Benny Yovanka Florenzan was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States in 1984 at the age of ten. Her passion for fashion emerged early, inspired by watching her mother and legendary actresses Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll. As a child, she identified with their styles, which continue to inspire her to this day.
Benny vividly recalls attending church at the age of 13, dressed in fur and large hats. Her mother was very supportive of her unique way of dressing, while others thought she was an adult trapped in a young body because she didn’t dress like a typical young girl. Benny seized any opportunity to wear hats and heels, showcasing her distinctive style.
Although she attended college to become an architect and interior designer, Benny shifted her interest from designing buildings to becoming a personal trainer. This was also her passion, as she loved helping people achieve their health goals. However, her love for art and design never left her. She was always creating, and this creativity was reflected in her sense of style, which remains an integral part of her daily life. Benny never leaves home without a hat.
Today, she is known as Benny Yovanka, and her hats have become iconic. Her Christian values deeply moved her when she read Revelation 3:11, which inspired her to honor God by naming her new collection “Retén tu Corona” (Hold on to Your Crown). Her hat line, BYF Collections, is now an iconic brand that, with its hibiscus motif, pays tribute to her country and her timeless style.
Benny’s journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a renowned hat designer in the United States is a testament to her passion, creativity, and dedication. Her unique style and commitment to her craft have made BYF Collections a beloved brand, celebrated for its elegance and cultural homage.
Catch BYF COLLECTIONS latest styles www.byfcollections.com
BYF Collections; helping our clients “Claim Their Crown” one hat at a time!
"BYF Collections has the best hats I've ever purchased. The designs are unique and stylish, and the customer service is outstanding. They went above and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with my purchase. I'll definitely be buying more!"
"I can't say enough good things about BYF Collections. Their hats show a lot of attention to detail. I was impressed by the friendly and responsive way they helped me with when I placed my custom order. Five stars!"
I absolutely love my new hat from BYF Collections! The quality is top-notch, and it fits perfectly. Highly recommend!"
Thank you, Benny.