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-first episode features Shannon Maldonado, Founder and Creative Director of Yowie, a Philadelphia-based boutique hotel, shop, and design studio. After working in fashion design for over 12 years at brands, including Ralph Lauren and Urban Outfitters, Shannon started Yowie in 2016 as a challenge to flex her creative muscles. It began as a webshop with only 12 objects and has since expanded into the multi-hyphenated space it is today. Shannon constantly looks to create an intersection between design and community, 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.
