The Story Behind SKADIS
Founder’s Background
SKADIS Jewelry was founded by jewelry designer and gemologist Yan Li, driven by a deep passion for jewelry and a vision to create unique, timeless designs that tell stories and embrace inner strength.
Born in China, Yan moved to Denmark in December 2006. She holds a BA in International Marketing & Sales from Denmark and a Diploma in Jewelry Design and Gemmology from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) in Antwerp. This strong academic foundation, combined with her entrepreneurial mindset, has shaped her professional journey in the jewelry industry.
Over the past 20 years, Yan has traveled to more than 40 countries and numerous cities worldwide, enriching her cultural understanding and shaping her creative vision. Rooted in Scandinavian design values and inspired by global influences, SKADIS Jewelry represents modern style, elegance, and empowerment.
The Story Behind SKADIS
In Norse mythology, Skadi is the goddess of winter: fierce, independent, and elegant. She did not wait to be rescued. She walked into the halls of the gods alone and claimed what was hers. Yan named her jewelry brand SKADIS with inspiration from Skadi for that very reason.
Yan’s first business of nearly 10 years was collapsing under the pressure of COVID, while her 18-year marriage was quietly coming to an end. Under the emotional pressure of losing both her business and her marriage, Yan became bedridden for weeks with meningitis.
In February 2022, Yan made the hardest and most honest decision of her life: she chose herself and her happiness.
What followed was one of the most difficult years she had ever experienced.
With no family in Denmark and no support system she could rely on, Yan had to start over from scratch. She moved from a beautiful newly built 150 m² house into a small 15 m² rented room and lived on her savings while searching for work every day.
Three months after her divorce, she found a job. Six months later, she purchased her own apartment in Lyngby. Nine months later, she met Mr. Right who became her husband in November 2024. Ten months later, she advanced into an even better position.
Within one year, Yan rebuilt her life from the ground up, alone. And she had never felt stronger. That confidence and inner strength became the identity of SKADIS Jewelry.
In December 2024, Yan chose to resign from her position and dedicate herself fully to relaunching her own business: SKADIS Jewelry.
SKADIS is more than a jewelry brand. It is a celebration of resilience, independence, and self-worth. It is created for women who choose their own path, embrace their inner strength, and build the life they deserve.
Yan has designed collections that reflect this philosophy, from handcrafted natural stone bracelets to gold collections featuring pearls, colored gemstones, and diamonds.
Yan believes true elegance is not simply given; it is earned through experience, courage, and personal growth.
Hardship does not have to break us. Sometimes, it reveals who we are meant to become.
SKADIS is created to embody confidence, elegance, and individuality. It is designed for women who have faced their winter and chosen to rise.
SKADIS Jewelry - Embrace Your Inner Strength.
