From top model to mum: Jennifer Hawkins through the years

The former Miss Universe has had an eventful few decades. - by Erin Christie 03 DEC 2021

Jen in her pageant queen days. Getty

When it comes to our most beloved Aussie celebs, Jennifer Hawkins is among the top of the list. The supermodel mum-of-two is the picture of grace and contentment, and has managed to uphold a wholesome, drama-free image across her two-decade career.

Growing up in a modest suburb of Newcastle, on the NSW coast, Jen shot to stardom when she became Miss Universe Australia. Winning the pageant in 2004, she became an internationally-recognised personality.

She met her husband, Jake Wall, not long before she won Miss Universe, and has been with him ever since.

They live an idyllic-looking life as parents to two young kids, quietly achieving their goals together.

However, a throwback is always fun, so here are some of our favourite Jen moments from the last 17 years.

Jennifer Hawkins was born in Holmesville, New South Wales. She began modelling quite young, but was also a dancer and a cheerleader for the Newcastle Knights NRL team.

She was cast as Miss Australia for the Miss Universe pageant in 2004, which took place in Ecuador, and she learned basic Spanish before heading over for the competition.

The pageant at the time was owned by none other than Donald Trump, the now-former President of the United States.

At the time of her win, Trump called her 'the most beautiful Miss Universe I have seen in many, many years', while Jen said of him that he 'inspired me to keep going and follow my heart'.

Jen with Donald Trump, who owned the Miss Universe pageant at the time she won. Getty

After winning, Jen 'reigned' for a year, and travelled around the world, visiting the likes of Korea, The Bahamas, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Singapore and Mexico, among many other countries. She visited India in December of 2004 as a spokesperson for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Jen on a humanitarian trip to India. Getty

Playing cricket in thongs on the trip. Getty

While she was shooting to international stardom as Miss Universe, however, Jen had a low-key relationship going on at home with Jake Wall, who is now her husband.

The pair met - very conventionally- at a bar in the early 2000s, and hit it off. They've been together ever since, making them a very refreshing couple given their lives are often subject to public scrutiny.

“It was one of those nights I didn’t intend [on] going out, and then I went out and I met this guy and slowly, we started a relationship,” Jennifer told Stellar in 2017.

"We think back and we can’t believe it. It honestly feels like another lifetime. We’ve grown up so much. I guess that’s what happens; sometimes you grow apart and some people grow together, and it’s been the latter of those two because it just feels like a real union.

"I don’t know how else to explain it, I don’t want to sound mushy," she explained.

A baby-faced Jen and Jake in 2004. Getty

Getty

The pair have gone on to have what looked like a 'perfect' relationship, but was actually quite normal on the inside - full of ups, downs and love.

"We’ve had a lot of downs, I guess, with Jake’s mum passing away and a few things happening in my family, so it hasn’t been perfect," she told Stellar.

They were together for seven years before Jake proposed, presenting Jen with a custom-made ring worth a whopping $200,000.

They married in December 2013 in a clifftop ceremony in Bali, a private affair with just 60 close friends and family in attendance.

Jen and Jake in 2011. Getty

Getty

Meanwhile, in Jen's professional career, she expanded from modelling into TV presenting, joining the cast of Australia's Next Top Model, where she replaced Sarah Murdoch, appearing alongside Megan Gale and Alexander Perry.

She also hosted the one series of Make Me a Supermodel, which aired on the Seven Network.

Jen also enjoyed a successful modelling career, appearing on red carpets and attending events across Australia.

A young Jen with fellow supermodel, Megan Gale. Getty

Jen at the Australia's Next Top Model auditions in Sydney. Getty

While her career in modelling soared, Jen and Jake were quietly struggling to grow their family.

Jen was dealt a cruel blow in 2018 when she suffered a miscarriage.

"Last year was such a tough year for Jake and me. It was the toughest year of our lives," Jen revealed to Stellar.

"I felt like I almost broke and, in fact, it's still really raw. But Jake was amazing. He let me sit with the pain, feel it and not be OK."

Jen on the runway in 2009... Getty

... and in 2016. Getty

However, Jen eventually fell pregnant with her first baby in 2020.

"I’m sooo happy to share with you some exciting news! Jake and I are expecting a baby girl!!! We can’t wait to meet her!," Jen wrote on Instagram, sharing a snap of herself and Jake caressing her tiny bump.

"Thank you to our beautiful family and friends for their love and support and, most importantly, to my hubby Jake – I can’t wait to see you as a Daddy! @jakewwall xx" she added.

Their daughter, Frankie Violet, was born in October last year.
“When she came out, I was just so overwhelmed; I was crying, it was incredible,” Jen told Marie Claire this year.

“We just felt so much gratitude.”

Jen while pregnant with both her kids, Frankie and Hendrix. Instagram

The first snaps shared by Jen of little Frankie and then Hendrix. Instagram

In July this year, Jen and Jake announced they had another little bundle on the way.

"Round two!! Jake and I are so happy to share that we are expecting a baby BOY!!!  We both feel really blessed and couldn’t be happier to grow our little family!" she wrote.

"Can’t wait to see our Frankie girl as a big sis!!"

Their son, Hendrix Hawkins Wall, was born on October 20, meaning the kids are only just one year apart.

Jen with little Frankie.

Nowadays, Jen seems to have her life as a mum at the forefront of her mind, often sharing pictures of herself with her little babies.

She and Jake are also businesspeople, and own building company J Group Projects, tequila company Sesion Tequila, and tanning label JBronze.

And with two under two, we're certain they'll have their hands full for a while!

https://www.who.com.au/jen-hawkins-transformation