This week tested me in ways I didn’t expect.

Between customs, shipment delays, packages being rerouted to different countries… it has been overwhelming. Mentally, emotionally, and as a business owner—this has been one of the hardest weeks I’ve faced.

One thing I’ve always prided myself on is transparency.
And the second is my ability to keep going no matter what.

The military taught me that.
It taught me how to take hits and keep moving.
And life? Life made sure I understood it.

But this week… this week tried me.

I had to answer to so many people. Some showed grace and to those people, I want you to know it did not go unnoticed. Others didn’t. The disrespect, the threats, the harsh words, it didn’t make anything easier.

And it forced me to sit back and really think.

About how I run my business.
About how much I give.
About how sometimes… no matter what you do, it still won’t be enough for everyone.

Seeing people who once praised me switch up in a second…
Watching negative posts and comments circulate…

It reminded me of something real:

Sometimes, you can do everything right and still be misunderstood.

But I know why I started this.

This was never about “jumping on a wave.”
Handbags are personal to me.

They were my love language to my grandmother.
Now, they’re becoming my love language to my daughter.

Every woman in my family carried a beautiful handbag to match. This isn’t new to me. This is in me.

And for a moment, a real moment I almost let outside noise stop something that’s bigger than me.

So let me say this.

To my real supporters, thank you.
To those who chose to walk away I still thank you for giving Forest Street Co. a chance.

But right now… this is for me.

Thank you, Shonte, for staying strong.
Even when you felt like breaking.

Thank you to my friends and family who checked on me, who heard it in my voice when I wasn’t okay.

Thank you to my grandmother…
Because I know your prayers carried me through this week. I know you’re still covering me.

Thank you for raising me to be strong because that strength showed up when I needed it most.

Thank you to the U.S. Army for showing me just how tough I really am.

Thank you to Lakeya—
Bringing you into Forest Street Co. was one of the best decisions I’ve made. You’ve been a rock for me, and I don’t take that lightly.

Thank you to my children
Even when I wasn’t myself this week, you loved me through it. Your words, your presence… it meant everything.

This was a setback.
But it was also a lesson.

A moment to pause.
To reflect.
To rebuild stronger.

And a reminder to myself:

You can handle this. And this won’t be the last challenge—but you’re built for all of them.

I’ve always said nothing compares to the pain of losing my grandmother.
But doing something in her honor and it not going how I envisioned… that hurt in a different way.

Still, I know she was with me every step of the way.

And for that, I’m grateful.

I love you.
I miss you more than words can explain.

And I’m not stopping.

— CEO Shonte