"I was feeling that I wanted to do my own project that had a totally different approach," she says. The South Philly native started her career in fashion in New York City. Seven years ago, she brought her vision, and her business, back home. "I love sharing all the amazing things happening in the city," she says. "I am one of our biggest ambassadors." From pop-ups, to a shop on Fabric Row, she recently expanded to a big corner lot on 3rd and South Streets. "We're now standing in the new Yowie that opened last month, which is a gift shop, a cafe and a 13 room hotel," she explains.
It's the kind of vibe, Maldonado says, that feels like your cool friend just gave you the keys to their apartment. "I'd picture someone ordering food or making dinner and kind of sitting here with like the lights dimmed," she says in one of the suites, which features a kitchenette. Each suite has its own personality, with extreme pops of color, textures and textiles. They are decorated with items you often can buy in the boutique downstairs. "Like for example, these pillows will be available in the shop on Friday," Maldonado says. "If you love this couch and you want to customize it, you can come downstairs and we can help you order it." Maldonado curates the shop with things she loves, like food, fashion, art and accessories.
