wonder woman: NIKKI FREEMAN

Meet Nikki Freeman — founder of luxe homewares brand Coastal Addiction, queen of the cushion refresh, and a self-confessed over-sharer with a love for beach walks, bold interiors and Old Hollywood glam. After years of juggling event management, young kids, and a cushion side hustle, Nikki took the leap to build the business she’d always dreamed of — one that celebrates creativity, community, and coastal calm…

From her sun-drenched home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Nikki shares her journey, daily rituals, travel favourites and business lessons in this Wonder Woman Q&A..

You, in three words?
Over-sharer, optimistic, clumsy

What drives your inspiration?
My late Dad always encouraged me to be independent. I’m also inspired by women who do it all — careers, businesses, families, self-care — and still somehow manage to show up with positivity.
Travel plays a huge part too — I’m drawn to the colours, culture and coastal interiors of places like Sydney’s northern beaches, Hawaii, Bali, India, South Africa, Italy and Greece. I try to reflect all those elements in Coastal Addiction’s designs.

Your job title?
Multi-tasker — owner of Coastal Addiction

Your very first job?
Saturday hair salon assistant. I drenched more heads than I helped.

Childhood dream job?
Singing in ABBA!

The backstory of your business?
It started as a furniture import side hustle with a girlfriend in Bali — fun, but not feasible. Life was hectic with two young boys, house builds, and a full-time job in events. I’ve always loved Bali’s indoor-outdoor living, and paired with my cushion obsession, that became the spark for Coastal Addiction. At first, I thought it’d be part-time hours, a few Instagram posts, and sales would flow. Ha! It’s been a massive learning curve but I love it. We make everything in small runs using natural fabrics and traditional techniques. Our artisans are mostly women who might not have work otherwise — it’s something I’m incredibly proud to support.

What’s a typical day like?
Coffee. Walk with my dogs, Teddi and Ellie. Quick brekkie, check socials, pack orders, emails, calls with overseas suppliers, post office run, content planning, food prep, family chaos, Netflix, collapse.

What brightens your day?
My three boys — Zac, Josh, and husband Steve — and the dogs.

Three must-haves?
Exercise, girlfriends, love.

Best life advice you’ve ever received?
“This too shall pass.” It’s tattooed on my foot — a reminder that nothing is forever, good or bad.

Favourite escape spot?
The Greek Islands. Closer to home — anywhere near the beach at dusk with loved ones and an Aperol spritz.

THE QUICKFIRE 45

How do you unwind? Long walks, massages, podcasts

Top four tunes? Anything from the 70s

Five years from now? Doing more of this, more travel

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Favourite book? Lifestyle articles, podcasts, audiobooks — currently: Let Them by Mel Robbins

Last movie? iHostage on Netflix

Ideal vacay? Greek Islands or anywhere on the Med

Fashion trend? Old Hollywood glam

Style icon? Audrey

Go-to outfit? Jeans, tee, jacket

Beauty musts? Cleanser, day/night cream — recently added serums

Fave skincare product? L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil

Daily exercise? Walk or gym

Fave workout? F45 — easy, balanced, and no thinking required

Guilty pleasure? Chocolate

Cuisine? Italian

Flowers? Tropical — lilies, frangipanis, hibiscus

Interior style? Coastal luxury meets boho, neutrals and natural textures

Dream home? Santorini

Favourite room? The lounge

Sunday vibe? Sleep in, dog walk, brunch, lazy TV arvo

Hobby? Beach time

TV show? The Split

Last binge? Friends and Neighbours on Apple

Movie genre? Drama/psych thriller

Favourite quote? “This too shall pass”

Biggest fear? Snakes

Most treasured possession? Memories

Wardrobe fave? Leather bomber — 15+ years and still going

Accessory fave? Bracelets

Favourite colour? Autumn dusk sky pink

Lucky number: 7

Favourite animal: Dogs

Best gift received: My engagement ring

Most embarrassing moment: Drunk karaoke/dancing on tables… recently

Proudest accomplishment: My boys

Biggest lesson learned: Life’s fragile — live fully and surround yourself with good people

Celebrity encounter: Oprah in Chicago

Career moment: Running overseas conferences with an amazing team

Deal-breaker: Physical abuse

Dream date night: Beach picnic with wine and finger food

Daily ritual: Morning walk or workout

Holiday tradition: Walking unfamiliar streets early, finding hidden cafes

Work-life balance tip: It’s not life or death — love what you do and it won’t feel like work

Your why: To live creatively and leave a little beauty behind

Connect

Visit & shop: www.coastaladdiction.com.au

follow: @coastal_addiction