NQ Jewellery & Craft Supplies is a locally owned and operated business based in sunny Townsville, North Queensland. My name is Kathleen, though many of you may know me as Lena from my earring-making days at Love From Lena Designs, which later became Love From Lena Supplies, and has now rebranded to NQ Jewellery & Craft Supplies (NQ JACS). 

NQ JACS started after I launched my first business, Love From Lena Designs. While on maternity leave, I began sewing and creating earrings, opting not to return to my previous nursing and shift-working role. I wanted to work from home and accommodate my kids’ and husband’s hectic schedules. However, due to lifelong allergies, I developed severe allergic dermatitis from working with resin. Knowing I had to change my business for health reasons, I saw a gap in North Queensland’s supply market and, with the support of my husband and the Townsville crafting community, decided to grow NQ JACS.

My family plays various roles in the business—Lucia (8), Eamon (18), and Jacque (20) help with packing orders, sorting stock, and mailing parcels. My parents pitch in when needed, and my wonderful husband Kevin works behind the scenes, setting up market stalls, building stands, and patiently listening to my excitement about new products and plans for growth.

I am incredibly proud of how NQ Jewellery & Craft Supplies has evolved over the years, and I’m excited to share this journey with you.  

x Lena

Jacque’s graduation in 2022 (probably the most recent photo we have together as life has been so busy).