CEO, entrepreneur, property developer and lawyer.
CEO, entrepreneur, property developer and lawyer.
Ashley Freeman is a CEO, entrepreneur, property developer and lawyer. As Managing Director of The Skin Centre, she oversees one of Australia’s most respected dermatology clinics, while also leading the research, development and brand strategy at Bloc Skincare. With a background in commercial law and executive leadership, Ashley is currently spearheading the development of a state-of-the-art medical precinct on the Gold Coast.
We chatted with Ashley about growing up on the Coast, building global businesses locally, the journey from law to skincare, and what’s next for Bloc in this inspiring interview.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’m proudly Gold Coast born and bred. I grew up in Currumbin, bought my first home in the stunning bayside community of Jacobs Well and now live in the centre of the Gold Coast. So I have had the privilege of experiencing the north, the south and the mid-Coast. They all have their different personalities and sub-cultures, and I have loved every chapter.
Apart from eight years in Brisbane building my legal career and a stint in London during university, the Gold Coast has been my home my whole life.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
From a family perspective, I couldn’t imagine raising my children anywhere else. I have the fondest memories of my childhood spent at the beach and boating on the Broadwater learning water sports with my cousins. My aunty was one of the first professional water skiers at SeaWorld. I love that my children get to grow up experiencing the best of the beaches, waterways and hinterland.
What also excites me is watching the Gold Coast evolve into a genuine business destination. When I started my legal career 16 years ago, I had to move to Brisbane for opportunities. I love that we’re becoming a
place where the next generation doesn’t have to choose between career ambition and the lifestyle they grew up with. Now we’re building global businesses right here.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a proud mum of three and business owner, juggling family life with running multiple businesses.
My husband, Dr Andrew Freeman, is a Dermatologist, and together we run The Skin Centre, which my father-in-law Dr Michael Freeman founded three decades ago. It’s since become one of Australia’s most respected dermatology practices. We also co-own Bloc Skincare, our cosmeceuticals company that just completed a major rebrand in July.
Before stepping into the family business almost five years ago, I was a commercial litigation solicitor, then Head of Legal for a national fintech institution.
What really drives me is building something meaningful. We see approximately 25,000 appointments each year at The Skin Centre, helping people with their skin concerns. The Skin Centre has been running global clinical trials for over 25 years and have been fortunate to play a role in bringing life-changing treatments to Australia for debilitating skin conditions. We are also incredibly passionate about initiatives that could reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of skin cancer in our country, which is a long-term goal of ours.
Right now we’re developing our new headquarters at The Lanes, Mermaid Waters. It is a 6,400 square metre state-of-the-art medical precinct that will house both businesses. It means we can help more of our Gold Coast community as our population continues to grow.
You spent 10 years as a solicitor before stepping into business ownership, what was the scariest part of leaving law behind?
The scariest part wasn’t leaving law. It was the weight of responsibility that came with taking over a 25-year legacy. When Dr Michael Freeman approached us about taking over The Skin Centre, we weren’t just buying a business. Every decision affects real patients, employees and a reputation that took decades to build.
And I don’t think I ever really ‘left’ law behind. The skills transferred beautifully, e.g. contract negotiation, problem solving under pressure, risk assessment and strategic thinking. The legal background gave me the confidence and skills to navigate complex business decisions.
How did Bloc come about?
Bloc was born from real frustration in our clinic. After seeing tens of thousands of patients over decades, our Dermatologists kept noticing the same issues with existing skincare brands.
A product might have some great ingredients, then they’d add common allergens. Or use actives at concentrations that looked good on the label, but weren’t scientifically proven to work. Formulations would change without warning, leaving patients confused when their skin suddenly reacted differently.
Our doctors thought, “We can do better than this.”
They wanted something based on scientific evidence, simple to use and actually designed for Australian conditions, not European or American climates. Most cosmeceuticals aren’t formulated for our intense UV, higher humidity and outdoor lifestyles.
The brief was straightforward. Make it effective first, easy to use second, and target what we see every day (e.g. acne, ageing, redness, pigmentation, dryness, sensitive skin).
Tell us a bit about your product range.
We’re a cosmeceutical brand, which means our formulations are designed by Dermatologists and we use scientifically-backed active ingredients to address specific skin concerns.
Our approach is built around three main steps: Remove (cleanse), Repair (active serums), Replenish (moisturise). What makes us different is that every single product is developed and vetted by Dermatologists, so you get clinic-grade formulations without complicated routines.
Our tagline is ‘Skincare That Works’ because that’s what matters. The best validation for me is overhearing someone at an event raving about how our products cleared their breakouts, not knowing I’m standing right there.
When you’ve spent years watching people struggle with their skin, creating something that genuinely helps feels pretty special.
What’s your personal favourite Bloc product and why?
This is like asking me to choose a favourite child! But if I was forced to choose, I’d have to say Bloc’s Pro-Peptide Serum.
Our Dermatologists became quite obsessed about solving the retinol problem. In our clinic, our Dermatologists only prescribe retinol in very limited circumstances and only when they know the patient will follow extremely strict protocols.
The issue is that in our high UV environment, retinol can actually accelerate ageing by making our skin more vulnerable to UV radiation. Add to that its tendency to cause inflammation and irritation and it has the potential to ruin a skincare routine.
The dilemma in fixing this was that no single ingredient had the ability to replicate retinol.
We know from our clinical experience in seeing 25,000 appointments a year that the key to best results is layering treatments, and consistency. So why not take that approach to a serum? We had to carefully match a peptide complex with collagen stimulating alternatives such as bakuchiol and now we have a serum that is more than just the sum of its parts.
You’re a mum of three, run multiple businesses and are building a new HQ, how do you manage it all?
Some days I’m not sure I do! The mum guilt is real and my life definitely isn’t “balanced” in the traditional sense. But I’ve found a system that works for our family in this current phase we’re in.
The biggest support has been building a high-performing team. We now have 35 people across The Skin Centre and Bloc who genuinely share our vision and values, plus all the consultants working on our new facility.
It also helps that Andrew and I make a great team. It often surprises people that Andrew and I genuinely love working together. Many couples struggle mixing business and personal relationships, but for us it’s made us stronger. We navigate challenges together and have incredible respect for what each other brings to the table.
My kids are watching us build something meaningful and I hope they’re learning that big dreams require big effort, but it’s absolutely worth it.
What advice do you have for other women looking to make a bold career pivot?
Think long-term and work backwards. When Andrew got accepted into the incredibly competitive Australasian College of Dermatologists’ training program, I could see we’d likely be growing The Skin Centre legacy one day. After some self-reflection, I realised I didn’t yet have the business skills to lead and scale something like that.
So I mapped out what skills I’d need (e.g. strategic planning, project management and understanding how larger operations work). That’s when I deliberately moved in-house to a large public company. I spent five years building those business skills before we actually became business owners. By then, the career pivot felt less like jumping off a cliff and more like a calculated next step.
What’s next for Bloc?
We’re in a scaling phase. The July rebrand exceeded our expectations and we’re focused on thoughtful growth while maintaining the quality that’s driven our success.
There are some exciting partnerships in the pipeline that align with our mission. And we’re exploring new product innovations based on what we’re seeing in clinic.
We’re also breaking ground on our new headquarters by the end of this year, which will allow us to continue to expand both The Skin Centre and Bloc.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: Buoy Cafe,The Oxley and Tarte Beach House, Currumbin
Restaurant: Moustache, Nobby Beach
Bar: Burleigh Pavillion
Beach: The Alley, Currumbin
How do you choose to spend your days off?
True days off are rare right now. It’s just the phase we’re in with three kids, two growing businesses and the development of a medical precinct. But when they do happen, we love to go to the beach with the kids or exploring the hinterland. I also love to squeeze in a beach walk whenever I can. It is my happy place.
Style creator.
From Melbourne hustle to Gold Coast bustle, Cat Sanz and her fam swapped skyscrapers for surfboards in 2021, and haven’t looked back! She’s a mum of three, entrepreneur and one of our go-tos for all things effortlessly chic.
Cat’s journey from fashion designer to content creator is like a perfectly styled outfit—layered with passion, sprinkled with inspiration and always on-trend. She started sharing her daily real estate office fits on insta and has since built a thriving styling business. Her top tip? Wear what makes you happy—confidence never goes out of style!
Read on to learn more about Cat, including some of her style tips, including that boho is back, sheer is chic, and logos are so last season.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
We moved here in 2021.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle here is what we love so much, we came from Melbourne and life was so hectic in city living. Here on the coast we can cruise into our weekends and spend a lot more time focused on family and nature.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a mum of 3 with a degree in marketing and previously a fashion designer and a social media coach. I have owned and worked in businesses for a long time before creating my own styling content business, which I love. Both hubby and I are entrepreneurs and love to travel, we are lucky enough to have built businesses and life that allows us to work around the world.
You’re one of our go-tos for outfit inspiration. How did you get started as a content creator?
Oh, thank you so much. My content creation started off by sharing my daily outfits whilst working in one of our businesses (real estate). It was a way to share how I was rediscovering my style after having kids, a journey so many women find after having kids and changing careers that our wardrobes and personal style changes so much.
Can you give us your top 3 styling tips?
• Wear what makes you happy, when you feel good in your clothes you will inevitably share that confidence in how you put yourself out there in the world.
• Layering (where possible) will always look chic
• Identify your jewellery style and lean in on it, the most basic of outfits will always be elevated with some jewellery pieces.
What items are you loving at the moment?
• Maxi skirts & column dresses
• Printed Tshirts
• Great sunglasses
What trends do you think will be huge this year coming into spring and summer?
• Sheer outfits
• Crochet
• Boho
• Maxi Skirts and Column dresses
• Thongs (Sandals)
What trend is it time to say goodbye to?
Too many logos in one outfit.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Tarte Bakery
Restaurant: Labart and Little Itoshin
Bar: Rosella’s
Beach: Cabarita otherwise Burleigh North
How do you choose to spend your days off?
We hit the Burleigh markets of a Saturday and then generally pick a beach somewhere on the coastline, set up for a few hours to play, collect shells, body surf and hang out before grabbing some lunch and returning home to chill.
Hubby and I try to grab a meal out on a Friday lunch or a weekend when we can.
Founder of My Voice Communications and Ladybird Lane Designs.
Annie Rogers is a 17-year-old Gold Coast local, entrepreneur, and winner of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Women of the Year, Young Woman of the Year Award. She’s the founder of My Voice, a stylish Bluetooth speaker necklace helping non-verbal individuals communicate with confidence.
Inspired by her friend Matilda, Annie is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and using tech for good. We chatted with Annie about growing up on the Coast, juggling school with two businesses, and her mission to make sure everyone has a voice.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was born in Brisbane, but we moved to the Gold Coast to be closer to family when I was a baby. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with cousins close in age and we used to spend lots of time exploring the parks and libraries. I love visiting other places but there’s nothing like coming home to the Coast.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love the variety on the Coast. There’s always so much going on. I love going out to try new cafes and restaurants and going to see shows at HOTA, Miami Marketta and The Star. Recently I’ve branched out into hiking to participate in the Kokoda Challenge alongside my College Captains, so I’ve been discovering some of the Coast’s beautiful nature walks.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am a 17-year-old, Year 12 student who started a company after undertaking a school entrepreneurial, extra-curricular course. We were tasked with developing something ‘for the greater good’; I realised I have a passion for inclusion and equality and ensuring everyone has a voice. I am an ambitious, young entrepreneur just wanting to make a difference and help her friend.
Throughout this process I have also discovered my desire to empower others through sharing my journey via public speaking engagements at national and international conferences and showcases. My family and friends keep me grounded and ensure that my life isn’t all work. I’m also just a teenager, who enjoys listening to my growing collection of vinyl and learning to cook new recipes.
What inspired you to create My Voice?
I started My Voice in 2020, inspired by my non-verbal friend of 9 years, Matilda. Throughout primary school, I witnessed her not receive any eye-contact when she spoke through her eye-gaze technology and didn’t know how I could help. She constantly expressed her frustration and how she felt that all of her ‘power’ lies in her computer.
When communicating, people would stand behind her to read what she is typing as she writes, taking away her voice, removing eye contact and making her feel less human. I created My Voice to bring back her confidence and the respect that she deserves. Also, I realised I was missing out on Matilda’s jokes because I wasn’t seeing her facial expressions when she communicated. She’s one of the funniest people I know.
Can you explain the problem that My Voice solves?
My Voice restores eye contact to those who struggle with verbal communication. Often, non-verbal people rely on technology to speak for them which acts as a barrier in interpersonal communication. The My Voice; Bluetooth Speaker necklace diverts attention back to the user as the voice is projected from their chest, rather their communication device.
What makes My Voice different from other communication tools for non-verbal people?
While a range of incredible aids are being developed in this field, this necklace will improve the quality of life for at least 1.2 million non-verbal Australians and 7.5 million non-verbal Americans. The point of difference for My Voice is that it takes the audio away from the device and situates it on the user’s chest so the communicator’s eyes follow the voice, rather than focusing on the device or reading what the user is typing as they type. The numerous applications of this device have the potential to reach and impact a broader global audience. The My Voice can be used by people with Cerebral Palsy, autism, Motor Neurone disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, apraxia, selective mutism, oral cancers and many other conditions.
You’re currently in the prototyping phase — what’s been the biggest challenge so far?
There have been two main challenges: creating a custom small, lightweight, ultra- thin, waterproof, rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker and developing interconnections of the case and pendant to make it easy for those with low mobility to use. I have met with contacts in the biotech field to help me create a viable solution but am still working to overcome this challenge.
I believe the best way to do this is to keep networking with people in the medical field and prototyping to help me advance the My Voice until it’s an affordable, accessible product listed on the NDIS to positively impact countless lives.
You’ve had amazing support from programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Hub — what’s something really valuable you’ve learned through that journey?
Everyone’s journey through entrepreneurship is different but sharing your experiences really helps others. Thanks to the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, I won a scholarship to the Young Entrepreneurs Hub at BOP Industries and was able to attend a range of workshops which gave me the theoretical and practical background to cement my business plan and progress my idea.
You also run Ladybird Lane Designs! How do you juggle two businesses, school, and everything else?
Yes! This year has been particularly challenging as I’m in Year 12. I have an intense, colour-coded, Google calendar which outlines all my time allocations to ensure I get everything done. I’m a big fan of breaking every task into manageable chunks so if I find myself with a small pocket of available time, I can quickly choose something to accomplish.
I also love a visible reminder, so my whiteboard is always updated with my high-priority tasks. Fortunately, creating earrings for Ladybird Lane Designs is something I find relaxing, so it serves two purposes.
What’s been your proudest moment so far on the My Voice journey?
Winning the Gold Coast Bulletin’s ‘Young Woman of the Year’ last year was a wonderful achievement. To be in a room with so many talented, intelligent, forward- thinking women was mind-blowing and to have Matilda, my inspiration, by my side made it unforgettable. It was fun to get glammed up and be celebrated by some of mentor teachers, my parents and Matilda.
What would you say to other young people who want to start a business but don’t know where to begin?
As long as you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Surround yourself with people who encourage you. There are plenty of short courses you can take to help you understand entrepreneurship and just give it a go!
What’s next for My Voice?
The next step is finalising the prototype and finding the most sustainable and cost- efficient way to manufacture the product. Often non-verbal people have a lot of costs so my aim is for My Voice to be affordable and available to anyone who could use it. I’m also planning on working on an App able to be used with the necklace to provide more options for those relying on technology to be their voice.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Palm Springs
Restaurant: Cantina, Piatto, or Labart
Beach: Southern end of Palm Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love to spend my time baking treats for my family and friends, spending time with my family, and reading. I enjoy meeting friends at Burleigh Hill for a picnic and Scoop Gelati as well as taking my dog to Tallebudgera Beach for a run around.
Partner at Richardson Murray.
Stephanie Murray is a powerhouse in family law and a fierce advocate for those facing separation, parenting disputes, and domestic violence matters. As a founding partner of Richardson Murray and a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist, she’s spent over 16 years helping clients navigate tough legal battles with both strength and sensitivity.
Beyond the courtroom, Stephanie is deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence and supporting multiple initiatives focused on domestic violence awareness. In our chat, she shares insights into the rising rates of sexual and domestic violence, the challenges facing the Gold Coast, and the crucial work being done to support survivors.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast over 10 years ago now.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love how much there is to do on the weekends. Quality cafes, some of the best restaurants, the beaches, the creeks, the hikes and all the Gold Coast outdoors activities.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been practicing law for over 16 years and became an accredited specialist in family law in 2017. We set up Richardson Murray in January 2021 to provide a boutique family law firm focused on assisting people find resolution of their legal matters, while reducing stress, costs and litigation.
Personally, you will usually find me out and about getting coffee on walks with my girlfriends, or wining and dining in our incredible Gold Coast restaurants with my partner.
How would you describe your chosen line of legal work?
Family law is a necessary evil. No one wants to go through it – but if you have to go through it, you need to make sure you have the right person in your corner, advising you, guiding you and advocating for you. It can be challenging and confronting but incredibly rewarding.
Tell us a little about your role as President for the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence. What does the role entail?
I started assisting with pro bono work for the Gold Coast Centre over 8 years ago, joined the management committee soon after and became President in 2019.
Being President of the management committee allows me to work with the incredible staff for the Centre, including Di McLeod who founded the centre over 30 years ago. I assist them in governance and advice while allowing them to continue their work supporting and counselling women, creating training programs and initiative for education for all people including our first responders having to deal with reports of sexual assault.
Whilst providing therapeutic counselling and support to victim/survivors remains a major focus of our work, GCCASV has also built linkages, provided resources, engaged in community education, tailored training for professionals, served on committees, and consulted and collaborated with government and community organisations across Queensland and beyond.
Sexual/domestic violence/attempted rape/rape has increased dramatically in the last few years. Why has this shifted so sharply in the wrong direction?
In the last two decades reports of rape and attempted rape has increased 226%. This is due to the increase in the number of reports, the education around what is acceptable behaviour and what is not and the exposure to sexualised behaviour and pornography in teenagers.
In addition to the costs of living, financial stressors, and the rental crisis forcing people to stay in unsafe situations.
How does the Gold Coast fare in sexual/domestic violence/attempted rape/rape compared to the rest of Australia?
Over the last 5 years, the Gold Coast district has placed in the top 5 areas in Queensland for the preparation of domestic violence and sexual crimes.
What steps would you advise for anyone who is currently experiencing sexual / domestic violence / attempted rape/rape and/or a family or friend who may be?
Reach out for support from a service who can support you and provide you the expert guidance you need/they need. The Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence can offer counselling and support for both victims and support people, and refer you to any support services or organisations which can provide what you need. They can assist through reporting, legal advice, financial matters, steps to be taken to get you out of a dangerous situation.
On a lighter note, what are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/coffee spot: Sonder Café in Broadbeach
Restaurant: Lars in Nobby Beach
Bar or place for a drink: Malibu Racquet Club in Burleigh
Beach: Mermaid Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love spending my days off heading out for a walk along Hedges, grabbing a coffee, going for a beach swim and heading out to lunch with friends.
