Hi there! I’m Ioana aka YOYO. I am the creator behind YOYO Creates, a project that celebrates my lifelong passion for sewing and crafting unique garments.
My journey started in a small town in post-communist Romania, when I was around seven years old. My grandmother, a skilled seamstress, introduced me to the world of sewing. I remember sitting next to her, watching her work her magic on the sewing machine. It was in those moments that I learned the basics of sewing, and more importantly, I absorbed the love and artistry that came with it.
Growing up during the post-communist era brought its own set of challenges. Finding quality fabrics was no easy task, as the market was flooded with cheap imports. However, this situation sparked a unique opportunity for my grandmother. She began to buy second-hand clothing, often larger garments, curtains, and bedding, transforming them into beautiful new pieces. I watched as she took what others discarded and breathed new life into it. This early exposure to upcycling instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of resources and creativity.Thrifting quickly became a passion of mine. I loved hunting for unique pieces and appreciating the quality that came with them.
Years later, I moved to the United States and earned a degree in Apparel and Textiles. Despite my education, I soon realized that the fast-paced fashion industry wasn’t for me. Instead, I spent six years working in tech sales, only tapping into my creative side during my free time.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, turning our lives upside down and leaving us confined to our homes. With a sudden scarcity of masks, I thought, "Why not?" I dug out the old fabrics I had stashed away and began making masks. This simple act reignited my passion for sewing and opened the door to new creative possibilities.
Before long, I found myself exploring various projects, and my interest landed on corsets. With no prior experience in corsetry, I turned to tutorials, embraced trial and error, and created countless mock-ups. It was a steep learning curve, but with each revision, I was honing my craft. That’s when YOYO Creates really started to take shape.
I started small, offering one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to my size. As my confidence grew, I introduced ready-to-ship items in multiple sizes (S, M, and L), and eventually began making made-to-order pieces. Each piece is made with love and crafted with care and attention to detail
What I cherish most is sourcing unique fabrics. I often reflect on the history behind these textiles, imagining how they once adorned someone’s home or how they were woven into the fabric of someone’s life. The stories they carry—the happy moments and the bittersweet memories—add a layer of magic to my creations. To me, it’s not just about the fabric; it’s about the art and history intertwined within it.
Sadly, earlier this year, I experienced a profound loss when my grandmother passed away at the age of 90. Before she left us, I had the chance to visit her and create a corset using some fabric she had stashed away. I used her old manual Singer machine while she watched me with such pride in her eyes. That moment was incredibly special, and she will always be my biggest inspiration and the main reason YOYO Creates exists.
Sewing is not just about making clothes; it’s about connecting with the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future. With every stitch, I reflect on the lessons my grandmother taught me and the memories we shared. I aim to honor her legacy by creating pieces that are not only stylish and unique but also rich in history and emotion.
This journey has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received for my work. YOYO Creates is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the beauty of second chances. Each piece I create carries a little bit of my story, and I hope it resonates with others in a meaningful way.