I had been wanting to find a way to diversify our strengths as a brand and my friend Everett planted a seed in my mind of YOWIE becoming a mix used space. Before COVID we had been working on a pivot idea for about 11 months. At the same time we are also looking for brand partners, and investors to get us to the finish line. South Philadelphia native Shannon Maldonado remembers when customers cleaned her home-and-life shop, Yowie, wholly out of inventory earlier this year. View Shannon Maldonado’s profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Shannon Maldonado | Founder of Yowie + Freelance Senior Designer + Freelance Film Critic To learn more about YOWIE, you can visit their website: https://www.shopyowie.com/. The window isn't about me, it's about the Breonnas, the Ahmads, the Tonys, the Georges and the black people that spend so much of their life just fighting to exist. The storefronts on my street are mostly owned by non-black people. Shannon Maldonado is the owner of minimalist shelter shop Yowie on South 4th Street. by people who I think mean well but always come off as annoyed by our presence. I often get challenged with questions like "What is this place?" At YOWIE, we host workshops and collaborative events in our space, and even see our customer’s families grow and their lives evolve. I am also working on design for an expansion of Brooklyn’s Ethel’s Club. It's a big city but it still feels small enough that you can make a real impact which is very inspiring. Shannon Maldonado, photographed at the Deacon in Grad Hospital. Jennifer Ailey. Shannon Maldonado / Shop Owner of Yowie. We are fighting for our lives. Our space is bright with white floors that mimic a gallery and we arrange and merchandise things in a way that doesn't always "make sense" in a city that is traditionally straight-forward and blue collar. We're big fans of Yowie, a Philly-based retail shop selling everything from art to skateboard decks and ceramics, and were inspired to learn how the founder and owner, Shannon Maldonado, got it off the ground: by moving home, downsizing her living situation, and opening her own shop.Here's how a series of counterintuitive moves helped the Philly native find success, as told to Amanda Sims. Shannon Maldonado of Yowie teaches how she built a loyal fanbase. When neighboring businesses boarded up their windows with plywood, Yowie's Shannon Maldonado took a different approach, turning her storefront into a powerful show of support for protesters. The Coolest Advent Calendars to Buy This Year, 20 Cool Plants That Will Thrive in Your Bathroom, 15 Banquette Dining Ideas to Elevate a Dining Nook, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. YOWIE is a creative platform, storefront and design studio. As I stood in my empty storefront (we've been closed since 3/13 due to COVID-19) applying the small pieces of tape to the edges of the poster I felt the water rising again. Can you share with our readers all of the exciting things coming down the pipeline for Yowie? I am not creating this new venture to exit or duplicate across the country but to build a sustainable business that will put Philadelphia on the map as an innovative city that supports creative spaces. We understand design can influence and make an impact in our communities and built environment. Her lovely demeanor and passionate efforts to support community has encouraged us to keep learning, growing and supporting one another and our works. 43.1k Followers, 2,455 Following, 679 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from YOWIE (@helloyowie) Founded by Shannon Maldonado, YOWIE is a celebrated home and life shop in Queen Village, Philadelphia. We present to you, Shannon Maldonado. Shannon Maldonado is the founder of Yowie, a Philadelphia-based shop selling items by independent makers and artists. We like to think the phrase “all the things” applies to her journey through retail, fashion, interior design, art direction and knowing more obscure films than most can recall. I wanted our brand to have room to be experimental and learn along the way. We’re at 72% to our goal and still have 12 days left to meet this first goal and can use all the support we can get! The design consultant talks about her interior inspirations and upcoming expansion of her brand. Immediately a fear was instilled in me. It started with virtual coffees for advice and evolved into virtual workshops like tie dyeing, still life sketching and even a short film viewing party. The home and life product shop Yowie, is a curated collection created by independent artists and designers. My eyes watered, but they were bubbling with a different feeling: pride. And how little more WE can take. By Teresa Lam 33 Mins ago. Browse inspirational photos of … It is historically a fabric and garment area that has a great old meets new vibe. Yowie is not a typical store for Philadelphia. TIRED OF THE SHARING OF PAINFUL VIDEOS OF SAID MURDERS AND HAVING TO EXPLAIN THAT RACISM IS YES, IN FACT VERY REAL BUT ALSO INSIDIOUS, RAMPANT AND SYSTEMATIC. We got a big boost in traffic and sales due to many people amplifying Black businesses and founders. We decided to close our storefront on March 13th which was a few days before our Mayor announced the closing of all non-essential businesses. How tired WE are. I’m very excited to hire our first full-time team mate. Yowie is a proud black owned business and we stand in support of the protesters fighting to end police brutality. Previous 1 of 7 Next Ariell Johnson owns Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, the East Coast's only comic book store owned by an African American woman. The first incident occurred when I was 11 years old. TIRED OF WAITING FOR A CHANGE TO HAPPEN WITHIN OUR LIFETIME. Shannon talks about her start, inspiration and plans to expand all in the midst of Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. Our founder Shannon Maldonado also offers consulting services in the form of prop styling, art direction, interior design and programming. Joined 05/22/2020 That being said we’re working to expand our online presence and make some items online only for our out of state customers. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. I can’t wait to work to get our new concept off the ground and for us to continue to be a brand that evolves organically and invites our community into our process. I faced things I had buried so deep that I even struggled to remember all of the details. Inside the Art-Filled Home of Shannon Maldonado, Founder of Philly Lifestyle Boutique YOWIE. There was the usual fear of being a budding entrepreneur, but mainly there was the fear of being different. Shannon Maldonado is the founder of Yowie, a Philadelphia-based retail shop centered around curating small collections from fellow artists and designers. I decided shortly after launching to move back to my hometown of Philadelphia to focus on building the brand. Ladies by Design: Shannon Maldonado Shannon is a force to be reckoned with. Shannon grew up in a creative household in Philadelphia, PA. The warm, inviting space, designed by Shannon Maldonado of Hello Yowie, was created to foster and strengthen community as opposed to perpetuating the type of … I thought of the daily microagressions I receive; the times people have questioned why something was given to me, or why I was someplace. I decided to compose my thoughts and print them as a large poster to display in our windows. I wanted them to know how WE feel. The Black Lives Matter movement is not a new conversation for us as a brand. I wanted to claim my space as a black business owner. Shannon Maldonado in YOWIE. I worked on the idea for months and sought the help of advisors and mentors to get their insight on my idea. Yowie, a Queen Village shop owned by Shannon Maldonado, overflows with color and attitude. The safety of my staff and guests was my biggest priority so we shifted everything online within a few days and decided to focus on connecting with our audience in other ways that were not product based. Meet Shannon Maldonado of YOWIE, a shop focused on highlighting local artisans and their designs, all while consulting on prop styling, art direction and even interior design. I wanted passersby and our audience to know where we stand and I thought that the sign could act as an invisible handshake. Yowie is a black owned business and we support the protestors. Yowie is not the largest storefront on the block, but it faces a very busy grocery store and sits near a sunny corner that most of our neighbors and many other shop owners walk past. What about Covid-19- How has it impacted your small business? Our storefront is located at 716 S. 4th Street in Queen Village, Philadelphia and founded by Shannon Maldonado. Shannon Maldonado founded YOWIE in 2016. Home Shop Collections About Contact Fine Print Cart (0) Registry. Black Designers Share What They Wish You Knew, Shop 100 Black-Owned Stores at This Virtual Event, How to Get Paid $8,000 to Shop Black Friday Online. House Beautiful participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Shannon Maldonado is the founder of Yowie, a Philadelphia-based shop selling items by independent makers and artists. I knew if we started our brand here we could grow organically and not feel the financial pressure of opening in a city like New York or Los Angeles. It feels like a very large extended family. Inside the Art-Filled Home of Shannon Maldonado, Founder of Philly Lifestyle Boutique YOWIE The design consultant talks about her interior inspirations and upcoming expansion of her brand. The boom coincided with anti-racist demonstrations that brought thousands of Philadelphians out to protest police brutality and show support for Black-owned businesses like the South 4th Street shop. In 2021, YOWIE is evolving into a multi-floor platform for creativity, bringing hospitality, design, retail, and community engagement into one interconnected space. Shannon has 5 jobs listed on their profile. As a millennial that professionally matured during the proliferation of digital media and varying mediums, Shannon was anxious to experiment in new means of design and storytelling. Photo 3 of 10 in Philadelphia’s Arbiter of Cool Is Turning Her Beloved Shop Into a Creative Hub and Hotel. Shannon Maldonado is the founder of Yowie, a Philadelphia-based shop selling items by independent makers and artists. Here are some of her favorite pics. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, See Inside This 'Modern Farmhouse' Tiny Home, A Serene, Seaside-Inspired Maine Vacation Home, Melania Trump Welcomes White House Christmas Tree, 16 Ways to Elevate the Wood Paneling in Your Home, HGTV's Alison Victoria Is Taking on New Clients, This Colorful Family Home Is Totally "Lifeproof", A Historic Kitchen That's Both Fresh and Authentic, How The Design World Became Digital in 2020, Why This Home Took Three Years to Decorate. We started with 12 products that were curated from artists and makers and I worked hard with some friends to create quirky still lifes and fun copy. I have been following it for a long time as I have a younger brother whose face I see every time another one of these terrible incidents of police brutality is publicized. Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We stand with the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and the countless others dealing with the loss and pain of these senseless murders. I freelanced a bit while getting it off the ground and did a series of experimental pop-ups inside of other shops in Philadelphia for a year. Meet Shannon. (Photo courtesy of Yowie) Founded by Shannon Maldonado, Philadelphia-based Yowie is a home and lifestyle shop focused on curating small collections from friends, independent artists, and designers. Shannon talks about her start, inspiration and plans to expand all in the midst of … Why Philly? ... Shannon Maldonado was hungry to challenge her creative instincts in a new way. Then comes the hashtags and the outrage and then it fades back into the background of our lives. I previously worked in Fashion Design for over a decade before launching the brand online in 2016. Haworth Designer Spotlight Shannon Maldonado, Owner Operator of YOWIE - #HaworthDPDesignerTalks We understand design can influence and make an impact in our communities and built environment. On the bad days it almost breaks me to constantly be made to feel like we don't belong there, while on better days I'm up for the challenge with my feet proudly cemented to the floor. TIRED OF THE EXCUSES AND JUSTIFICATIONS FOR THE MANY MURDERS OF BLACK PEOPLE. YOWIE Address: 716 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 STORY BY JULIE O’BOYLE AND RACHEL SCHWARTZMANN – DISCOVER YOWIE– PHOTOS BY JULIE O’BOYLE FOR THE STYLE LINE “When I was in middle school I told my mother that I. was going to live in New York and go to school for fashion, and soon it became an obsession and my singular focus,” says Shannon Maldonado, founder of … Then there were the countless other incidents; from being overlooked for career opportunities, being called racial slurs while working in corporate fashion, having my hair touched by my white colleagues, or being told I "don't talk black" by executives. I sat in my living room, confronted with the raw emotions of my own history with racism. Tagged: Living Room and Chair. Founder and Creative Director of YOWIE. I want people walking by the store to take the time to read the poster and to hear what I'm saying, which I hope expresses what so many in the black community are feeling. I grew up in Philadelphia not far from where my storefront is located and had always considered returning. I was sitting in a Philadelphia park a few blocks from my home with a couple of my white friends and I was asked to leave for being black. This moment is bigger than one person. With all of that said, we know you are at a pivotal moment in business. What about what is next for you, Shannon? Founded in 2016 by Shannon Maldonado, Yowie … I am surrounded by emerging brands like myself as well as one that has been on our street for more than a decade. When I opened my storefront in 2016 in Philadelphia, I had lots of moments of fear. Since I used to design for larger brands I have been hearing the “retail is dead” adage for at least 10 years. These conversations need to extend outside of our circles. I recently moved back to Philadelphia and although I was sad to leave NYC, I am blessed to discover a whole new community of amazing people doing amazing things. Why brick and mortar when you have an online presence? YOWIE is here to bring you items to live with and enjoy! 1,228 Followers, 1,487 Following, 864 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Shannon Scott Maldonado (@shannymaldonado) Yowie This $15 stainless steel rainbow tray is a great option for storing small things. In the future, you'll be able to stay the night in one of YOWIE's shoppable boutique hotel rooms, shop in our expanded storefront, take a workshop or expose yourself to new artists and designers. Founded by Shannon Maldonado, YOWIE is a celebrated home and life shop in Queen Village, Philadelphia. Shannon, what is Yowie and what led you here? HYPEBAE Home Tour is a series that takes readers inside the homes of tastemakers and creators from around the world. Shannon Maldonado, the owner of the online shop Yowie, is someone who blurs that home/work line, and she makes it look so stylish in the process. In 2021 YOWIE will evolve into a multi-floor space merging hospitality, retail, and creative workspaces. I felt immense, overwhelming sadness over the loss of these many lives, brought to the surface by the loss of George Floyd. In June 2017 I opened our storefront in an area that I have shopped since I was a child. TIRED OF EDUCATING AND TRYING TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL COMFORTABLE WHEN WE ARE SO RARELY AFFORDED THE LUXURY OURSELVES. It’s not always easy but I prefer to make things that make people stop and th There are too many incidents to recall, because when you're black these encounters become something you begin to expect. Haworth Designer Spotlight Shannon Maldonado, Owner Operator of YOWIE - #HaworthDPDesignerTalks. Yowie, the Queen Village boutique known for its colorful wares and excellent curation, is the kind of brand that wants to grow with its customers. WE ALSO CAN’T SIT IN OUR LIVING ROOMS, WE CAN’T GO FOR A RUN, WE CAN’T WATCH BIRDS IN A PUBLIC PARK OR DO THINGS THAT OTHERS TAKE FOR GRANTED EVERYDAY. It was an emotional time but we worked with our community to raise nearly $8,000 to donate to eight local Black organizations and that was a proud moment for us as a brand. YOWIE is here to bring you items to live with and enjoy! I understand other businesses nailing plywood sheets to their storefronts, but I knew that did not feel right for my shop. Playfulness and humor was a big thing I felt was missing from the home decor market. Outside of the shop, she offers design consulting services and is the lead interior designer for Ethel ’ s Club — the very first social and wellness club created for people of color.. RE: THE MEANING OF YOWIE "There’s a really strong undercurrent of community that started to build in the last two years of people starting group collectives or independent galleries—different places where people can gather to show their work," says Maldonado. Since I haven’t worked in-house for another brand in a few years I really miss working on a team and being able to bounce creative ideas and concepts off of others. Photograph by Trevor Dixon. Shannon Maldonado. #GetCnnekted on Instagram @helloyowie Follow Shannon @shannymaldonado, Photos Courtesy of Poglia | Powered by Squarespace. There was nothing left to stop it. A fear that hums quietly under the surface of my everyday. As I watched officers carry the listless body of George Floyd out of frame, something completely broke in me. Its not about producing things en masse and leading with promotions. Home . I thought of my little brother, who has been harassed by police since he was in high school, and the times he's been arrested and survived. Two weeks ago we kicked off phase one of our funding to get our big idea off the ground: a crowd campaign to bring on our first team member. This person will help with design and concept the space as well as jump into our current interior projects. Our byline is ‘We're a lot of things,’ and that's me rebelling against us ever being put into one box or category. Its about building a community and a deeper connection to your customers that online transactions and marketing cannot replace. Every event was free and you just had to sign up online. “Innovation is always at the forefront of my mind when I am curating or designing for YOWIE or our clients. Outside of the shop I am working on my second project with the team that founded The Deacon, a boutique hotel and event space in Providence, RI. The dam of raw emotions I had been holding back for decades had broken. On Sunday May 31st, I found myself unable to stop crying. The YOWIE storefront and design studio aims to showcase emerging artists and create and curate spaces that evoke emotion and discovery. Founded by Shannon Maldonado, Yowie offers fun … Meet Shannon, CEO and shop owner of Philly-based interior goods store with a unique point of view Yowie, that she started after spending over ten years as a designer in the fashion industry. Retail isn’t dead but it’s very different now than it was before. OUR FREEDOM IS TESTED SO OFTEN THAT WE ABSORB AND PUSH THESE EXPERIENCES SO DEEP JUST SO THAT WE CAN GET THROUGH OUR DAYS WITHOUT BREAKING DOWN. So this year, in part with Haworth (best known for commercial furniture around the world), we are introducing short talks from emerging/women designers at the Haworth Designer Talks … So this year, in part with Haworth (best known for commercial furniture around the world), we are introducing short talks from emerging/women designers at the Haworth Designer Talks Space in BOK's Girls Gym. YOWIE is a home and life shop focused on curating small collections from friends, independent artists, and designers. How has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted your business? Things felt different in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing but I am still waiting to see the long term changes. Backed 3 Projects. YOWIE is here to bring you items to live with and enjoy! Meet Shannon Maldonado of YOWIE, a shop focused on highlighting local artisans and their designs, all while consulting on prop styling, art direction and even interior design. Shannon Maldonado describes herself as “A Creative” meaning she's open to tackling a range of products. I didn't want to run or hide anymore. YOWIE is here to bring you items to live with and enjoy! With this big change I am working to make sure YOWIE remains true to its roots of community and amplifying artists and makers. Her mother taught her how to sew at age 10, and from that moment, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in fashion. By now we have all seen the video (or should I say videos). We also put a message of support for Black Lives Matter and the protestors into the windows of our closed storefront. Photo credit: AARON RICKETTS By now we have all seen the video (or should I say videos).