Thinking about you all. Just overwhelmed with deadline of the move and packing. By end of May I’ll be in Florida- and I hope our stuff makes it :) Wishing all a good session!

Hi friends. I will miss you again today as I’m not feeling well and neck deep in packing. I officially closed my business in NYC to clean up all tax wise and will see how I want to move forward once I get to Jupiter, FL. 6-10 weeks from now! Still working on getting quotes from movers and bloody hell they are asking a lot! Just keep thinking palm trees, palm trees and water that is actually teal:) Plan to make next Wed meeting. I did find mental space to write a quick post on LinkedIn this AM. I hope everyone is doing well!

Sorry for my absence. Overwhelmed with Florida prep. Slowing getting there but may be 2 more weeks to get back into work mode. Til then I’ll leave you with this one…

Exciting news - I have just received my first ever funding and I can buy my much awaited tool!! Those who were in this group last year will remember how hard I worked at trying to get funding for a new tool - a leather Clicker Press. I tried for a technology grant but didn't qualify because my tool doesn't plug in...! Out of the blue a couple of weeks ago my advisor from the same Business Enterprise told me of an opening with a different fund/grant. As soon as this money became available, she thought of me. The timescales were/are short but I fitted the criteria and today the money arrived in my bank account. It doesn't cover the whole cost but covers most of it. The clicker press allows me to cut out leather shapes quickly using metal dies. This will mean I can make products quicker, freeing up time to make and earn more. It opens opportunities for more regular wholesale customers. It will also help me avoid injuries. I am so so excited. This is a great opportunity and great timing as I go back to doing my business full-time at the end of this month.

Hey HQ family ❤️ Quick one... and I’m sharing this here because you’re the people who actually see the real work. Q Branch has just been awarded the SME News Business Elite Award 2026 for Best Brand Strategy & Growth Consulting Firm. I’m genuinely proud… but not in a “look at us” way. More in a “wow… this started as a mission” way. Because behind every “brand” we talk about is a real human story: - someone trying to make a business work - someone carrying pressure - someone trying to lead better - someone wanting more freedom and stability for their family - someone trying to build something that matters - And this community is a big part of why we keep pushing the standard. You show up. You do the work. You ask the hard questions. You make bold decisions. You remind us that this isn’t about pretty graphics it’s about clarity, courage, and execution. So thank you for being in the room with us. This award is a nice moment… but the real win is what we’re building together. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Right… I’m ready to step up my own standards,” drop a 🔥 below and tell me what you’re committing to in the next 30 days.