Help Cake Catch Up

Hi, I’m Cat Polivoda (she/her), the owner of Cake Plus-Size Resale . Cake is a small shop in Minneapolis with a big presence in our community.

Since 2017, our brick-and-mortar shop in South Minneapolis has been a source of joy and fat community for so many plus-size folks who are otherwise left out of thrifting. Over the years, the incredible feedback we’ve received from our customers and champions has shown that we are rooted in our values and provide an incredible space for our local community as well as customers around the country.

(Cat stands in front of the shop with a "5" balloon celebrating 5 years last fall.)

Like many small businesses and, notably, other plus-size resale shops, we’ve been struggling since the pandemic. We’ve reached a point where we need to formally ask for community help. Over the last few years, we made bold choices to protect our team, customers, and community. I kept waiting for pandemic-related business stress to subside but, here we are in summer 2023 still struggling to get caught up.

Last fall, in my biggest move in pursuit of shop financial security yet, I took a full-time job outside of Cake so I no longer needed to be on payroll. My amazing team took on manager positions and now run all of our daily shop operations.

We’ve also been implementing lots of smaller changes and offerings. Our team has been so nimble and creative. And, while every little bit counts, it still isn’t quite adding up like we planned.

This has got to be the summer we get Cake out of the red. We're asking our community to help us get there by raising $16,000. I have always prioritized payroll for my staff and that will continue. Funds from this GoFundMe in addition to the other items listed in our summer plans below will support: outstanding bills, tackling some loans, and growing ourshop savings (rainy day/budget stabilization funds).

Our #1 shop priority for summer 2023 will be securing the funds needed to return to sustainable business operations. In addition to this GoFundMe, you'll see:

- summer events,

- fat fashion and community content on our Patreon, and of course

- in-store and virtual shopping, style sessions, mystery bags, and more!

(The current Cake team with a colorful graphic background.)

Many of you have told us you’d love to help via a GoFundMe, so here we are! Trust that we don’t take this ask lightly. We’re so grateful for your support however you’re able to show it… Donations to our GoFundMe! Shares on social media! Asks of your straight-sized friends so they can support sustainable plus-size fashion options! Local small business love!

We appreciate it all and, truly, couldn’t do it without you. Our Cake community is so incredible! Thank you!