At Inside Gold Coast, we’re all about celebrating the creative minds that make our city shine. Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, we’re spotlighting seven incredible Gold Coast women who turned their passions into thriving careers.

From an actress bringing romance novels to life on screen to a lawyer-turned-swimwear-designer redefining sustainable fashion, these women are carving their own paths in the most inspiring ways. Whether they’re styling outfits, crafting jewellery, designing beach robes or launching skincare empires, their stories are filled with passion, ambition, and a whole lot of Gold Coast spirit.

GIna Kim

Owner of SKINES, Gina Kim Australian fashion label and Maison Koko.
When it comes to the ultimate “multi-hyphenate,” Gina Kim is in a league of her own. This Gold Coast-based, Korean-born powerhouse began her career as a professional pianist, before trading sheet music for sketches, launching her award-winning fashion label in 2003. Since then, she’s dressed some of the world’s most iconic women, including Nicole Kidman and Kim Kardashian.

But wait—there’s more! Her love of wellness and beauty has led her into exciting new ventures: SKINES, her modern skincare line, and Maison Koko, a premium matcha brand that’s already a hit among wellness enthusiasts. With boundless creativity and a keen eye for detail, Gina’s influence extends far beyond fashion. She’s basically living proof that with talent, vision, and a whole lot of passion, you can truly do it all.

Read the interview here.

Brooke Lee

Actor, model and producer.
From serving coffees at the fictional Ocean Café to starring in a rock star romance, Brooke Lee is diving headfirst into her next big adventure – and it’s turning up the heat.

You might remember her as Carly Morgan, the ever-suspicious café worker from the hit series Mako Mermaids, but Brooke’s latest role is a whole new vibe. Starring as Evelyn Thomas in Lick, the much-anticipated rock star romance from PASSIONFLIX, Brooke is helping bring Aussie author Kylie Scott’s beloved novel to life, complete with whirlwind Vegas weddings, passion, and plenty of heart.

While her career has taken her across the globe, Brooke’s roots are firmly planted on the Gold Coast. A St. Hilda’s alum and a self-described creative powerhouse, she’s made waves as an actor, model, writer, and artist, celebrating storytelling, body positivity, and the magic of creativity. Now, she’s back on our screens, stepping into the role of Evelyn, a character who’s quirky, relatable, and ready to steal hearts.

We caught up with Brooke to talk all things Lick, working with PASSIONFLIX founder Tosca Musk, and how she navigated a very different on-screen world compared to Mako Mermaids. Plus, she spills on her ultimate Vegas bucket list moment, Gold Coast favourites and why we’re about to fall in love with this rock star romance.

Read the interview here.

Isabella Araujo

Owner and creative director of Brazil Born.
Isabella Araujo is the powerhouse behind Brazil Born, a brand that blends Brazilian beach vibes with activewear that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Originally from Brazil, Isabella moved to Australia in 2013, on a mission to find the perfect bikini. When she couldn’t, she created her own! With a mix of samba, sunshine, and a love for the ocean, Isabella launched Brazil Born to bring the vibrant energy of Brazilian swimwear to Australia.

A former lawyer turned entrepreneur, she’s fueled by coffee, creativity, and passion. Whether she’s practicing yoga, hiking, or enjoying the Gold Coast beaches, Isabella designs with one goal: to make women feel confident, free, and ready for adventure.

Read the interview here.

Lucy van der Riet

Co-owner and designer of Vandy Robes.
Meet Lucy van der Riet, one of the creators of Vandy, the vibrant and functional beach robe that warms, dries, protects, and expresses your beach-loving self. We chatted with Lucy and her husband and business partner Matt about Vandy’s journey from its innovative beginnings to its mission of making your beach days longer and more enjoyable. They share their passion for the ocean, adventure, and their cosy, colorful robes that have become a beach day essential.

Read the interview here.

Cat Sanz

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 the interview here.

Amber Schmidt and Sammi Stephens

Owners of Frankly My Dear Jewellery.
Frankly My Dear is a testament to affordable luxury and impeccable style, consistently delighting us with their unique pieces. And consistently lightening our wallets when we visit Pacific Fair! Together Amber Schmidt and Sammi Stephens have crafted a jewellery brand that captures the essence of the Gold Coast and resonates with women who seek both style and substance in their accessories.

These two dynamic women have built an incredible business from the ground up, expertly juggling the demands of business and family life, while inspiring future women in business to take the plunge and believe in themselves. We were thrilled to chat with Amber and Sammi, the brilliant minds behind Frankly My Dear, to learn more about their journey, inspirations and life on the Gold Coast.

Read the interview here.

Words by Belinda Symons

Shelly Horton is putting perimenopause in the spotlight, and she’s not afraid to get loud about it.

The journalist, TV presenter and health advocate is joining the Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit to lead the charge on a topic too often kept in the shadows: perimenopause. She’ll appear on the national panel alongside names like Jessica Rowe, Maggie Beer, Melissa Leong and Lisa Curry, sharing real talk, expert-backed advice, and her own raw experience.

After being blindsided by her own hormonal rollercoaster, Shelly turned her story into I’m Your Peri Godmother, a book that’s equal parts helpful, hilarious and completely unfiltered. Now, she’s on a mission to make sure no other woman feels alone in the chaos.

We chatted with Shelly about the Summit, smashing stigma, and why sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stay in your pyjamas.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’m a Queenslander born and bred. I grew up in Kingaroy but spent years chasing my media career across Melbourne, London and Sydney. In 2021, when my dad needed brain surgery, my husband Darren and I knew it was time to come home. Thankfully, Dad came through with flying colours. And we fell in love with the Gold Coast lifestyle, so we ended up buying a place in Palm Beach. My brother and his family are in Burleigh. Now I get to live near my family, by the beach, and still run my business – it’s the best of all worlds.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
It’s the perfect blend of beachside chill and boss-babe energy. Also, people here smile at strangers – if you do that in Sydney, they react like you’re a serial killer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a journalist, a regular on Channel Nine and now author of I’m Your Peri Godmother. I emcee events and I do presentations in workplaces and at conferences particularly about perimenopause. I’m also really proud of the company I run with my husband here on the Gold Coast, ShellShocked Media, where I hold “Speak with Impact” workshops. We have a broadcast quality TV studio and teach business owners, professionals, and teams polish how they present on camera and off – so they speak with clarity and confidence every time.

On the personal front I have the best husband in the world and we have two rescue pups Mr Barkley who is 15 and Maui who is 3.

You’re set to speak at The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit in all five states. Tell us a bit about the Summit.
The AWW Health Summit is such an important event because it gives women a platform to talk and learn about the stuff we’ve been told to keep quiet about for far too long. Secret women’s business doesn’t help women. We’ll be talking about everything from what the hell hormones are and how they impact every part of your body and your life. This is about education, empowerment, and making sure women don’t get sideswiped like I did.

You’ve been refreshingly open about your experience with perimenopause. What made you decide, “Yep, I need to talk about this publicly, and loudly”?
I didn’t just want to write this book – I needed to. Perimenopause hit me like a hormonal freight train. One minute I was thriving on national TV, the next I was drowning in depression and ready to walk away from it all. No one warned me. No one even mentioned the word. So, I decided to be the voice I desperately needed.

I’m on a mission to make sure other women aren’t left fumbling in the dark. I won’t shut up until women know what’s coming, how to deal with it, and how to demand better care. Midlife women deserve to feel well.

Your new book I’m Your Peri Godmother blends real talk with real advice. If someone’s never picked up a book on perimenopause, what makes this one different?
There are no books out there on perimenopause specifically. There are medical books about menopause but I didn’t ever pick one up because, when I was 45, I thought menopause was for old ladies. I had no idea perimenopause can last 10 years and start in your early 40s. So, no beige cardigans or whispering in this book, it is evidence based and has expert advice, but it’s also full of lived experience, swearing, embarrassing stories, and belly laughs. It’s practical without being preachy and medical without the jargon. I wanted women to feel like they’re talking to a bestie who’s already been through the fire and is passing back the hose.

Why do you think perimenopause has stayed in the shadows for so long, and how are events like The Australian Women’s Weekly Health Summit helping to bring it into the light?
Previously Australian women have been taught that women ageing is something to hide. And women’s reproductive health should be kept a shameful secret. Add in medical misogyny and a lack of education and it’s no wonder perimenopause has been swept under the hormonal rug. But events like the AWW Health Summit kick that rug away. We will have incredible (and credible) menopause expert voices plus real stories centre stage, giving advice, empathy and a few cooking recipes. We’re making it clear that talking about perimenopause and menopause isn’t taboo – it’s necessary.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your perimenopause journey?
Don’t wait for it to get really bad before asking for help. If something feels off – emotionally, physically, or mentally – start tracking your symptoms and find a doctor who listens. You’re not imagining it. You’re not overreacting. You’re in perimenopause and you deserve treatment.

What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Bean Surfing Café under Tallebudgera Surf Club – they do great coffee and the team is so friendly
Restaurant: The North Room – it’s tiny but the food is incredible
Bar: Norte – very cool
Beach: Palm Beach (I’m biased)

How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love going out to new restaurants on the Goldie. And I love walking on the beach with my hubby and dogs. But one a fortnight I fully embrace what I call a “Zero Day” – zero guilt, zero productivity, zero pressure. It’s my version of hitting the reset button. I stay in my pyjamas, binge whatever trashy TV I’m obsessed with and nap. No emails, no to-do lists, no expectations. It’s not lazy, it’s necessary. Rest is my rebellion against burnout, and trust me, it works. The next day I’m bouncing with energy.

Seven-time world surfing champion. Trailblazer for women in sport. Relentless ocean advocate. Few names carry as much weight in Australian surfing as Layne Beachley AO.

From redefining what was possible for female surfers on the world stage to using her voice to protect the oceans that shaped her life, Layne’s impact reaches far beyond competition jerseys and trophies. As she prepares to take the stage at the World Surfing Conservation Conference on the Gold Coast, she’s reflecting on mindset, leadership, legacy and why surfers have a responsibility to stand up for the places they love.

We chatted with Layne about the lessons that still guide her off the water, the future of Australian surfing and why the time for collective environmental action is not “someday”, it’s now.

Seven world titles is a staggering achievement. When you look back now, what do you think mattered more to your success: raw talent, mindset, or the people around you?
World Champions are made, not born so embracing a positive or growth mindset helped me detach from fear and negativity. This laid the foundation for positive and influential people to provide support, guidance, honesty and feedback which nurtured me to become the best in the world.

You’ve spoken openly over the years about resilience and self-belief. What lessons from your competitive career still guide you today in leadership roles off the water?
Failing to trust my instincts cost me many wins during my surfing career and today, my biggest failings occur when I choose to ignore or override my intuition.

As Former Chair of Surfing Australia, you’re shaping the future of the sport. What excites you most about where Australian surfing is heading right now?
Stepping down 3 years ago. For 15 years (8 as Chair) I embraced the role with openness and collaboration to ensure we continue to pave the way, make the sport more inclusive and accessible and inspire more people to participate.

You’ll be speaking at the World Surfing Conservation Conference on the Gold Coast. Why is this conference important at this moment in time for the surfing community?
We find ourselves in an undeniable position when it comes to climate change and its impact on the ocean. Rising seas, warming temperatures, coral bleaching, acidification and erosion impact us all, and as surfers this environment is where we live, work and play. There is no better time to act than right now.

Surfers often say the ocean gives us everything. What responsibility do you think surfers have when it comes to protecting coastlines and marine environments?
Over the decades surfers have clearly shown the power of passionate action through demonstrations, paddle outs and advocacy. We are the custodians of the ocean; our playground, our office, our sanctuary.  It’s up to all of us to raise our voices and take a stand to preserve and protect the playground we all love.

Is there a particular environmental issue discussed at the conference that you feel especially passionate or urgent about? 
I’m excited to hear all the experts but I’m specifically passionate about micro plastics, shark protection and over fishing. A lack of education can no longer be the barrier. Change is within our control if we collectively choose to make better decisions.

The Gold Coast has played a huge role in Australian surfing history. What stands out to you about the Gold Coast’s surf culture compared to other surf regions around the world?
The Gold Coast is renowned for its world class waves, world champion surfers and some of the world’s most stunning beaches. This adds to the allure and adoration of the region, making it a mecca and hotspot for surf fanatics and surf lovers from all around the world.

You were inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in 2006. How does legacy sit with you now, and what do you hope the next generation of surfers remembers most about Layne Beachley?
When I joined the pro tour in 1990 I was confronted by the disparity of support for female surfers. It was a hostile, unwelcoming and misogynistic environment and I was determined to shift the needle towards establishing a tour where women were valued, accepted and encouraged. I fought hard, lost myself in the fight quite often and took things to heart that weren’t mine to own, so if nothing else, I’d like to be remembered for standing up for what was right for the majority and pushing the limits of performance, particularly in big waves.

For young surfers or ocean lovers attending the conference, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them about using their voice to create real change?
Use it! Find a cause you are passionate about, educate yourself and never underestimate your ability to drive change. Every action matters. Inaction will cause greater damage than action.

Finally, when you’re on the Gold Coast, where do you gravitate towards?
I used to own an apartment in Burleigh Heads and it still feels like a home away from home.

Favourite break: Little Mali (a section in-between Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay).
Favourite café: Little Mali Tuckshop
Favourite restaurant: Rick Shores
Favourite place to unwind between commitments: At home on the couch