Moonride: Participant Spotlight on Stevie Hues
Today we’re sitting down with Stevie Hues, owner of Moonride. Through the Seattle Restored pop-up program, Stevie’s goal is to create a space that invites discovery with whimsical items sourced from planets beyond Earth. Moonride is more than a store; it’s an experience.
Q: Tell us about your business. What inspired your pop-up concept?
Moonride was born from the belief that life on earth is hard, and people deserve a bit of escapism.
The concept uses outer space and imagined alien characters to create commentary on earthlings from an outside perspective. What would visitors from a distant planet actually think of the way we do things here? The way we treat each other? The way we treat our planet?
Through the pop-up format, the physical “Moonride Trading Post” invites discovery with whimsical items sourced from planets beyond Earth. Take a break to enjoy our intergalactic gallery wall or ask me (Moonride’s proprietor, Stevie Hues) to guide you through the stories behind the assortment of items we sell.
The goal of this project is to create a space where people slow down, think expansively, and leave with something that makes them see the world a little differently.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
I applied to Seattle Restored because I always imagined the Moonride Trading Post as a physical place where people can pass through, experience the energy and tone of the space, and actually pick up something unexpected. The online e-commerce format is limiting and doesn’t allow for the exploration and discovery this project deserves. Online shopping can be a great way to market specific products that people are looking for, but I wanted to create an immersive experience that’s more than just an exchange of money for goods.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business? how do you hope to impact the community?
Since opening my pop-up, the most rewarding experience has been people walking in and saying, “great vibes in here” before they know anything about the products or world behind everything. I’m incredibly proud of all of the hard work that has gone into creating a welcoming and happy space for people to enjoy.
I hope that Moonride impacts the community by showing that whimsical out-of-the-box artistic spaces have a place in Downtown Seattle again. As we grow, we’ll be offering more for folks to enjoy the space beyond its retail components.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
We’ll be offering more crafting nights and creative co-working hours throughout June, July, and August. Check our Instagram (@moonride.online) or sign up to be on our newsletter list at moonride.online for more info.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Embrace color! Our city can be gray at times, and we need more colorful art, clothes, and places to combat the SAD. As big tech continues to dominate certain areas of the city, clean lines, desaturated color, and a corporate-friendly tone become the default. Support local artists. Color outside the lines. Make a mess. Stay weird.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored activation, and why?
It’s hard to choose one favorite, but some of the ones I’m most excited for in the 2026 pop-up group are:
Paper Pushers Print Shop is just a block away from Moonride. Paper Pushers offers zines, prints, and books from a bunch of different artists, and it’s been a really fun space to explore.
Anh Ơi Bake Shop in Japantown. I’ve been following their journey on social media, and the collection of bakers they’ll be representing has my mouth watering every time.
Scarabajo Botanical (coming soon!) creates stunning eco-printed sustainable fabrics that connect us back to this beautiful planet we live on.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
When friends visit in the summer, I love taking some paddle boards out into the middle of Lake Union. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the skyline and watch the seaplanes land and take off.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
Sharing the Moonride world with Seattle and creating new community through this pop-up experience.
Visit Moonride
Address:
1302 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98102
Open hours:
Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-7:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Dates: April 23 – September 14, 2026