Better With Age | Shannon Maldonado of Yowie (Episode 22)

What if the people on MTV Cribs had invested in timeless statement furniture and decor instead of Bentleys and a fridge full of energy drinks? You’d get Better With Age, a peek inside the curated spaces of notable designers and tastemakers who share a love of all things pre-loved. ⁠

Our twenty-second episode features Shannon Maldonado – Founder and Creative Director of Yowie - a boutique hotel, shop, and design studio based in Philadelphia. After working in fashion design for over 12 years at brands including Ralph Lauren and Urban Outfitters, Shannon started Yowie in 2016 as a new challenge to flex her own creative muscles. It started as a web shop with only 12 objects, and has since expanded into the multi-hyphenated space that it is today. Shannon constantly looks to create an intersection between design and community in her work, sourcing most pieces from local artists and friends. One room in the hotel even features an abstract painting by her local UPS shop owner.

Shannon has been featured in The New York Times, Dwell, Apartment Therapy, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. In 2019, Yowie was named "The Coolest Shop in Philadelphia'' by Bon Appétit. Shannon expanded her vision in 2023 with the new, colorful but minimal Yowie hotel. She sees this extension as "a natural progression of the shop."

Check out Shannon's favorite pre-loved things, including two reupholstered sofas from Kaiyo, a coffee table made from trash, and more.

Shop Shannon's Finds: https://kaiyo.com/buy-used-furniture/...

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