We were lucky to catch up with Skye Ding recently and have shared our conversation below.
Skye, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity comes from a deeply personal place. Having autistic family members has shown me how important compassion, understanding, and support is, not just for individuals, but for the families and communities around them. Seeing their experiences has inspired me to give back in meaningful ways. This past year, my company, ANNOVA, donated over $20,000 worth of products to the New England Center for Children. Designed with sensory needs in mind, our flatware offers a soothing tactile experience and comfortable grip that makes mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.
Giving, for me, is a way to show gratitude for what I’ve learned from my loved ones and to help create more opportunities for others to thrive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder of ANNOVA, a brand that brings color, joy, and thoughtful design to everyday essentials like flatware and desk organizers. What began as a small idea to make mealtime more fun for kids, especially for families like mine with sensory needs, has grown into a collection that celebrates inclusivity, functionality, and style.
As the holiday season approaches, I’m excited to share our new product line. Our newest collection of flatware features soft pastel hues including sage, baby pink, and light blue. We also have darker shades including navy blue and bright orange. Check out our newest flatware release on our website https://www.annovame.com/.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the three most important qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were creativity, perseverance, and empathy. Creativity allowed me to see everyday products, like flatware and desk organizers, in a new light. I learned that design can be both functional and fashionable, and that even small details can bring beauty into someone’s day. Perseverance kept me moving forward through challenges, from working with suppliers to building a brand from the ground up. There will always be obstacles, but staying consistent makes all the difference. Most importantly, empathy has shaped every decision I make. Having family members with autism taught me to design with inclusion in mind, to consider how products feel, not just how they look.
For anyone just starting out, my advice would be to stay curious and to be patient. It is okay to ask questions and to make mistakes. Be patient and everything will workout!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been building our social media presence from the ground up. When I first started, I had little experience with content creation or strategy. I just wanted to share the story behind ANNOVA and connect with others who appreciate thoughtful design. As I learned more about storytelling, visual consistency, and community engagement, I began to see how powerful social media can be in bringing a brand to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annovame.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annovame/?hl=en and https://www.instagram.com/annova_es/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANNOVAme/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haotian-skye-ding-83ab4558/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ANNOVAme
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Annovame
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
