EXCLUSIVE | Mina Starsiak Hawk of 'Good Bones' talks parenthood, children's book and working with mother
When it comes to giving a new life to old structures, there is no one else like Mina Starsiak Hawk who can do it. The host of HGTV's breakout hit show 'Good Bones', Starsiak Hawk, along with her mother Karen E Laine, are always ready to take on a challenge. With an amazing 13 million views per season, Starsiak Hawk is currently gearing up for Season 6 and give more old buildings a new lease on life.
There's definitely more to her than meets the eye though. Between renovating homes and hosting her show, she is also a mother of two children, Jack and Charlotte. She's ready to add another title to her achievement belt — author of a children's book. Titled 'Built Together', the book helps teach kids that families come in all shapes and sizes, celebrates diversity and reminds us that each family is unique in its own wondrous way.
“This book comes from my heart. I wanted to show that families can come in all forms and look a little different — just like houses — and that's great,” said Starsiak-Hawk. “What matters about houses and families is that they both have a strong foundation of trust, kindness, support, and love,” she added.
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MEAWW caught up with the creative artist and spoke to her about everything 'Good Bones'. Here are the excerpts:
You started 'Two Chick and a Hammer' with your mother Karen E Laine. What was the most exciting part about working with her? How did it affect or change your relationship?
We hadn't been close for a long time when we started this, so it was just exciting to be in a good place with each other and become so close.
Looking back on your journey, from renovating homes to hosting your very own show, is there anything you'd have done differently if you could?
I've always said I'd never change a thing or I wouldn't be who or where I am today. With that being said, sometimes I'm not crazy about the "who". I wasn't born to be a boss or leader and, honestly, I'm not very good at it. I would work harder at developing myself into a better person to work for if I could go back and start over. I am currently in a six-month executive coaching program to do just that. But I wish I had taken the time earlier to make that investment in myself and my company.
What have been your all-time favorite renovation project? What about them makes it so close to your heart?
My forever house! It is the first thing my husband and I got to do together. It was the beginning of where our family would grow. It’s the house Jack and Charlie will remember as their childhood home.
Between your career, being a TV show host and a mom, what would you consider to be your biggest challenge?
Turning off. Being human. I'm a workaholic and not the most in touch with my feelings or other people’s. So actively recognizing that and making time for those things is incredibly important and also very challenging for me. I've always felt being emotional about something doesn't drive progress, dealing with them delays it. But as I get older I'm learning that’s not so true.
What inspired you to write the children's book 'Built Together'?
Becoming a mom; thinking about what I want my kids exposed to from a young age and what kind of people I hope to help shape them to become. And that all starts from such a young age, at home.
Do you see Jack picking your knack for building?
He loves it right now! He wants to helps with everything I do around the house. Whether he stays interested or not, I'm not sure. But I'd love it if he did.
What advice would you give someone who is looking to renovate their own homes and are struggling to find their aesthetic?
Ask for help. Start small. We do online consultations where we help people figure out how to channel what they want (or think they want) into a real buying guide and plan. If you don't want to enlist help, I'd say start with a mood/inspiration board; pictures, colors, textures that speak to you. And go from there.
We love how honest you've been on social media when it comes to motherhood. Do you have any advice for those who are setting out on this journey?
If you think it’s easy for anyone you know, or think you know, or that you see on TV or online... just know it’s not, and that’s ok. You're gonna mess up, and as long as you learn, then it wasn't a mistake. So give yourself grace. Life’s hard enough without you making it even harder on yourself.
