In Conversation Series: The Art of Living
Cathy Freeman & Kate Reid
At PERRI CUTTEN, we celebrate women who embody grace, ambition, and individuality—those who shape their own stories with purpose, confidence, and a gracious edge.
For the first edition of our In Conversation series, we sat down with two extraordinary Australian women whose journeys reflect dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Cathy Freeman captured the heart of a nation with her unforgettable 400m gold medal win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics—a triumph that transcended sport. Kate Reid, a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, has redefined the art of pastry with Lune Croissanterie, now expanding to Sydney.
Over a Lune croissant, we spoke about quiet moments of joy, the pursuit of perfection, and the qualities they most admire in others—an intimate reflection on the philosophy that drives them forward, where connection and identity merge.
What small, everyday rituals bring you a sense of joy and a sense of accomplishment?
Cathy: For me, it’s movement, and being in nature. It relates to my indigenous heritage, being in nature, People of the Land, conserving the environment. I need to move, and notice the land, the trees, the breeze. I’ve always been interested in the mysticism and connection between nature and the human body, mentally and physically.
Kate: I have always lived in my head, and been an overthinker, so starting every day with a 90 minute walk is very important to me. I walk alone, with my dog Lily, and don’t listen to anything other than nature also, paying attention to the little things. No matter what else happens in the day, I have achieved something. It wakes up my brain for the day.
“Walking the dog reminds me to stop and smell the roses…it helps me deal with feeling overwhelmed.’ Kate
“Of all the things I’ve done, the greatest thing has been the people I have met, the connections that I have made, and the things I have learned from them. It’s not the aerodynamic formula or perfecting the perfect croissant…it’s the human connection.” Kate
Cathy: My secret indulgence is - a double espresso and a croissant!
“I created Lune as a vehicle that gives people little moments of ‘joy’ in their day.” Kate
Advice to your younger self?
Kate: I wouldn’t change a thing about my past – the good or the bad. My advice to younger people, however, is to always keep an eye open for other opportunities that you don’t expect. I was so laser focused on F1 that I was blinkered and didn’t see the opportunities.… I never imagined I’d be doing what I am now.
"I would have loved to have spoken to my Mum more often. She’s now 86, an elderly lady, I wish I’d shared more of my life with her. I was so single minded, it comes at a cost." Cathy
What inspires your personal style, and how does it reflect your approach to living?
Kate: It has only been in the last few years that I have uncovered the magic of fashion. By day, I am typically utilitarian in style. It is in the evenings that I venture outside of my comfort zone, experimenting with more feminine and glamorous looks. Perri Cutten sits perfectly at the crossroads of these two worlds for me. The label allows me to elevate my daytime look, feeling more polished, professional and confident, whilst still staying authentic to my own style.
Cathy: I often wonder… if someone had said to me as a shy 5 year old that I would have won an Olympic medal and been in the spotlight, I wonder if I would have even run and followed my path? Shy kids do more listening and observing. My preoccupation with what’s going on internally is what drove my perfectionist mindset. Tune in to Tune Out.
“I just wanted to be the best for me. The universe takes you on a path…” Cathy
The Art of Living.
