Madeleine Trueman on Personal Expression, Wellness, and Intentional Living

We believe in celebrating the multifaceted lives of mothers. In our Verse Mothers series, we meet inspiring women who balance creativity, career, and family. This month, meet Madeleine Trueman — Recipe Developer, mother to one-year-old Delilah, and a woman with a grounded, thoughtful approach to life and wellness.

Name: Madeleine Trueman
DOB: 18 May 1996
Place of Birth: NSW, Australia
Occupation: Recipe Developer

What is your personal style signifier?
My go-to uniform is jeans, a crisp shirt, sandals, and gold jewellery. It's my effortless solution when my mind is buzzing too much to assemble another outfit — and let’s be honest, that happens often!

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?
Without a doubt, it's my beautiful engagement ring. My husband spent months working with a designer to create something truly “me” — a unique petal setting inspired by my love of flowers and a pink Australian sapphire. I also love a delicate stack of thin necklaces layered with a pearl and gold personalised letter necklace from Verse Fine Jewellery.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
A pair of chocolate brown Birkenstock Bostons I picked up in Tokyo — I practically live in Birkenstocks for their comfort! I’ve also stocked up on linen slip dresses from Assembly Label for summer.

What is currently on your wishlist?
A beautiful raffia basket bag that doubles as an everyday and baby bag. And I’m due for a restock of Sans Ceuticals — their Superdose Luminosity Mask is my holy grail.

Your earliest fashion memory?
Playing dress-ups and putting on fashion shows with my neighbours!

The beauty staple you’re never without?
Rosewater spray — it keeps my skin hydrated and glowy. In summer, I keep it chilled in the fridge. I also love Dillon Skincare’s Barrier Support Antioxidant Oil — it’s a daily essential.

What will you always find in your fridge?
Eggs, berries, butter, and lots of ferments — kraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso. We eat them daily; they make us feel so good.

How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally? Any tips or advice?
Cooking nourishing food, gentle movement, sunshine, magnesium baths, solo moments, saunas, ocean swims — it’s all part of the rhythm. Parenthood has made me cherish small moments of calm even more: a five-minute meditation in bed, deep breaths at the traffic light. My biggest tip? Schedule everything. My husband and I block out solo time for movement or self-care in our shared calendar.

Any great discoveries recently? Cafe, restaurant, shop, online etc…
The functional smoothies at The Fox’s Pantry in Tugun are my current obsession — organic, delicious, and packed with superfoods.

What object would you never part with?
My ceramic water filter by Kyn & Folk.

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?
My biggest challenge is managing my energy and capacity. I want to be fully present both as a mother and in my work, so I’ve learned to create clear boundaries between “mum time” and “work time.” It helps me stay grounded and intentional.

Madeleine wears Personalised Pearl Collier Necklace here 

Film photography: Delilah (2)