An Ode to Kathy

How do you say goodbye to the single most important person your business has ever known? The person who, for almost two decades, has helped you build your dream? Who is as much a part of the store’s DNA as you are? How do you say goodbye—or rather, see you soon—to one of the dearest friends you’ve ever had? You wish you didn’t have to, but you suck it up and send her on her way so she can enjoy her first grandson on the way, all the rewards of a lifetime of hard work, traveling the world, spending time with the love of her life, and other big, huge, amazing adventures—because you love her.

I will never forget the first time I met Kathy Soule. We had just opened, and she came in like a fireball of energy, so excited to find bedding for one of her beloved sons’ rooms. I was so excited because she was great, and this was one of our very first big sales! I’ll also never forget the second time I met Kathy, when she returned (some, not all of) the bedding. Ha! Even so, she quickly became a friend of the store with her infectious enthusiasm, good taste, and delightful personality. Soon, we hired her. Because, of course!

Since then, she has become our number two customer—literally. And yes, she still returns things! She is also our best gauge of whether a product will sell because her taste is impeccable and her style is effortlessly chic and classic. When the time presented itself, it only made sense to make her the buyer and store manager.

If you own a wool hooked pillow or a Catstudio dishtowel, you can thank Kathy. If you’ve never not been able to get a Sydney Hale candle when you need one, you can thank Kathy. If you have ever shopped at Penny Post or Pippin Toy Co., you can thank Kathy. She made sure we had what you needed for life’s most meaningful moments, and she helped us grow two stores from Red Barn Mercantile. To say she has been integral to our success would be an understatement. Without her, I don’t know what would have become of us. At best, still scrapping by and holding on for dear life with hope as our only strategy. At worst, closing and ending the dream.

Let’s be clear: Kathy is retiring, but she isn’t going far. We are good friends, so I will see her regularly. I mean, she can’t get rid of me that easily. But I will miss our weekly—and almost daily—interactions. I will miss her enthusiasm for beautiful things. I will even miss her free-wheelin’ opinions on products (she’s well known for not hiding her feelings when she doesn’t like something, no matter what “it” is). Her generosity knows few boundaries, and she is always willing to open her beautiful home for team members’ important life celebrations.

She is a constant inspiration for her fearlessness. On her 50th birthday, she jumped out of an airplane—be sure to ask to see the videos! In her 60s, she hiked down the Grand Canyon and back up again. She and her husband have literally hiked all over the world. My husband is so tired of me saying, “Kathy and Bob did… wanna do it too?” Truly, they are goals.

Kathy has had her share of life’s unfairness, but she is incredibly strong and resilient. She’s also stubborn as hell and almost immovable. Even so, I’m so impressed that she’s still open to learning and unlearning. A riddle wrapped in an enigma.

She cares deeply for her family and friends, and we are often the recipients of her kindness. She’s funny and, unlike me, she’s not afraid to be silly—as evidenced by the annual proof that she can still do a handstand. (You know, she was a gymnast in high school.) The way she gushes over people and their abilities, creativity, and accomplishments is so joyful and loving. Also inspiring.

Through countless hours on the floor, miles upon miles of market aisles, two recessions, and a global pandemic, Kathy has been by my side. She’s my rock. I have been the fortunate recipient of this woman’s devotion, bar-none work ethic, love, and kindness for nearly two decades. A paycheck and a discount aren’t enough to repay her for what she has given me. She has made my dreams come true, and I will forever and ever and ever be in her debt.

Dearest Kathy, thank you from the deepest depths of my heart. I will love you to the end of time. Now go forth and conquer, my friend.

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