We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaesyn Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kaesyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Grown, unemployed, and living in my parent’s basement. It was April of 2020, a month after our “extended spring break”. COVID sent me home from college. I lost my job and returned back to Indiana, 19 hours away from my friends. My classes moved online, only I had no way to pay for them. Times were uncertain, and I needed a way to pay my bills.
I had always loved thrifting. My mother and father were dedicated garage sailers in the summer time, waking up their four young kids before the sun so we could drive around and dig through other’s discarded goods.
Around that time, I had just recently discovered Instagram resellers, but often found myself frustrated by their lack of size inclusivity. Many shops only carried sizes S-XL.
A need opened up and I jumped in, without giving it too much thought. I never thought I’d be where I am now!
I started with my mom’s old closet and clothes I no longer wore. When my first drop sold out, I began selling pieces from the thrift store.
I had no money. It was risky.
My bid prices were marked up for only $2 more than what I bought the inventory for, everything else was up to my followers!
I needed to pay for my gas. My school. My utilities. Was it going to be worth it?
Then, the people poured in.
My community showed up for me in such way, and they continue to do the same for me now! Thought my business model has changed significantly, the support that backs me has only grown!

Kaesyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I created Thicc Mama Thrifts to fill a gap in the vintage community. Founded on inclusivity and accessibility, I wanted to provide a seat for fat folks at the table. When you exist in a body above a size 16, it becomes increasingly hard to find clothing that will fit. Even harder to find clothing that fits that you LIKE!
Personal style is a tool we can use to communicate who we are to the rest of the world and fat people deserve access to that same self expression.
Folks say it’s hard to find plus size vintage, so I make it my personal mission to make it easy.
I provide hand curated style bundles, unique to the buyer’s size and style, as well as the occasional live show where you can purchase specific pieces.

My favorite part of the business, however, is the vintage markets! Meeting long time followers in person, fat hugs, fat laughter, fat joy! This is where community happens. Thicc Mama Thrifts has been a vendor at 5 different states, including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Rhode Island.

Fat people existed 50 years ago, and they exist today! Vintage should be for EVERY body.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My brand is an extension of myself, especially because personal style is so intimate! When I show up authentically online for my audience, I attract those who see themselves in me. My approach to social media includes sharing jokes, talking on big topics relevant to my community, and being transparent with my followers.
They say constancy is key, but it is easier to be consistent when you’re having fun!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Any opportunity I have to connect with folks on a personal level. In my market, this usually looks like vending at events. Where people can meet me as a tangible being, ask questions about my product, while telling jokes or getting styled!
Some of my favorite markets I’ve attended are:
Little City Thrifty (@littlecitythrifty) in Provedince, RI, any Hootenany put on by Sachiko Janek (@sachi.sometimes) in Fort Wayne, IN, and Vintage House Chicago (@vintagehousechicago) in Chicago, IL!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thiccmamathrifts.com
• Instagram: @thiccmama_thrifts
• Facebook: Thicc Mama Thrifts LLC
• Other: TikTok: @thiccmama_thrifts