05/15/2025
I started working for Mary Hopple when I was just 16 years old. She was a force of nature—smart, strong, and full of style. In 2006, she took a chance on a high schooler and hired me at the original Kenwood store by Trios. That chance would end up shaping so much of who I am today.
One of my most vivid memories of Mary came in 2009 or 2010, during the recession. Business was tough, and she had to let almost everyone go—but she kept me on because she had promised me a college internship that January. There were maybe four of us left, and I was working 40+ hours a week, doing anything and everything she threw my way. She taught me how to receive inventory, let me sit in on buying meetings, and trusted me with her beloved clients. She challenged me and believed in me more than I even believed in myself.
By then, I had earned the nickname “Little M,” because I was basically Mary’s shadow—writing up orders just like her, and always in our colorful, tailored ankle pants. I admired her endlessly.
I’ll never forget one particular day toward the end of my internship. We were in the “new” store near Dewey’s, standing behind the front register. Mary was leaning against the counter as I answered the phone, and without thinking, I blurted out, “M. Busam & Co.—I mean M. Hopple & Co.” The room burst into laughter—Mary, Kim, Karen, all of us. I was mortified, but Mary just looked at me and said, “One day I could see this being yours. You truly are a Little M.” That moment stayed with me. It was the first time I truly knew I wanted to own the store—or something like it.
Mary taught me the value of the handwritten note. She reminded me, always, to put pen to paper to say hello, to celebrate life’s milestones, to show people they’re loved. This year, I made a resolution to write 1,000 notes—partly for me, and partly in her honor. Because I know she would be proud.
Mary took a chance on me when I was just a kid, and her influence has shaped my life in more ways than I can count. I think of her often I hope she feels at peace knowing how many lives she touched.
There’s no one quite like Mar, and I’m so thankful I got to be part of her world—as she was such a big part of mine. Rest in Peace Mary.
The M. of M. Hopple & Co. has left us! Mary Benning Hopple died peacefully on Friday, May 9th at The Marjorie P. Lee Home after a ten-year battle...
