Meet Lauren Hunter! Lauren is a media consultant with Jacobs Media, the reigning Miss Lake Lanier and an active member of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County. She grew up in Gwinnett County and attended the University of North Georgia.
We want to thank Lauren for spending time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “I always had a fascination with weather growing up, so my dad would tell me I should study meteorology and become a ‘weather woman.’ I realized as I got older that science was not one of my strong subjects, but I enjoyed talking to people and I knew I wanted a job where each day would be something different. One day, I realized that while meteorology might not be a good fit because of the science portion, journalism- especially broadcast journalism- would give me an opportunity to meet new people and learn something every day! Plus, I would never be bored!”
Q: Tell us about your background, family and interests/community involvement?
A: “I was born and raised in Gwinnett County, but my family is from Gainesville. In fact, my parents met at Gainesville State College, now the University of North Georgia, which is ironically my alma mater as well! Family was a big part of my life growing up, because all four of my grandparents are still living in Gainesville and we only lived half an hour away. My dad took me hunting for the first time when I was two years old, so I grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors. I still enjoy hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. But I also spend time reading, shopping, and competing in pageants! When I was 15 years old, my dad was elected the district 3 Commissioner in Gwinnett County, so I also learned the importance of being an active community member and civic engagement. Outside of my job at Jacobs Media, I am the reigning Miss Lake Lanier and an active member of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “My favorite restaurant in Hall County is Recess Gastro Pub. Every dish I have tried is delicious, and I love the casual yet upscale atmosphere! My favorite thing on the menu is the baby arugula salad.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I have lived in Hall County one year, but much of my family is from here. Gainesville feels just as much like home as Buford! I have worked in Hall County for almost three years at Jacobs Media Corporation, also known as WDUN radio.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County and why?
A: “My career has introduced me to a lot of interesting people. But a couple of years ago I was introduced to Ralph Collins, and World War II veteran who has lived in Gainesville most of his life. The man has an incredible life story, yet is so humble.”
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: “My favorite childhood memory is a family tradition. When I was young my dad would leave town once a year around Thanksgiving for a hunting trip in Nebraska. While he was gone, my mom, brother, and I would decorate the house for Christmas as a ‘surprise’ for him when he got home. To this day, it still feels strange to me if my Christmas tree is not up before Thanksgiving!”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I would travel to Argentina and learn how to dance the Argentine tango. I danced for many years, and I have always been amazed by that dance and the professional dancers who can do it well. What better place to learn than where it originated!”
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: “I remember going to see ‘The Tigger Movie’ when I was three years old. My parents have a picture of me standing in front of the movie poster with my favorite Winnie-the-Pooh blanket. I was obsessed with Winnie-the-Pooh as a little girl!”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Take every opportunity you get, because regret is a terrible thing to live with. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘The few who do are the envy of the many who simply watch.’”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “To visit all 50 states. Currently, I am only a dozen out from hitting that goal!”
Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “I am a country music girl through-and-through. But since I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up, I learned to love classic country singers like Patsy Cline, Don Williams, and Charlie Pride!”
Q: What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County and why?
A: “J&J Foods makes me nostalgic about Hall County because it was founded, and is still owned by, my extended family.”
Q: Choosing anyone (past or present and a non-relative), with whom would you love to have lunch? And where locally would you have this lunch?
A; I would love to have lunch with President Ronald Reagan, and I would suggest we do it at Longstreet Café. I think the president would appreciate Southern cooking.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “My favorite thing about Hall County is it feels like home, even though I was not technically raised here. And I credit that feeling to the people who call it home, whether they are transplants like me, or can trace their roots back many generations.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “I see myself living in Gainesville and actively involved in the community. I can also see myself still working at WDUN and continuing to build relationships with my clients and local businesses. I would also like to travel more in the next five to 10 years, hopefully out of the country for the first time and to all 50 states.”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I am an extremely extroverted person and I love to constantly be on the go. But I also have days where I’d rather be at home cuddled up with a blanket and my dogs, either reading or watching some of my favorite movies.”
Q: What three words mean “Home” to you?
A: “Three words that mean home to me are Papa and Grandmother’s/Papa and Nana’s house, Stone Ridge Manor, and Heaven.”
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: “There are so many choices! But I would go with Reese Witherspoon. What could go wrong with two Southern belles?!”
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose?A: “A hair and makeup artist, please! I am not a morning person, so having someone around who could help me get ready would be much appreciated.”
