Seattle Fat Mall: Participant Spotlight
Today, we’re highlighting Amber Seelig, Alyss Seelig, Candace Frank, and Kwame Solomon-Phillips, the co-creators of Seattle Fat Mall. Through the Seattle Restored pop-up program, this first-ever mall of its kind is celebrating and centering fat bodies by breaking the cycle of fat-shaming.
Q: Tell us about your business. What inspired your pop-up concept?
Seattle Fat Mall is the first-ever mall dedicated to celebrating and centering fat bodies. We provide a joyful and inclusive shopping experience and events specifically curated for the plus-size community.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
This Seattle Restored opportunity allows us to collect “proof of concept” that a retail, art, and community space created for and by fat people can thrive. We have hosted over 25 local artists, creators, and curators in our space so far, and new folks apply each week. We plan to pursue a permanent location in Seattle and develop a program to support new fat-focused entrepreneurs and artists.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business? how do you hope to impact the community?
The most rewarding part of Seattle Fat Mall is getting to see the joy and surprise when our fat customers come into the space and realize that every shop is designed for them! Most plus-size shoppers have never been to a mall with more than 2 stores for them, but Seattle Fat Mall typically has 6-8 shops open, each with a different curation. In addition, Curvy Cactus now carries new clothing up to 6X from several small designers, along with their resale and upcycled pieces.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your business?
Are you interested in vending at the Seattle Fat Mall? The application is linked on our Instagram profile. Seattle Fat Mall has recently been featured in Forbes, NPR, and Seattle Met.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
We have a recurring monthly events schedule.
–Weekday Werk Day: 2nd Thursday of each month the mall is open 12-6pm
–Mask 4 Mask Day: 2nd Saturday and 4th Thursday of each month we ask vendors and customers to wear a mask at SFM
–Puff Puff Paint: 3rd Thursday of each month we host a craft night! No smoking inside.
–Birthday Party: 3rd Saturday of each month we host a zodiac birthday party – with cake!
–Downtown Art Walk: 4th Friday of each month 5-8pm
–Masc Wear Day: 4th Saturday of each month, shops prioritize and showcase their masc wear
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Shop local! Supporting small businesses keeps our community alive.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
Besides Seattle Fat Mall?! We have several faves – Delusional Bird has the dreamiest Y2K clothing (with a plus size section!) and uses their space for all ages shows; Blooms and Twine Floral makes gorgeous floral displays, including dried, reusable boutonnieres; and we can’t wait to check out the romance book store in Lake City, Lovestruck in Seattle.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
Fat shopping at Seattle Fat Mall and Two Big Blondes, then head to Madrona for a lakeside afternoon picnic and swim.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
We will have new shops opening at the Fat Mall soon, including a candy shop and beauty/skin care!
We’re also celebrating this fall with a Halloween Fashion Show on Saturday, October 4th at 11:30am. The show will take place at the 4th & Union artists space and will feature looks from each clothing shop at Seattle Fat Mall. The mall will open at 12pm, and each shop will feature a rack with costume ideas for Halloween!
vISIT Seattle Fat Mall
Address:
1415 4th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Open hours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12:00-6:00pm
Thursday: 2:00-8:00pm
Dates: June 16 – December 21, 2025