Playmate of the Year
Meet this month’s cover star Miss FREEDOM / @officialfreedommusic
Photographer Tre Fuller / @trefuller_
MUA Javier Deleon @upscale_artistry
Such an absolute honor to have you! Playboy South Africa selects FREEDOM for Playmate of the Year 2025! Freedom is a former Hall of Fame Showgirl. Previously, as the Rockstar of Burlesque, her shows became iconic. Recognized as one of the most successful showgirl performers in the last decade, her brand became a powerhouse in nightlife entertainment. Being one of few cabaret performers to break into mainstream entertainment success. She is a PhD candidate (History), while also working at her US-based entertainment consulting agency. You can visit this bunny’s latest launch. Hard Luck Woman Record Shop. The boutique record store and tattoo parlor is tucked away in Campbellton, NB Canada. FREEDOM is grit and grace. This beautiful and intelligent entrepreneur owns her nickname, “boss lady” and we are excited to add her to our elite list of Playmates of the Year! Look forward to seeing more of Freedom over the next year. She will be authoring the History. Stripped series which features spicy historically based articles and will be featured in our monthly publication.
What does being Playmate of the Year mean to you? Being recognized as a Playmate of the Year is an incredible opportunity and I feel humbled by the chance to be a part of that list of amazing women. Growing up I collected Playboy memorabilia. I often saw the women of Playboy as this elevated female that was both beautiful and successful. I saw powerful ladies depicted as fine works of art. As a KISS fan, I would be lying if I said its not cool to have an accolade like Shannon Tweed. HA! The women of Playboy are inspiring, and I am still in disbelief of this opportunity. I was shy and geeky as a young woman. I felt out of place. It took some time to find my harmony and confidence in myself. Once I did, I found my strength. Looking back, I would have never imagined being on the cover of the magazine, let alone with such honors. It feels surreal. I can’t thank everyone who helped and supported my dreams enough. I would have never had any of the success I was lucky enough to enjoy in entertainment without such a wonderful fanbase and network of incredible supporters and friends.
Tell us more about your rebrand and what we can look forward to seeing in the future! I began writing poems which later artists began to pull lyrics from. This is how I began as a lyricist. I partnered with artist and producer, Dan Diamond who has had major success with his music and collaborations with Fatboy Slim. We released a single named, Wendy. The single did well on streaming platforms and I began receiving offers to perform live from connections I had built in my previous entertainment career both as a headliner and agent. Following a divorce and a new life mission to seek peace and embrace the simplicity of this world, I rebranded to FREEDOM. My lyrics are stories about life, inspired by the poems I write, in moments where I feel vulnerable. Fans and followers can look forward to seeing more collaborations and exciting projects will continue to emerge. My book releases fall 2025 and that will be exciting for fans and followers. They will get an inside look into my eclectic life and my journey into entertainment.
Are there any qualities or traits you find particularly attractive in a partner? What do you value the most? I enjoy a man who is passionate about something he cares for. He will place the work into whatever that is and I can appreciate my opportunity to admire his efforts. I am a strong woman, but I see no shame in caring for a man with all I have to offer. I think a woman has an important and needed place in a man’s life. I believe this brings our world balance. A partner who knows how to recognize and appreciate that is extremely attractive. In a physical way, I look to a man’s hands and eyes. I can see his work in his hands and his character in his eyes. I value connection overlooks. We all change appearance in time and connection should be fundamental in choosing a partner.
Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in your personal or professional life? I have always admired Dolly Parton. I think her comfort with both her sexy nature and exciting personality make her a strong example of what it means to be an independent woman in a world that tries to define the rules of our existence. In my personal life, I found my Grandfather to be one of the most brilliant men I ever knew. His place in my life was fundamental to my growth. Growing up we didn’t have a lot, but I watched my grandfather never give up. He was rarely negative about his life, the hardships brought him his resilience. I learned to not give up, watching my grandfather do whatever it took to balance loving to live and working to survive. I always admired his love for my grandmother. His devotion to something he saw the world in and knew was worth it. He never gave up on her the same way he never gave up on me.
What do you enjoy most about your hobbies or interests outside of work? I really enjoy caring for a home. I love to work hard. I enjoy labor work and the part of living most people have disconnected themselves with. I will wash dishes by hand before using a dishwasher and I will pen a letter before writing an email. All my hobbies have become work, and perhaps this is part of why I don’t feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks I take on. When you love what you do, you do not work. I enjoy just sitting in silence, watching the birds and the things moved by the breeze. I am very low maintenance. I easily find happiness in a place without all the bells and whistles. I love the chance to share those moments with people I care for. I also deeply appreciate the opportunities to help others succeed and grow. I really enjoy watching people accomplish their dreams and being able to support others on their road to success. Many of my hobbies that turned into work have given me this chance, in my personal life it’s part of what I love to share.
How do you find a balance between your personal life and your career? This is always something that takes an active effort. I continually remind myself that the work we choose is part of what defines our experience here, in this time and space. I prioritize love. I enjoy experiencing this world and its most simplest moments. I take the time for the people I care for the most, above all else. I protect the things that I value and they are not things. I value memories and connections. I have learned that accumulation is not necessary to ensure that every day is lived to the fullest.
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your work? Running a business, doing research, and having one foot in entertainment all present different pros and cons. I have a great network of support. I have grown the most positive garden and weeded it carefully. It’s the love and support of others that drives my motivation to keep moving forward. Life is hard for all of us sometimes, but only because we allow it. No path is perfect and we have to learn to push through the hard moments. Life itself is quite beautiful in all its imperfections. When it comes to work issues, I refocus and remember this; I love my life and this moment of difficulty will not keep me from enjoying my one chance to grab all this living, for all its worth. We only live once. I know this is overused, but it’s the truth. You have to be brave enough to define who you will be and how you will do it. Nothing is impossible and when challenges are faced in work or in our personal lives, we have to pick ourselves up and remember who we are. Embracing those who care for us, being gritty enough to say no, and having a heart big enough to be honest without fear; that’s the path to FREEDOM.
Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? I look forward to seeing you all interacting with me on my social media platforms. Instagram @officialfreedommusic or my website OfficialFreedomMusic.com. If you are a record collector and want to check out the “Coolest Shop Since Sliced Bread!”- visit hardluckwomanrecords.com or @hardluckwomanrecords on Instagram! Support female entrepreneurs working hard to bring innovative small businesses to local towns and cities near you. Thank you to the creative team behind this project and everyone who continues to support my dreams.
