The Style Collective: The Brisbane Female Founders Leading the Way
female force
By Kiri Johnston | 16th March 2026One of the most rewarding parts of my job is meeting the women behind many of Brisbane’s growing businesses, founders turning ideas into real communities.
Following International Women’s Day earlier this month, it feels like the perfect moment to acknowledge just how many inspiring female founders are shaping the way Brisbane looks, feels and operates. Across hospitality, beauty, design, wellness and creative industries, these women are building businesses with purpose, creativity and resilience. Some have cultivated cult local followings, others are scaling nationally, but what they all share is the courage to back themselves and pursue something of their own.
The Style Collective is a celebration of just a few of those women, highlighting founders building meaningful businesses and showing others what’s possible when you trust your instincts and take the leap.
Dr Ellie Kim
Principal Dentist, Adore Dental
Dr Ellie Kim is the principal dentist and founder behind Adore Dental, a Brisbane clinic redefining the traditional dental experience through thoughtful design, personalised care and a strong focus on patient trust. Ellie opened the practice in 2023 with a clear vision to create a space that felt calm, welcoming and considered, a far cry from the clinical environments many people associate with visiting the dentist. In the early days she wore every hat in the business, balancing patient care with the realities of running a small clinic. That experience shaped the way Adore Dental operates today, built on strong systems, thoughtful branding and a seamless patient experience. Ellie has a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry, especially non-prep veneers designed to deliver natural, long lasting results.
Bernadette Borg
Co-Founder, THE SKILLS
Bernadette Borg is the co-founder of skincare brand THE SKILLS, a business she built alongside her husband Paul while raising three young children and relocating from Sydney to Brisbane. Launched during the pandemic as a bootstrapped Australian start-up, the brand entered a highly competitive category dominated by global skincare giants. What began as a small independent venture has quickly grown into an international success story, now stocked by retailers including David Jones, Adore Beauty, THE ICONIC and Saks Fifth Avenue. Bernadette’s background in fashion publishing, including working alongside Edwina McCann and Christine Centenera during her time at Vogue Australia and GQ, is reflected in the brand’s sharp aesthetic and confident identity. Designed as gender-neutral skincare for active lifestyles, THE SKILLS feels modern, design-led and culturally aware. It’s a brand built with clear vision and serious determination, which is exactly why it’s resonating globally.
Ashleigh D’Amico
Founder, Green Wardrobe
Ashleigh D’Amico is the founder of Green Wardrobe, a Brisbane-based consignment business specialising in pre-loved designer fashion. A Brisbane local, Ashleigh built the brand by combining her love of fashion with her professional background in finance, proving the two can work well together. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance and beginning her career in the corporate world, she started Green Wardrobe as a side project run through Instagram, sourcing and selling pre-loved designer pieces from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Zimmermann. For a time, Ashleigh balanced two full-time roles, corporate by day and building the business in the early mornings, evenings and weekends. Today, Green Wardrobe has grown into a thriving consignment platform helping women buy and sell designer pieces more sustainably.
Justine Khoury
Founder, Freddie’s Ascot & Newstead
The proud owner of Freddie’s Ascot and Newstead, Justine Khoury, is no stranger to the hospitality industry, having been a part of her family’s local neighbourhood cafe not long after making the move from overseas – “and the rest is history,” she says. Fast forward to 2018, she opened New Farm’s iconic vegan cafe Dicki’s with her siblings, and in a world where veganism was still quite polarising, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. But if there’s one thing about Justine, it’s that she’s determined, so with many long days, and a lot of hard work and sacrifice, Dicki’s became a cult favourite. It comes as no surprise that her latest undertaking, Freddie’s, is such a local smash success. Not just a place that serves incredible coffee and all-day breakfast, Freddie’s is a community-driven venue where people can come together and connect. Grounded by her passion, love of learning new things, and an insane work ethic, Justine’s thriving two-venue business is really taking off. And these days? You’ll find her in the back, baking and icing Freddie’s speciality cakes, but always up for a chat with a new friendly face.
Barbara Albert
Founder + Creative Director, Alkot Studio
Interior designer Barbara Albert is the founder and creative director of Alkot Studio, a Brisbane design practice known for its thoughtful approach to hospitality and retail spaces. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, Barbara has developed a reputation for creating interiors that feel both refined and highly functional. Her portfolio includes standout projects such as Emme on James Street, West End restaurant Pilloni, Sydney’s Hamsi Taverna and the recently opened Ruma Rooftop. Working across hospitality, commercial and residential projects, Barbara approaches each space with a strong focus on how people move through it and how the environment evolves over time. The result is spaces that feel intuitive and atmospheric, places people genuinely enjoy spending time in.
Isabella Walker
Founder, Bella Brows
Isabella Walker is the founder of Bella Brows, a Brisbane studio that has become a trusted destination for precision brow artistry. Established eight years ago, the business has built a loyal client base thanks to Isabella’s meticulous technique and eye for natural balance. Rather than following fleeting beauty trends, Isabella focuses on shaping brows that enhance each client’s individual features. Her approach reflects the growing demand for specialised beauty services where skill, experience and personalisation are key. Beyond the treatment room, Isabella has also built multiple beauty businesses and now mentors aspiring salon owners through her program Beyond The Brow. She also recently developed Australia’s first insulated makeup bag, designed to protect beauty products from heat and changing temperatures.
Chontel Duncan
Founder, HIIT + NEUFORM
Fitness entrepreneur Chontel Duncan has built an international following through her strength focused training philosophy and wellness platform, NEUFORM. A proud Māori woman, business owner and mother of five, Chontel’s story resonates with women balancing ambitious careers, family life and personal wellbeing. Her approach to fitness centres on discipline, resilience and consistency rather than unrealistic expectations or quick fixes. Through her training programs, gym HIIT Station Capalaba and digital platform NEUFORM, Chontel has built a global community focused on strength, longevity and mental wellbeing. Known for her honesty online, she often speaks openly about motherhood, vulnerability and personal growth, something that has helped her connect deeply with her audience. It’s this authenticity, alongside serious work ethic, that continues to drive the success of her brand.
Lily Landers
Founder, Brow Posse
Lily Landers is the founder of Brow Posse, a Brisbane beauty studio built around the idea of modern, low maintenance beauty. Located within SOJA Studios at South City Square in Woolloongabba, the space reflects Lily’s belief that beauty services should feel thoughtful, personalised and effortlessly polished. Known for her precision led approach to brows, lashes and lip blush, Lily focuses on enhancing natural features rather than creating overly sculpted results. After travelling to Vancouver to train with leading international artists, she introduced lip blush treatments to the studio’s carefully curated menu. More than just a beauty studio, Brow Posse has quickly developed a strong following among clients drawn to its refined aesthetic, relaxed atmosphere and modern approach to everyday beauty.
Sophia Ghanem
Founder, Klemenza
Sophia Ghanem is the founder of Klemenza, a Brisbane interiors and homewares brand known for its refined aesthetic and thoughtfully curated pieces. Located in the James Street precinct, the store and design studio has become a destination for design lovers seeking furniture and décor that feels both elevated and liveable. Alongside the retail space, Sophia works across residential and hospitality interiors, bringing her distinctive eye for texture, lighting and materiality to every project. Her work reflects a layered design sensibility shaped by years of international travel and experience within the global design industry. Whether sourcing unique pieces or designing entire spaces, Sophia approaches every project with a strong focus on atmosphere, creating interiors that feel warm, considered and effortlessly sophisticated
Perrie Nicholls
Founder, Agnes Athletica
Perrie Nicholls is the founder of Agnes Athletica, a Brisbane activewear label created with a focus on understated, high-quality essentials. Working as a Pilates instructor, Perrie spent her days moving between studios where strict uniform policies meant no bold colours, logos or patterns. It was during this time that she noticed a gap in the market for activewear that felt both elevated and well made. Unable to find the pieces she was looking for locally, Perrie decided to create them herself. Agnes Athletica was born from that idea, focusing on timeless silhouettes, neutral palettes and durable fabrics designed to perform in the studio while still feeling effortless enough to wear throughout the day. Recently celebrating its second birthday with the Agnes community at House of Motion in Miami, the brand continues to grow a loyal following among women drawn to its refined, minimalist approach to movement and style.
Victoria Spiliopoulos
Founder, Vicalates
Victoria Spiliopoulos is the founder of Vicalates, a Brisbane Pilates studio built around the idea that consistent, mindful movement can transform both physical and mental wellbeing. With a strong focus on technique and alignment, Victoria’s approach prioritises long-term strength, posture and body awareness rather than short-term fitness trends. Through carefully structured classes and personalised guidance, she helps clients build sustainable movement habits that support the body over time. The studio has grown into a welcoming wellness space where people can focus on improving strength, flexibility and overall balance. Recently announced as a lululemon ambassador, Victoria continues to expand her influence within Brisbane’s growing Pilates and wellness community.
Kristy Morris
Co-Founder, KAILO
Kristy Morris is the co-founder and CEO of KAILO, a Brisbane-born wellness brand spanning advanced aesthetic treatments, nutraceutical products and holistic health services. Kristy launched KAILO with the vision of creating a more integrated approach to wellbeing, combining science-led treatments with preventative health and lifestyle support. Since launching in 2018, the brand has grown into one of Australia’s most recognised luxury wellness businesses, with KAILO Medispa on James Street and a rapidly expanding range of nutrition and wellness products stocked internationally. Kristy’s leadership has helped position KAILO at the forefront of the modern wellness movement, attracting clients seeking expert care, advanced treatments and a more considered approach to long-term health.
Valentina Vigni
Co-Founder, Pilloni
Valentina Vigni is the co-founder of Pilloni, the West End restaurant celebrating the flavours and traditions of Sardinian cuisine. Opened in 2023, Pilloni has quickly become a favourite within Brisbane’s dining scene for its warm hospitality, regional Italian cooking and thoughtful approach to ingredients. The menu draws inspiration from Sardinia’s rich food culture, with dishes built around handmade pastas, slow-cooked meats and exceptional produce, paired with a carefully curated Italian wine list. The interiors reference the warmth of traditional agriturismo homes, creating a space that feels relaxed, intimate and deeply connected to the spirit of the island. Through Pilloni, Valentina has created a restaurant that celebrates regional cooking, generous hospitality and the joy of gathering around the table.
Marie Bobinet-Charles & Darcy Moore
Co-Founders, Atelier Social Agency
Marie Bobinet-Charles and Darcy Moore are the co-founders of Atelier Social Agency, a Brisbane creative studio working across brand strategy, social media, content and PR. The duo launched the agency with a clear focus on helping businesses tell stronger stories online. Their work centres around thoughtful brand building, combining creative direction, content production and digital strategy to help brands develop a consistent voice and visual identity. Together, Marie and Darcy have built Atelier Social Agency into a growing creative studio supporting brands that care about storytelling, detail and long-term impact — a reflection of the evolving creative economy taking shape across Brisbane.
Samara Searle
Founder, Beauty Boost
Samara Searle is the founder of Beauty Boost, a nurse-led aesthetic clinic in Teneriffe specialising in personalised skin treatments and advanced cosmetic procedures. With a background in nursing and a strong understanding of skin health, Samara has built the clinic around the idea that aesthetic treatments should enhance natural beauty rather than dramatically change it. Her approach focuses on subtle, refined results and long-term skin health, with treatments tailored to each client’s individual needs. Education and transparency are central to the Beauty Boost philosophy, helping clients feel confident and informed about their treatment choices. Since launching, the clinic has developed a loyal following among clients seeking thoughtful, results-driven treatments delivered in a welcoming, professional environment where expertise and care go hand in hand.
Layla Morris
Founder, Dr Diamond
Layla Morris is the founder of Dr Diamond, a jewellery-care brand based on the Gold Coast that gained international attention after a chance encounter with Hailey Bieber helped send the product viral. What began as a simple solution to an everyday problem quickly evolved into a globally recognised product. Dr Diamond’s hero product, a portable diamond-cleaning pen, was designed to make maintaining jewellery sparkle effortless while on the go. Its clever design and practical functionality quickly captured the attention of jewellery lovers and fashion insiders around the world. Layla’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a sharp eye for opportunity and product innovation, turning a practical idea into a brand that continues to resonate with customers internationally.
