Back in 2016, the first episode of HGTV's "Good Bones" aired, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Mina Starsiak Hawk and her mom, Karen E. Laine, were the dynamic duo behind the show, renovating homes in Indianapolis. But a lot has changed since then, including the personal and professional dynamics between the two. Let's dive into what's been happening in their world and why the show came to an end.
How It All Began: Mina Starsiak Hawk's Journey
Mina and Karen’s story started long before the cameras rolled. After graduating from Indiana University, Mina found her passion for home renovation. She had worked in the service industry, while Karen was a lawyer. Together, they founded Two Chicks and a Hammer, their home design company. Karen eventually stepped away from the business in 2019 but stayed on as part of the show. Over eight seasons, the team grew to include Mina’s brother Tad Starsiak, project manager Cory Miller, contractor Austin Aynes, and designer MJ Coyle. Along the way, viewers also got to know Mina’s husband, Steve Hawk, and their two kids, Jack and Charlotte.
Why Did 'Good Bones' End?
In August 2023, Mina dropped a bombshell on her "Mina AF" podcast: the beloved "Good Bones" was coming to an end after season 8. The series finale aired in October 2023, with a special focus on Tad’s new home renovation in Bates-Hendricks, Indiana, and his engagement to Anna Spiars. But the decision to end the show wasn’t just about changing things up. Mina later revealed that there was much more going on behind the scenes, including conflicts with city planners over permits and a strained dynamic within the family.
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“My mom and I aren’t in a great place right now,” Mina admitted in an August 2023 podcast episode. “My brother Tad and I aren’t in a great place either. And my brother William and I? We barely even talk.” The tension came to a head during the filming of season 8, when Mina and Karen got into a heated argument during a demolition scene. Things got so bad that Mina decided not to invite Karen to her son Jack’s fifth birthday party in August 2023.
Where Is Mina Starsiak Hawk Now?
After publicly sharing the family drama, Karen reached out to Mina in an attempt to mend fences. “I got a text from my mom this morning saying maybe we should talk,” Mina said on her podcast in October 2023. “We haven’t spoken in a long time. It was early this morning, and I just didn’t really know what to do with it.” While her relationship with Tad remains strained, Mina has managed to patch things up with William.
On the business front, Mina has made some significant changes. At the end of 2023, she announced the closure of her Indiana-based retail store, Two Chicks District Co. In a heartfelt post on the company’s Facebook page, she wrote, “Please know how much I value every single person I got to meet and spend time hearing their stories while in the store. It has been our second home, but saying goodbye is a decision I have to make for my family.” She also downsized her Two Chicks and a Hammer team, letting go of Austin and Cory. Mina even put her company’s headquarters on the market for sale or rent.
What's Next for Mina?
Even though "Good Bones" has come to an end, Mina isn’t done with HGTV just yet. She’s working on a two-episode spinoff of the show, documenting the renovation of her new lake house. Fans can look forward to seeing her take on a fresh challenge and bring her signature style to a new project.
