study the clouds and weather patterns. I was always curious to find out what caused weather and the βwhyβ behind it all. Weather became a subject I loved learning about and watching.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On weekends, Iβm up atΒ 3 a.m.Β Our show starts atΒ 6 a.m.,Β so I have to have the forecast ready, graphics prepared, radio recorded β and then do my makeup and hair. If there is a major weather event, we are fully staffed until the storm has cleared.
Your hours can be pretty crazy. How do you manage work/life balance?
How do you handle negative feedback that you get as a result ofΒ being in the public eye?
I donβt think a lot ofΒ people know that we have to buy our own clothes and do our own makeup and hair. It can be tough finding outfits that are TV- and green screen-friendly. I canβt wear patterns or anything green (I would disappear in front of the green screen!), and no one wears suits anymore.Β In the age of social media,Β people arenβt afraid to voice their opinions. I try and take any negative feedback with a grain of salt. It stings at first but you have to have thick skin, so to speak. I usually politely respond and then try and not let it ruin my day.
Do you get recognized in public?
Occasionally. Itβs usually when Iβm coming from work and I have my βfaceβ on. When Iβm not at work, Iβm usually in my gym clothes with no makeup.
Speaking of makeup, whatβs theΒ No. 1 makeup or hair tip youβve learned from being on air?
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I did competitive gymnastics for 13 years. I surprise myself by still being able to do a round-off, back-handspring, tuck. I have also run four marathons β it has always been my goal to run the Boston Marathon.
When you have some down time, how do you unwind and relax?
I love to run. I try and get in 30 miles a week unless it is summer and itβs too hot to run outside! On top of that, IΒ incorporate workout classes from local gyms with ClassPass. My favorites are Madabolic, Fast Fit Boxing, Air Charlotte, Charlotte Yoga, FlyBarre/Wheel, EDGE Performance, HSM and HSM Core.
Where are your go-to places in Charlotte to eat out?
Whatβs your favorite thing to do in Charlotte?
Whatβs the best piece of advice youβve ever been given?
Donβt be afraid to ask questions.Β IΒ never askedΒ questions when I was growing up at schoolΒ and even at college. I was afraid of what people thought of me. Youβll learn so much more if you ask questions.
One last weather question! Whatβs the best way for regular olβ people to keep up with the weather?
If you are away from your TV, you can always get the latest forecast with our WSOC-TV Weather App. We are updating it constantly and there is an interactive radar for you toΒ track storms as they approach. We also have a WSOC-TV Weather TwitterΒ and Facebook Page, Snapchat, and we are all on Instagram. We are constantly trying to come up with new ways to make sure everyone is informed on the current weather forecast!
What are three things you cannot live without excluding friends, family and faith?
1. Coffee β¦ the only thing that gets me out of bed atΒ 3 a.m. MyΒ local favorites are Not Just Coffee and Central Coffee Co.
2. Changing weather. I could never live somewhere where it is sunny and 70 degrees every day. That would be boring.
3. My grandmaβs wedding ring. She passed away last fall from pancreatic cancer.Β I started wearing it when I found myself missing her. Now, I wear it every day. Itβs a reminder of how precious life is and how much family means to me.
Thank you to Vicki Graf for taking the time out of your busyΒ schedule to sit down with us. Weβll be tuning in for your next forecast!
Also, a big thank you to Piper Warlick Photography for the incredible pictures.Β
**********
Keep up with the very best of Charlotte. Follow us on Instagram β @StyleBlueprintCharlotte.
And, be sure you are signed up for StyleBlueprint Charlotte emails for exclusive offers, exclusive content and the best βme momentβ of your day!Β Sign up HERE.
