Sometimes the person you’re looking for isn’t behind a screen. They might just be sitting across the room.
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, she founded Unwritten, a matchmaking and singles events business that helps people meet, connect, and potentially find love in real life, without relying on apps or endless swiping.
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.
“I started Unwritten because I could see how tired people were of dating apps and how much people were craving genuine connection,” she said.
“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
Laura-Jane didn’t want people walking into a room feeling like they have to find their future partner that night. She wanted them to have a great experience, meet interesting people and feel comfortable being themselves. If a relationship comes from that, that’s the bonus.
So rather than putting singles into another digital environment, Unwritten created 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 letting connections happen naturally.
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, Laura-Jane worked as a war reporter and PR professional.
While matchmaking may seem like an unexpected next chapter, her career has always centred on people and their stories, and she has 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.”
With Unwritten’s matchmaking service, she takes the time to understand clients’ personalities, values, interests, and lifestyles rather than relying solely on photographs or profiles.
Her 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. People still want to sit across from someone, have a conversation, laugh together and see if there’s a spark.”
She aims to help make real-life connection the first choice, not the last resort.
