The PERFECT PAIR

Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant might have met on a TV show, but seven years later, their growing family is grounded in a whole lot of real-life love - and a new project that's making parenting a whole lot more enjoyable.

- WORDS by JENNY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY by TOBY ZERNA

The tranquil, Zen-inspired space doesn't feel like the nerve centre of a thriving shapewear, fashion and beauty empire.

Then again, Jules Robinson – with her abundant curves, flowing red hair and fondness for body-hugging clothes – doesn't look like the traditional stereotype of a buttoned-up businesswoman.

Yet, unlikely as it seems, the former hairstylist has triumphantly turned the tables on school bullies and keyboard warriors who tried to fat shame her in the past. “I wanted to turn pain into power,” smiles the 43-year-old dynamo, who somehow parleyed a reality TV wedding into her real-life happily ever after, complete with two cute kids and a flourishing career.

“Great things happen when you’re just yourself,” she says simply, asked for the secret of her success. “Work it and be proud of whatever you are, which is what I’ve always done, no matter what size I’ve been. To be honest, I never would have predicted what I’m doing right now, but I’ve always had an eventful life.”

It’s seven years since Jules and former Northern Districts and Wellington cricketer Cam Merchant met and fell in love during season six of Nine’s Married at First Sight. “It felt like I’d known him forever!” Their make-believe TV wedding was followed by a legal, off-screen ceremony 10 months later, in November 2019. And today, they remain each other’s most passionate cheer squad.

“I hope everyone has someone like him,” Jules says of her 41-year-old spouse. “Cam’s my best friend. He speaks from the heart and lives life to the full. He supports me, lifts me up and tells me to go shine. We give each other our turn, like a little dance. We’re two individuals with our own dreams but together we make a fantastic team.”