The Co-op Q&A with Mary Brownlee

With us from the start, Mary Brownlee is a jack-of-all-trades as a Sunday shift leader. She helped break down a wall in our current store and she hopes to break down some more in our new space!

Q: When did you join the Co-op?

A: I had been living in the neighborhood for about a year, saw a sign for the Co-op in a neighbor’s window and looked it up! Right after I joined, we had one more buying club group purchase and then stopped doing that to focus on the store. I just wanted a place where I knew everything I could get would be good for me and my wallet, and also to get to know my neighbors!

Q: What’s your role at the Co-op these days?

A: I am currently a shift leader on Sunday mornings. The job involves a variety of tasks: I cashier, stock shelves, and fix signage. I try to be a jack of all trades when it comes to in-store work! But most importantly, I think I'm there to help guide everyone else working their shift, train newbies, and welcome potential new members into the store. It’s fun and rewarding! Having worked in retail throughout college, I enjoy using some of those skills and helping out wherever needed. I also occasionally help with membership by doing orientations.

Q: Do you have a favorite Co-op memory you'd like to share?

A: When we first opened the store I went in a few times to help with demolition. I love walking into the store now and being like, "There used to be a wall here, I helped tear it down!" Hopefully there will be some walls in the new store that I can tear down!

Q: What do you do outside of the Co-op?

A: I work as a video editor and motion graphics designer, mostly working on TV commercials and promos. I have also done a few short films and web series. I'm also a stand up comedian and improviser and I like to volunteer with New York Cares. I'm also a cat mom to Edie and Thea.

Q: What are some of your favorite items to purchase at the Co-op these days?

A: I'm always getting avocados. I also like trying out all the different kinds of unique cheeses we get. Since I’m originally from Pennsylvania, I like everything we get from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, especially the honey!