Dear members,

It is with mixed emotions that I am writing that I have made the difficult decision to leave my position as Karma’s General Manager.

I have managed the store for almost 10 years, during which time I have weathered many challenges as GM of our little co-op: right out of the gates, I was formally initiated into the role with a near store closure; I dealt with the epic floods of 2019; managed countless refrigeration breakdowns; and most recently, helped steer us through a global pandemic, to name a few.

My time at Karma is not only marked by the challenges we faced (from which I must add I learned immensely and which led to my significant growth as a leader), but also of our many accomplishments and achievements: how members banded together to get Karma through the near closure of 2012; the great big bulk bin install of 2018; members making themselves available to share their skills in helping with a multitude of projects/issues; and most recently, the great strides members have been taking to revitalize and revision their co-op (have you seen our storefront lately??!😍) .

These moments hold so much significance largely because of the shared interest from which they stem, a love and care for Karma. That our co-operative model requires that we work together to care for this shared interest is our biggest strength. It takes a lot of work to run a co-op, and it’s a task we all help to realize. If there is one thing I will take away with me, it is that. I have become a versatile and well rounded manager through working with various members who share their skills and expertise to get things accomplished. This simply would not be so if Karma was an everyday, for profit grocer.

I cannot write a farewell message without a mention to the amazing staff I have managed over the years. You made my time at Karma truly special. I will remember you all and of your dedication to Karma. The staff are the backbone of the organization and are part of what make Karma the inviting, friendly place it has become known for. I am so lucky to have had the pleasure of working with each and every one of you. You are the very best.

While I will miss all of your faces, friendly smiles, and our conversations around the store, it is time for me to move on to new things. Though I will no longer be GM, I will continue to share my love of Karma with you as a fellow member.

Thank you everyone for the support you’ve extended to me over the past 10 years. I wouldn’t have made it through without each and every one of you! My last day in the store will be Friday, July 22. I hope to see you all before then and/or at the 50th this Saturday!! 🎉

BIG hugs and lots of Karma love,

Talia