What song or album is playing on your store’s sound system right now?
Carol: “Proud Mary,” Tina and Ike Turner.

What was your first job in retail? What did you love or hate about it and how does it compare to what you do now?
First job in retail, The Naturalist in Denver. It was all natural stuff; dried yarrow and tansy, flowers in frames, (keep in mind the timing was many years ago) and for reasons I can’t explain there was a loft filled with Southwest Native American art, Zuni jewelry, Santa Clara pottery, and Two Grey Hills Navajo rugs. We once shipped a concho belt to Robert Redford. Very exciting. I also loved that the shop was in a neighborhood shopping district. As a result I met many of the business owners, became involved in the business community, and met the owners of Denver’s first kitchenware store, which ended up being my next employment opportunity. In many ways it was similar to what I am doing now: neighborhood retail. It was an opportunity to continually learn new things. The thing I have always loved about retail is there is always something new to learn. Even now, 35 years after opening Mrs. Cook’s, I am still learning.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
Zoku Quick Pop Maker, it makes frozen treats in seven minutes!

Where do you shop when you’re not at your store?
My passion is plants, so I love Ravenna Garden and Swanson’s.

What do you love about your store’s neighborhood? What nearby restaurants, coffee shops, etc., do you recommend?
I never have to leave University Village. It’s not just a great place to shop, it’s a wonderful place to just hangout, bring the kids, bring the dogs, read a book, people watch, go to a concert. I like the nearby restaurants, Piatti, Pair, and coffee shops like Zoka.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
A few years ago just before Thanksgiving a customer came to the store pushing a baby stroller, not strange by itself, but the “baby” turned out to be a turkey in search of the perfect sized roasting pan.