Meet Australia’s Youngest CEO: Ali Kitinas Is Running the Show (and Her Mum Works for Her)

Ali’s journey started early. Really early.
“I’m very passionate about social enterprises, and having a social impact through business,” she told Mamamia. That mindset led to Freedom Scrub an ethical skincare brand using recycled coffee grounds, with part of the profits helping children in Kolkata.

This isn’t her first rodeo.
Ali launched her first business a social media marketing agency when she was just 11. While most kids were still figuring out how to download TikTok, Ali was already building a brand.

“I’m a very passionate performer, but I always knew that it would be really hard to gain financial security in that field,” she said. “That’s why I went into business, so that I could have the financial security to pursue my other passions.”

She also saw how tough things could get in the corporate world.
“I saw how my mum had a really bad corporate experience, and I knew I wanted to be my own boss.”

And now? She’s not only her own boss she’s her mum’s boss too.

Building a Business and a Better World

Ali isn’t just focused on profits. Her brand, Freedom Scrub, is built with purpose sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social impact baked in from day one. It’s the kind of business model more Australian entrepreneurs are leaning into.

From recycled coffee grounds to real results, Ali’s building a brand that does more than just sell skincare. It gives back.

“Having such strong women in business as role models helped, and helps to let young girls know there are other options for them,” she said.

Big names like Lisa Messenger and Richard Branson have mentored her, but it’s the daily grind that makes this teenager unstoppable.

A Day in the Life of a Teenage CEO

So how does a 16-year-old juggle business meetings and math homework?

“I get up at 6am every day and check emails, as I have some international relationships I need to look after,” Ali said.

“From there, I get ready for school... I’ve gotten really good at getting all of my classwork and making a start on my homework during class time so that at recess and lunch, I can work on my business.

“In the afternoons, I get a good solid chunk of time to work on the business, which leaves my nights free to relax or go out and do normal teenage things.”

Simple. Efficient. Ruthless. She’s basically living the dream of every burnt-out entrepreneur in their 30s.

Owning the Room

While her age sometimes raises eyebrows, Ali takes it in stride.

“I’ve never seen it as an issue, but there have been times when I’ve walked into a room, or when I went to Necker Island to meet Richard Branson, when people assume things because I’m so young,” she said.

“People wonder, ‘how did you get this opportunity when I’m older than you?’”

That’s exactly why she’s taking part in the Vinnie’s CEO Sleepout to show that young entrepreneurs are stepping up, making impact, and deserve a seat at the table.

“It shows there’s a younger demographic of us who need attention and are doing great things and giving back.”

What’s Next for Freedom Scrub?

Ali has big plans to scale Freedom Scrub nationally. It’s not just about skincare it’s about making a difference through entrepreneurship.

Her mum, Lynne, says it best:
“I’m inspired by Ali every day. She’s empowering young women, and that makes me incredibly proud.”

Why Ali Kitinas Deserves Your Attention

Ali Kitinas is the kind of entrepreneur we should be paying attention to in Australia smart, socially driven, and building something that’s actually meaningful. In an age of short attention spans and side hustles, she’s running businesses that matter.

If you're in the business world and looking for a blueprint for impact, innovation, and grit this young CEO just might be the one to watch.

Image Credit:https://www.news.com.au/