About Yowie

Shannon Maldonado, YOWIE’s founder, infused her dynamic design expertise and hometown pride into every aspect of the hotel, shop, and cafe. Shannon Maldonado is the visionary co-founder behind YOWIE’s unique blend of hospitality and design. A Philadelphia native with over 12 years of experience in the fashion design industry, Shannon honed her eye for style at major brands like Ralph Lauren, American Eagle Outfitters, and Urban Outfitters. In 2016, she left her corporate design career in New York and returned home to start YOWIE as a webshop and then a series of pop-ups and installations across the city. Her knack for eclectic curation and building community quickly gained attention, and by 2019, Bon Appétit had crowned YOWIE “The Coolest Shop in Philadelphia,” celebrating its impeccably curated yet approachable style.

In 2023, Shannon, alongside partners Everett Abitbol, Valerie Abitbol, and William Vessel, brought a longtime dream to life by expanding YOWIE into a boutique hotel above the shop and cafe. She designed every part of the nearly 10,000-square-foot space herself, from the layout of the 13 hotel suites to the furniture, color palettes, and artwork sourced from local makers. The hotel is YOWIE’s most ambitious project so far, combining Shannon’s passion for design, hospitality, and community in one place. She sees it as a destination within the city and a source of pride on South Street, a street where she found inspiration as a teenager.

Her goal was to create a space that feels like a friend’s guest room. Something intimate, personal, and filled with thoughtful details. Through the shop, YOWIE continues to connect design and community through events, artist exhibitions, and collaborations with brands across the country. Her focus remains steady: to build spaces that encourage curiosity, comfort, and connection. Places where people feel like they belong.