Meet Lauren Hunter: Matchmaker, mum, straight-talker, and unapologetic life-thriver.

Can you tell us a little about you and your family?

I have two of my own, Gisele, who’s 14, and Tommy, who’s 10. My partner has four kids, so yes, big family vibes, and I love it.

Adjusting to motherhood…

Everything. I’d felt maternal since I was 14. I wanted babies more than anything. I thought I was ready. I thought it would be easy.

But the truth? I had no idea what came with them. It wasn’t negative—just a shock to the system. With that shock came a love you didn’t even know was possible. But with that love came the sleepless nights, the constant self-sacrifice.

The pressure I put on myself to get it “right.” The expectations. The loss of control. The complete identity shift. I wasn’t just adjusting to a new baby—I was adjusting to a new version of me.

The biggest surprise?

The love. The depth of it. It’s impossible to explain.

I had a miscarriage between my two kids, and it completely shook me. I was young. I was healthy. It didn’t make sense. But it changed everything. It changed me.

That loss made me a different kind of mother—a better one. More present. More grateful. It taught me that nothing—not a heartbeat, not a milestone, not a moment—is guaranteed.

When Tommy came along, I didn’t take a second for granted. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t slept or that I’d forgotten how to care for myself—I was just so thankful he was here.

People talk about motherhood like it’s a given. But for me, after loss, it became something sacred. That experience shaped the kind of mother I became, and I carry that with me every day.

What is the hardest thing you’ve been through as a mum?

After my divorce, I was left without a home, in a deeply compromised and vulnerable position. If it weren’t for the support of my family, I honestly don’t know where my children and I would be today.

At one point, we didn’t even have a car, so I walked my kids to school every day. They never knew the full extent of what we were facing. I turned every challenge into a chance to connect with them—to create something beautiful out of the chaos.

I didn’t let them see me cry or go without. Their emotional wellbeing was my number one priority.

We’d walk in the rain, hand in hand, soaked through but laughing, taking turns saying what we were grateful for that morning.

When my husband left, I had not a cent to my name. I remember going into the bank branch to check our account balance and try to withdraw something—anything—to buy food for my then 6- and 2-year-old. I didn’t even know how to log into internet banking or make a transfer.

I now run a global business. And it blows my mind how far I’ve come.

Rebuilding from absolute rock bottom was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve navigated every part of single motherhood since 2017. But it was also the moment I truly grew up.

How do you manage the juggle?

I do a lot, and I delegate when I need to. I’ve got a hands-on partner, and I lean on my village. I’ve stopped trying to be everywhere at once.

I prioritise what truly matters. My kids will always come first. I’d rather have less money, fewer friends, and just be present for them—because that presence? That’s everything.

Motherhood gave me purpose. Work gave me independence. Both have stretched me, shaped me, and taught me more about resilience than I ever thought possible.

Thoughts on mums being judged for working or staying home?

Stay in your lane. Do your thing. Focus on your own life. You do you.

If being at home fills your cup—amazing. If working lights you up and makes you a better mum—go for it.

Do what works for you, and don’t judge what works for someone else.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Routine is essential, but let’s be real—it’s not glamorous. I thought I’d be strolling around in cute outfits, pushing a pram with a coffee in hand. Ha.

Birth is messy. Motherhood is chaos. Nothing really prepares you for it. But it’s also the greatest thing I’ve ever done.

You forget the exhaustion, the mess, the mayhem—and somehow, you remember them as the best days of your life.

How do you find time for yourself now?

I prioritise it. I’m really good at saying no to things—and people—that drain me. I no longer feel guilty for resting, recharging, or choosing myself

Because when I take care of myself, I show up better for everyone else.

Who’s in your village?

My mum. My sister. My brother—he was like a second dad to my kids before my partner came along. And Mick, my partner, who stepped in with open arms, embraced my children, and never once made me feel like a burden.

Then there’s my team at Cinqe—women who lift each other up with zero competition and all heart. I’m surrounded by strong, generous, incredible women.

Through my motherhood journey, there were moments of deep self-doubt. Days I questioned whether I was good enough. But then I’d look at the two people I made and realise—there’s nothing better than simply being with them.

They are my why. Always.

What would you tell your younger self?

Breathe. You don’t have to have it all figured out. The people who leave were never meant to stay, and the things that break you will also shape you.

Don’t shrink to be loved. Don’t chase people who can’t meet you. And never confuse chaos with passion—real love feels safe, not confusing.

You are stronger than you think. One day, everything you’re going through will make sense. You’ll rebuild, rise, and stand taller because of it.

We are queens. Trust yourself. You already have everything you need inside you. Dig deep. The most beautiful chapters are still ahead.

I always remind myself: the next 10 years will be my best years.

You can’t leave home without?

• Lip liner (always): Make Up For Ever, shade Anywhere Caffeine
• Maybelline Lifter Glaze in Berry Haze
• Car keys
• MacBook
• Vehla tortoiseshell sunglasses

Favourite holiday destination?

Noosa. Every September. I got married there, and now it’s tradition.

It’s calm, grounding—my happy place. No shoes, no car—just simple living. And every time I’m there, I feel like the best version of myself.

If you could go anywhere, where would it be?

Capri. It’s on my list. Amazing beaches, incredible food—that’s my vibe.

A healthy lifestyle means…

Wellness is everything to me, and I’ve come full circle back to it. These days, I live by the six principles of holistic health:

• Thoughts

• Breath

• Hydration

• Nutrition

• Movement

• Sleep

I follow the 80/20 rule. I do what makes me feel good and keeps me grounded—without the obsession. I used to be rigid, constantly chasing perfection. But now, it’s different. I’ve found my way back to myself.

I quit alcohol years ago—not just for my health, but to lead by example for my kids. I also knew that if I wanted to work with elite singles, I had to embody the same level of discipline and intention I ask of others.

I choose to live in alignment with what I stand for: conscious choices, always. Journaling. Breathwork. Quality sleep. When my mind feels good, everything else follows. That’s the power of mindset—and for me, it’s non-negotiable.

I eat well. I move my body. I do what I can to feel strong and stay healthy for the long haul. But more than anything, I’ve learned that how I feel matters most.

Because balance? It isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom.

Your top wellness non-negotiables?

Water. Sleep. Rest.

I love LED light therapy, but more than anything, I’ve learned to listen to my body—not punish it. I’ve found a happy medium, one that actually feels good. Sustainable. Gentle. Balanced.

Tell us about your work with Cinqe….

I started matchmaking organically through my styling work. Clients would leave feeling amazing and ask, “Do you have someone for me?” It happened so often that I knew I needed support—and that’s when I partnered with Cinqe, one of the top four luxury matchmaking agencies in the world.

We work with high-value, genuine, intentional clients who are serious about finding love. Matchmaking is having a moment right now, especially as dating apps continue to let people down.

This isn’t new—it’s one of the oldest professions in the world. But I bring a modern spin. Think: the depth and intention of traditional matchmaking, with the energy and glamour of Sex and the City.

And our team? Next-level. We collaborate, respect each other deeply, and lift one another up. That’s the magic. It’s not just about the matches we create—it’s about how we work together to make them happen.

Now, I lead operations for Australia, and honestly? I’m obsessed. This doesn’t feel like work—it feels like my purpose.

I live and breathe what I do. I’m passionate about helping people find real, lasting love. This isn’t about games or guesswork—it’s about meaningful connection, chemistry, and creating something real.

What’s one thing people don’t know about matchmaking?

It’s not just about setting people up—it’s about deep alignment.

The real work happens behind the scenes: understanding someone’s values, patterns, wounds, and hopes… and then finding someone who genuinely complements that.

It’s not swiping or surface-level. It’s intuitive, emotional, and layered. Sometimes, it’s even healing. Great matchmaking isn’t about finding anyone—it’s about finding the right one, at the right time.

Dating as a Matchmaker: What People Don’t Expect

People often assume that because I’m a matchmaker, dating must be easy for me—that I’ve got a secret formula or a perfect radar for red flags.

But here’s the truth: I’ve been ghosted. I’ve been cheated on. I’ve fallen for potential. I’ve been a pick-me and a people pleaser.

I’ve mistaken intensity for intimacy, and I’ve clung to words when actions didn’t match.

What people don’t realise is that matchmaking doesn’t exempt you from heartbreak—it just makes you more aware of the patterns.

I once dated someone who, on paper, seemed like a dream. He ticked every box. But deep down, I could feel the disconnect. He was future-talking without truly showing up in the present. It reminded me how easy it is—even for me—to be swept up in the idea of someone.

That’s the thing about matchmaking: it’s not about finding someone perfect. It’s about finding someone real.

Dating taught me just as much as any qualification or training ever did. And now, when I sit with a client and they say, “I’m scared,” or “I don’t want to waste more time,” I get it. I’ve lived it.

I still meet women who say, “Oh, you’re Lauren Hunter. I met your ex on Hinge.” I said, “Wow, cool—which one?” Apparently, he was online dating whilst living with me. I have seen it all now.

This work is deeply personal for me—not just a job. It’s about helping people navigate the messy, vulnerable, beautiful reality of modern love… with clarity, intention, and heart.

My studies as a young woman, plus my life experience—marriage, divorce—really is just an added bonus to the magic I can create as a matchmaker.

A message to others…

The more you say no to the wrong people, the more space you create for the right ones to show up.

Stay in your lane. Keep moving forward. Don’t lose hope—there are incredible people out there.

You just need to make room for them, and trust that your tribe will find you when you’re being fully, unapologetically you.