Ashley Freeborn

Ashley Freeborn, born and raised in Vancouver, co-founded Smash + Tess with her mother after recognizing a gap in the fashion industry for comfortable, stylish loungewear. Determined to fill that void, she attended the summer fashion program at Condé Nast in London, UK. As CEO, Ashley leads the company’s design, financial planning, and marketing strategies. She is the driving force behind the brand’s creative direction and vision.

Under Ashley’s leadership, Smash + Tess has experienced explosive growth in both revenue and market share. The brand has gained widespread attention through collaborations with celebrities like Hilary Duff, Paula Abdul, Jillian Harris, and Sarah Nicole Landry (aka The Birds Papaya). Smash + Tess is also known for sparking the Romper Revolution, a movement centered on clothing that celebrates femininity, strength, and comfort for women of all shapes and sizes.

Ashley Freeborn’s achievements have earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, a list that honors the country’s most outstanding leaders. She has also been named Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 and StartUp Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year. In addition, she is a published author of a children’s book and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Vogue, People Magazine, and The Globe and Mail.

As a sought-after speaker, Ashley Freeborn tours North America to discuss building a successful brand, e-commerce, direct-to-consumer sales, authentic collaborations, and social media strategies. Known for her humor, positivity, and candid delivery, she engages audiences through personal anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, and high-energy discussions.