“It’s deeply rewarding to be involved with women pursuing self-discovery, and to support them in redefining their future…” ML

About us

Meet Maria-Luisa

Maria-Luisa, can be a mouthful, so I’m better known as ML.

I have always embraced change, creativity, and the thrill of reinvention, and I’m excited to share this enthusiasm and inspire others.

This time of life is so interesting, isn’t it? My life has always revolved around creativity; now that attribute seems more vital than ever.

As an artist, I’ve poured my energy into painting and exhibiting my work while working behind the scenes in advertising, television, theatre, and art galleries.

In recent decades, I’ve held a Senior Managerial role in local government, developing and encouraging entrepreneurial activities. I find supporting others in realising their dreams is as rewarding as bringing my own ideas to realisation.

Now, I’m thrilled to bring my creativity, experience and skills to The Cherry on Top, supporting women to connect with their deepest desires and bring them to life.

When I'm not working to grow The Cherry on Top, you'll find me in the water. Life after work has freed me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a strong and competent swimmer. My goal, which I am growing closer to, is to join my local team of women Ocean Swimmers.

“It’s so exciting to see someone suddenly realise exactly what they want to do - and how to make that aspiration a reality”- JULIE

Meet Julie

I’ve spent much of my life in education, drawn to the power of learning and personal growth. For the past decade, I’ve designed and delivered Human-Centered Design Thinking courses focusing on sustainable, productive outcomes.

What I love most about Design Thinking is its emphasis on placing human and environmental needs at the heart of problem-solving.

My experience teaching in universities and working with corporations, nonprofits, and government organisations has given me a rich foundation from which to co-create, with ML, the Cherry on Top program—designed specifically for women navigating the transitions of ageing.

As we grow older and our lives—and bodies—evolve, embracing who we truly are is more important than ever. Later life can be joyful and fulfilling when we approach it with intention, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.

Collaborating with my longtime friend ML to support women in shaping the lives they want is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. It’s an opportunity to share wisdom, learn from each other, and design a future that feels truly our own.

Our design thinking methodology

  • Discover

    This process of discovery dives deep, and you may be surprised by what you discover about your hopes and dreams.

  • Define

    Knowing what you now know about yourself, what changes might you want to your life? What will remain, what needs to be added? What will you let go?

  • Design

    The last step? We learn how to continually refine what we’ve learned. Think of this as your new beginning.

Questions? Let’s chat…

We’d love to explore how we can work together.