Shannon Maldonado

Shannon Maldonado is the founder and Creative Director of YOWIE. Founded in 2016, YOWIE has blossomed from a unique product selection and engaging campaigns into a powerful brand known for fostering community from near and far. It transcended being "just a shop" by building a vibrant hub through on-site programming and incubating emerging brands.

This vision culminated in August 2023 with the opening of YOWIE's highly anticipated flagship location, bringing Shannon’s unique POV to historic South Street in Philadelphia. Shannon leads the brand's Interior Design, Creative Direction, Product Design, Marketing, and Public Relations efforts. YOWIE now represents a larger concept: a boutique hotel, expanded retail space with an adjoining cafe. Past YOWIE collaborators include New Balance, LeSportsac, Nordstrom, CB2, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, ICA Philadelphia, Gantri, Ethel’s Club, and Blackstar Film Festival. 

Before founding YOWIE, Shannon spent over a decade working in apparel design for Ralph Lauren, American Eagle Outfitters, Urban Outfitters, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Helloyowie@gmail.com
@helloyowie

Ethel’s Club

Founded by Naj Austin, Ethel’s Club was the first private social club for people of color inspired by her grandmother a community pillar. Shannon led interior design for the space creating a warm, apartment-like space inspired by Naj’s grandmother’s home. She also curated the first collection for Ethel’s Club’s gift shop and worked with their in-house designer to create custom merchandise for members.

Interior Design
Object + Artwork Sourcing
Artist Communications
Retail Consulting2019