Meet Latoya Skinner | Founder, Lola Earl

We had the good fortune of connecting with Latoya Skinner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaToya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is a way of betting on yourself. It is moving through fear and deciding to live your life in complete joy and do what makes you happy. For me, taking risks has been an important part of doing the things that make me happy and enjoying life through each experience. Two years ago, my role at my corporate job was eliminated, and I was laid off. I took time to revisit the things I wanted to do in my life. I decided to bet on myself and turn Lola Earl from a hobby to a career. This was exciting but also terrifying- wondering if this would even work. The road has not been easy, and it has been one of my best decisions.

You should always bet on yourself. So, if that means traveling to the place you have always dreamed of, learning a new language, starting a business, and being open to new experiences and opportunities. Without taking risks, you will never know where the road of life will lead you next, and it will always be better than you have expected it to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I founded Lola Earl, an interior design service and online marketplace connecting shoppers to independent brands. We help you create timeless, bespoke, beautiful, feel-good spaces. I love working with artisans worldwide and offering their beautiful items to my customers. There is nothing better than having a hand-made, unique item for your home. No two items are ever the same- and I love that. Also, I love hunting for vintage and antiques. Finding items with a story to help my customers create unique spaces in their homes that feel oh-so-good. This brings me so much joy

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Sacramento, so I had a friend visiting the area. We would have to spend a day in Amador County for wine tasting. There are a lot of amazing wineries to visit. A couple of my favorites are Cooper Winery and Helwig Vineyards & Winery.

We would have to go to Sibling in Midtown, Sacramento, for brunch, and for dinner, we would have to go to Revolution Winery & Kitchen.

Midtown Farmers Market for a quick bite and shopping from local makers

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom has been the biggest cheerleader. She has and continues to support all of my out-of-the-box ideas and encourages me to live out my wildest dreams. She has taught me to believe in myself, even when no one else does. As long as I think it can happen, it can. So, follow my gut and push forward.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been on a self-discovery journey. To write a new chapter in my story, I had to undo many of the limited beliefs I believed to be true. Through this journey, one of my favorite books I continue to read is “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. This book is a wake-up call for how we should live our lives. The other book that has helped me is “The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav. Both are excellent books if you are on the journey of living in the present.

Website: https://lolaearl.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolaearlhome

Image Credits
Photos: Salt Haus: https://www.salt.haus/