Sydney, Australia : Sydney entrepreneur and former war reporter Laura-Jane Hawkins saw how tired people were becoming of dating apps and decided to create an alternative.
In 2024, Hawkins founded Unwritten, a matchmaking and singles events business helping people meet, connect and potentially find love in real life, without relying on apps or endless swiping.
Now, just two years after launching, Hawkins has been named a finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards in the Events & Experiences category, recognising her work creating a new approach to dating centred on genuine human connection.
Unwritten has hosted more than 85 curated singles events and helped hundreds of people connect through experiences including wine tastings, supper clubs, golf, fitness, walks, bookshops and social events.
Hawkins says: “I started Unwritten because I could see how tired people were of dating apps and how much people were craving genuine connection,” says Hawkins. “I wanted to create experiences where meeting someone could feel exciting and natural again, rather than another exhausting process of swiping and messaging.”
Dating without the pressure
Rather than putting singles into another digital environment, Unwritten creates opportunities for people to meet through shared experiences.
Whether it’s a wine tasting, golf, a walk, dinner or fitness, the focus is on enjoying the experience first and allowing connections to happen naturally.
“We don’t want people walking into a room feeling like they have to find their future partner that night,” says Hawkins. “We want them to have a great experience, meet interesting people and feel comfortable being themselves. If a relationship comes from that, that’s the bonus,” she adds.
The events have also created friendships and broader social connections, with people often leaving having expanded their social circles, even if they haven’t met a romantic partner.
From war reporting to matchmaking
Before launching Unwritten, Hawkins worked as a war reporter and PR professional.
While matchmaking may seem like an unexpected next chapter, Hawkins says her career has always centred on people and their stories.
Hawkins says: “I’ve always been fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Whether you’re reporting on someone’s story or helping someone navigate their search for a relationship, listening is everything.”
Her personal approach extends to Unwritten’s matchmaking service, where Hawkins takes the time to understand clients’ personalities, values, interests and lifestyles rather than relying solely on photographs or profiles.
Hawkins’ vision is to expand Unwritten beyond Sydney into major Australian cities, combining personalised matchmaking with a national calendar of curated singles experiences.
“Technology has made it easier to meet people, but it hasn’t necessarily made it easier to connect,” she says. “People still want to sit across from someone, have a conversation, laugh together and see if there’s a spark.”
Ultimately, Hawkins wants Unwritten to help make real-life connection the first choice rather than the last resort.
“I want people to write their next chapter without the apps. Sometimes the person you’re looking for isn’t behind a screen. They might just be sitting across the room.”