Meet Shannon! The endlessly creative Philly native, who we all wish would design our home.
Bio
Meet Shannon! Shannon is originally from South Philadelphia (Pennsport) but has spent much of her adult life in New York. She spent 12 years there after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2005. Throughout her time in New York Shannon worked in design for places such as Ralph Lauren, American Eagles, and Urban Outfitters. When it was time for her to go out on her own, she returned to the city of Brotherly Love to launch YOWIE.
Origin Story
Shannon started YOWIE in 2016. Originally online, YOWIE began with just twelve products. Eventually, Shannon began a series of experimental pop ups in Philadelphia, and that led her to open her storefront in 2017 in historic Fabric Row.
The Philadelphia based storefront aims to showcase emerging artists and designers and to connect creatives through humility, events, and workshops. Five years in, Shannon continues to find new ways of bringing her design and creative background to her city. Just recently Shannon announced that, together with her partners from The Deacon and Dye House, they will be breaking ground on YOWIE’s HQ. Think retail space, flex studio, cafe, and 11 YOWIE designed and curated hotel rooms!! Philly, get ready!
Roses and Thorns
For Shannon, things like running payroll and cash flow, supply chain issues, and working to stay motivated during the slower months can be trying as a small business owner. But of course, for Shannon the good far outweighs the bad. “I’ve met and worked with so many talented people through YOWIE and seen artists progress in their practice. I love packing up web orders and writing gift notes for our customers as I can be a perfectionist. Another favorite part of my job is art directing our product photoshoots and working on design projects outside of our shop. It’s fun to create something that is always evolving and never boring or static.”
716 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
https://www.shopyowie.com/
@helloyowie
