Meet Sokha Danh, owner of Mam’s Books in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
Sokha always loved books as a child, largely due to his father taking the whole family to libraries and bookstores every week. Mam’s Books centers Asian American authors and writers, and it’s the only Independent Asian American bookstore in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
Learn more about Mam’s Books in this week’s business spotlight Q&A!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in & why?
There is such a rich history of the CID that many people/visitors are unaware of. I had the special privilege of getting to know Donnie Chin and Uncle Bob Santos. I saw all the greats of the Asian American community doing what they do to make sure it stayed a special neighborhood. I couldn’t see this bookstore working anywhere else except the CID, where it would mean so much to people to have a community space where they can share ideas, connect with others, and read Asian American literature
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
Spending with diverse small businesses allows for more people like us (who have our shared experiences) to be motivated and inspired to do something of their own. And you’re supporting families and people who care about what they create and want to help and better the community they’re in.
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
Mam’s Books is named after my dad. He put us around books growing up, taking us to the White Center Library and Barnes and Noble where we would just go to read (while not being able to afford to purchase the books). He’s the reason for our love of books.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
I was told this Asian American bookstore is pretty crazy, haha!
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
Tai Tung, Kau Kau, Gan Bei, and Wing Luke Museum.
Anything else you’d like us to know about your business?
Our hope is that when you walk in, you’ll see a book that resonates with you and your experience.