Meet Latoya Skinner

We recently connected with Latoya Skinner and have shared our conversation below.

LaToya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For years, I thrived in a corporate job that brought me purpose and fulfillment every day. I loved that my role allowed me to help others, making me feel like part of something meaningful. The compensation was good, too, which only added to my sense of stability. But as time went on and the promotions kept coming, something began to shift within me. I started feeling unsettled—a small, quiet whisper I chose to ignore repeatedly. I’d heard that life tries to communicate with us, showing us signs if we pay attention. Eventually, the whispers grew louder until I could no longer ignore them. And then, the biggest whisper of all arrived: my role was eliminated after nine years with the company. While I didn’t know how to feel initially, I knew there was a reason for this, and I saw it as a chance to begin a new chapter.

With time on my hands, I dived into books and podcasts, searching for guidance on how to start over in my 40s. I absorbed a lot, but one message resonated above all: I didn’t have to chase some elusive “purpose.” Instead, I just needed to align with what I genuinely wanted and find ways to serve others. We often think purpose has to be this huge, world-changing mission. But what if it starts with creating joy within ourselves so we can spread it to others? So, I began there, focusing inward to become a better person.

Every day, I made small gestures to brighten someone’s day—a smile, a “good morning,” or lending a hand when I could. Holding a door open, helping someone load their groceries—simple acts of kindness that could mean a lot. With this shift in focus, my purpose started to reveal itself naturally. I didn’t have to go looking for it; it had been there all along. Now, I understand my strengths and what truly matters to me. I’m aligning more with those values and am more present in each moment instead of constantly striving toward some distant goal.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m LaToya Skinner, founder of Lola Earl, an interior design studio and home decor store. At Lola Earl, we believe your home should reflect your personality and lifestyle. That’s why we meticulously source one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces that bring character and a sense of history to any room. Our goal is to help you create a space you love, guiding you on a journey to uncover your unique design style. Each item in our curated collection is artisan-made, celebrating its story and imperfect beauty.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

These four practices have been essential for me and made a huge impact early in my journey:

1. Meditation – Going inward has taught me to trust myself and find answers within. Meditation helps me stay present, savoring the beauty of my life as it is, rather than worrying about the future or living with a scarcity mindset.
2. Releasing Limiting Beliefs – This has been a major breakthrough, though it’s an ongoing process. I continue to let go of false or restrictive thoughts about myself, others, or the world—ideas that hold me back from living and working authentically. When my mind drifts into negative territory, I use meditation or other practices to let go of these thoughts.
3. Prioritizing Joy – I’ve learned to be intentional with my time, embracing what brings me joy and releasing what doesn’t. Being mindful of how I spend my energy keeps me aligned with what truly matters to me.
4. Living in Gratitude – This, above all, has been transformative. I feel grateful for my life as it is, noticing and appreciating daily blessings. I start each day by giving thanks for simple things—waking up, moving my body, having food, and a roof over my head. Beginning my day in gratitude raises my vibration and sets a positive tone for what follows.

These practices have helped me shape a life that feels more intentional and fulfilled, one moment at a time.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

I love reading and learning how to co-create the life I desire by letting go and focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future. There are three books I return to often, and each time, they reveal something new to me.

The first is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which teaches me how to stay grounded in the present instead of getting lost in worries about the past or future.

The second is Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein, which explores manifesting desires through positive energy and alignment.

The third is Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which reminds me that whatever we ask for is always on its way to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lolaearl.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolaearlhome

Image Credits

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