On this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes Martha McKimm, Co-Founder of Hopson Grace, and Shelley Simpson, Founder of Mud Australia, for a lively conversation about the art and business of modern retail. From building a design-focused brand in a crowded marketplace to the evolution of e-commerce, community-driven stores, and authentic partnerships, they share lessons on staying true to values, scaling creativity with integrity.
Recorded live in person at Hopson Grace in Toronto, this inspiring episode of The Voice of Retail features host Michael LeBlanc sitting down with two leaders who are shaping the intersection of craftsmanship, culture, and commerce: Martha McKimm, Co-Founder of Hopson Grace, and Shelley Simpson, Founder of Mud Australia. Together, they unpack the art and business of building brands that thrive through authenticity, storytelling, and a deep commitment to quality.
Martha shares the journey behind Hopson Grace, the Toronto-based home and design retailer she co-founded with Andrea Hopson after successful careers in luxury and PR. Born from a shared love of entertaining and a vision to bring unique, well-crafted products to Canadian homes, Hopson Grace has grown into a destination for design lovers seeking timeless pieces and meaningful experiences. As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, Martha reflects on how independent retailers can succeed by leaning into differentiation, community, and storytelling, rather than competing on scale or price.
A key highlight is Hopson Grace’s expansion to DuPont Street, transforming the brand into a design destination and event hub where retail, hospitality, and culture merge. Martha also introduces The Registry—a new sister brand launching soon at TheRegistry.ca—which modernizes the traditional wedding registry with premium products, group gifting, and travel experiences for couples who want personalization and purpose in their choices.
Joining the conversation from Sydney, Shelley Simpson shares the 30-year evolution of Mud Australia, a global ceramics brand renowned for its handmade porcelain, design integrity, and sustainable craftsmanship. She discusses how her creative philosophy—“making nice things for nice people in lovely places”—continues to drive the company’s ethos. From humble beginnings in a backyard studio to 14 stores worldwide, Shelley explains how Mud has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth marketing, enduring design, and a belief that imperfection and human touch add value.
Together, Martha and Shelley explore the importance of collaboration and storytelling in connecting with customers across continents. They unpack the philosophy of “value equals values”, the growing appreciation for local and transparent production, and why today’s consumers buy the story before they buy the product. The episode offers a masterclass for independent retailers and design entrepreneurs alike—rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose.
Whether you’re an indie retailer, design lover, or entrepreneur, this episode of The Voice of Retail delivers inspiration and actionable insights on how authenticity, artistry, and innovation can redefine success in modern retail.