An Inspired Chat with Skye Ding of La Mirada

We recently had the chance to connect with Skye Ding and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Skye, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are slow and intentional. I start with coffee, open the windows to let in some fresh air, and spend a few quiet minutes planning my day. I like to keep my mornings tech-free. I try to soak up morning sunlight and make something simple for breakfast of eggs and coffee before diving into work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Skye Ding. I am the founder and CEO of ANNOVA. ANNOVA is a home goods brand that specializes in designing colorful and unique flatware, globes, and desk organizers. Currently, I am focusing on creating new flatware colors for 2026. I am exploring fresh tones and finishes that blend functionality with artful design. I’ve been diving deep into color psychology and exploring how tone can change how people feel about their dining experience.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed it wasn’t okay to make mistakes. I thought everything had to be perfect the first time. Over time, I’ve learned that mistakes are an important and necessary part of the process. They teach you valuable lessons, refine your ideas, and help you grow. Especially in design, some of the best outcomes come from moments of trial and error. Now, I see mistakes as a sign of creativity and courage, not failure.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would to slow down and trust the process. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Growth takes time. Keep being curious, keep creating, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Something that I believe in is karma. I strongly believe that the energy you put into the world eventually finds its way back to you. When you do good things, even in a quiet way, that goodness circles back in ways you might not expect. When your actions come from a place of care or integrity, life will open doors that align with that energy. I can’t prove it, but I’ve seen enough moments of kindness and connection to believe that what you give does, in fact, return to you.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes! Early on in my career, I landed what I thought was my dream job. It was at a secure corporate position at a big company. It was everything I had worked toward for years. I was very excited! However, once I was there, I realized my “dream job” didn’t feel as fulfilling as I had hoped it would be. The structure, the work politics, and the lack of creative freedom left me feeling disconnected from the work I was doing. That experience taught me something important. Success isn’t just about titles, a company name, or stability. I discovered that I’m happiest when I’m designing products that people love and building something that truly reflects my creative vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annovame.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annovame/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haotian-skye-ding-83ab4558/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ANNOVAme
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANNOVAme/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Annovame/videos