Connect Newsletter_Issue 3

JULY 2025/ISSUE 3

TILING NEWSLETTER

MICROCEMENT A MODERN SOLUTION FOR SLEEK BATHROOM DESIGN

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW NAOMI MODAE FROM M.O.D.A.E MELBOURNE

JULY 2025

CONNECTIQ MEDIA THE VOICE BEHIND THE MICROPHONE INSPIRING CHANGE IN RETAIL TILE SHOPS BUILD SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

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CONTENTS PAGE 2 - 3

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PODCAST EPISODE 23

MICROCEMENT

Meet Naomi Modae from m.o.d.a.e Q&A. Flashback from 2023: The Art of Microcement.

What is Microcement, and why is it becoming more popular to install?

PAGE 6 CONNECT IQ MEDIA

The Voice Behind the Microphone: Inspiring Change in Retail Tile Shops.

PODCAST EPISODE 23 Meet the extraordinary woman who embodies the true meaning of versatility, humility, and passion for learning. Naomi is a jack of all trades, easily mastering multiple skills and talents.

Her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have earned her the respect and admiration of those around her.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Naomi remains grounded and humble, never letting success get to her head. She understands that true greatness lies not in one's accomplishments but in character and how they treat others.

Her down-to-earth nature and genuine kindness make her a joy to be around, and her infectious positive attitude inspires those around her to be their best selves.

Connect with Naomi - click here.

CLick on the image to listen to the episode

PAGE TWO | CONNECT

Trade Talk: Straight Answers from a Professional How long have you been installing micro cement products in homes?

It's coming up to 5 years now, and I've been applying microcement for homes.

What is your favourite type of installation?

Definitely bathrooms; I just love that a bathroom involves so many technical details that I have to ensure are correct.

Equally as important is the design aesthetic, from materials to shapes, forms, and colours. Both of these key elements keep it challenging, exciting and rewarding.

Sometimes I'm just the waterproof and microcement applicator, and the architect or interior designer has the whole vision created, which is a super enjoyable collaboration. On smaller scale works I work with clients directly where I listen to their vision and design bathrooms using their choices of materials, this way it meets their brief and we create a beautifully designed space that we can both be proud of.

I really love what I do; it truly feeds my soul.

What is the most tedious task that occurs regularly on a job site?

The great thing is, it's getting much better with trades and builders listening to my needs to have a bathroom constructed a certain way. I believe in creating bathrooms that will last a long time, so planning and teamwork are crucial to ensuring this is possible. myself on the tools.

In the earlier years, I must admit it was pretty difficult, as I'd often go to jobsites and be left with some pretty unsightly quality. And then I would spend hours or days fixing things to get them to what I had asked.

The reason I feel it has changed is that I'm very selective about who I work with these days. As the demand increases, I want to work with trades and builders who are willing to work as a team and share the same values. That's what makes projects rewarding, too.

IMAGE supplied by mo.o.d.a.e.

What is your favourite tool or piece of equipment?

I would have to say my trowel, when you find one that allows you to flow and get the patterns you want in your application, it's heaven.

Well, heaven for me!

What is the last piece of advice you heard that matters?

Last piece of advice, hmmm. I'd probably say I reflect alot with in myself, so I learn alot more from reflecting than taking advice from others.

When you're not working, what are you doing?

I'm a pretty simple creature (sort of, haha) When I'm not working on site, I'm chilling with my two dogs. I'm obsessed with dogs. I love watching true crime and being out in nature with the boys. And then being super creative, I'm often on my computer designing part of my home, and then executing 90% of it myself on the tools.

So to answer last piece of advice would be what I try to remind myself is, "staying aligned to what is true to you" and to not let the noise distract you from what feel rights to oneself.

Who inspires you the most in everything you do?

Myself, I compete against myself. I'm not interested in aspiring to be anything other than that. I'm always looking at what I've done and than seeing how I can perfect that.

From demo, building my kitchen, to renovating my bathroom, putting a new ceiling up on a panel lifter myself, etc.

What do you love most about your business and craft?

It allows me to be authentically me in every aspect. If this wasn't my job, I'd still be living the exact same way and doing the exact same thing.

PAGE THREE | CONNECT

MICROCEMENT What is Microcement?

Microcement, also known as microconcrete or microtopping, is a polymer-modified cement-based coating that can be applied in thin layers typically 2–3 millimetres thick on various surfaces.

Despite its minimal thickness, it boasts remarkable strength and adhesion, allowing it to be installed over existing floors, walls, tiles, plasterboard, and even countertops without the need for demolition.

Its finish is smooth, continuous, and completely joint-free, making it a dream for lovers of minimalist design. It's available in a wide range of colours and textures, from matte to glossy, providing designers and homeowners with flexibility in customising their spaces.

Why Microcement Works So Well in Bathrooms Seamless Waterproofing Microcement’s biggest draw in bathroom applications is its seamless, grout-free finish. When applied correctly with waterproof sealants and resins, it forms a completely waterproof surface, ideal for wet areas such as showers, vanity surrounds, and bathroom floors.

Aesthetic Appeal With its smooth, seamless surface and natural aesthetic, microcement suits a range of styles, from raw industrial to minimal modern. It brings sophistication without clutter, and the tone-on-tone finish amplifies the sense of space, making it ideal for small bathrooms.

IMAGE supplied by mo.o.d.a.e.

PAGE FOUR | CONNECT

MICROCEMENT Flexibility and Compatibility Microcement can be applied over most existing surfaces, including ceramic tiles, concrete, and plasterboard, reducing the need for heavy renovation work. Its thin application means that there is no significant increase in floor levels, which is a major plus during bathroom renovations.

Durability and Low Maintenance Microcement is resistant to humidity, wear, and temperature fluctuations. With the right finish, it’s also resistant to mould and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday bathrooms.

The Future of Microcement in Bathrooms As demand for durable, design-led, and low-maintenance materials grows, the use of microcement in bathroom design is expected to increase. Improvements in product formulation continue to enhance its performance, making it quicker and easier to apply.

Modern Trends and Applications Common applications include: Walk-in showers with floor-towall seamless designs Vanity tops and splashbacks with sculpted edges and integrated basins Feature walls in wet zones, creating a spa-like feel Microcement bathtubs, benches, and custom shelving for a monolithic look Combined floor and wall finishes for continuity and visual expansion PAGE FIVE | CONNECT

CONNECTIQ MEDIA Sometimes, your career journey is less about climbing ladders and more about finding your way back to yourself.

I’ve worked across industries, led teams, built brands, chased opportunities, all in search of something that felt like me.

And after all that searching, I’ve realised something extraordinary — I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

I’m now fully committed to accelerating the growth of my digital media business, which was built specifically for the tiling and construction industry, one I know, love, and believe in.

It’s where I get to combine creativity, strategy, and heart, telling real stories, driving visibility for great people, and helping tradies and tile businesses grow through smart, modern content.

Turns out, finding yourself isn’t about the destination. It’s about recognising the alignment when you feel it.

Here’s why you should work with me to strengthen your tile and trade retail business.

Sales, Leadership, and Marketing qualifications that deliver results 23 years of experience in the building, construction, and tiling industry PAGE SIX | CONNECT

Highly experienced in retail tile and trade shop environments Extensive knowledge of tile adhesives, waterproofing, and related products.

Launched a tile supply and installation division for a major retailer Oversaw the opening of several new retail trade shops Expanded global tiling tool brands in Australia and New Zealand.

Managed portfolios of up to $23M and increased revenue up to 20% annually Skilled at creating digital content that connects with your community Host of the only tiling-focused local podcast with a global audience Contact me today, mobile 0490 443 978 or email tilingconnect@gmail.com