This fall marked a big milestone: becoming an empty nester. Having been a single mom, I can’t remember a quiet moment in twenty years. Now I feel lost in the grocery store without having to cook for two big and hungry athletes. Where weeknights and weekends were spent going to games, I am now finding myself back in the design studio behind the sewing machine. It’s a bittersweet time — one filled with pride, nostalgia, and the quiet rediscovery that comes with a changing home. These transitions remind us how important every chapter is, and how much we carry from the ones before. Having one child at Boulder and another scouting a college football career, I plan to cherish these last bits of their education before they fully launch into the world.

In April, on Earth Day, we achieved something we’ve worked toward for years: our B Corp Certification. This honor affirms our commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices, and the belief that fashion can be a force for good. It represents the heart of Stick & Ball—craftsmanship that respects the planet and the people who bring our products to life.

Another major transition has been expanding from a design studio into a true production studio, deepening our capabilities with our leather goods. This shift has allowed us to bring more of our process in-house and to hopefully spark ideas to designs to market more quickly. It’s a transition rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a continued desire to build pieces that last. It is also where my passion lies — using my hands to create pieces that our clients will cherish.

This year, I also began engaging more actively in conversations around small business policy in Washington, D.C. Having served as an intern in the House, I understand firsthand the power of showing up and speaking up. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I’m committed to using my voice—on behalf of our company and many others—to advocate for fair, thoughtful policies that support our families, our workers, our planet and our shared future. Thank you to Goldman Sachs for their 10,000 Small Businesses group and organizing an incredible Summit on the Hill this year.

And finally, as we celebrate 14 years in business, my heart is full. None of these transitions—none of this growth—would be possible without you or my team at Stick & Ball. Your loyalty, your belief in our mission, your love of our products, and your willingness to follow this journey with us… these are the things I treasure most.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the winding path of this past year and for the community that continues to walk it with us.

May your holiday be filled with warmth, connection, and the people who make your world feel like home.

With gratitude,
Elizabeth