7 Shocking New Beginnings: The Untold Truth About Two Chicks & A Hammer In 2025

The iconic mother-daughter duo behind Two Chicks & A Hammer, Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk, have officially closed the chapter on their HGTV mega-hit, *Good Bones*, but the story of their Indianapolis-based renovation empire is far from over. As of December 2025, the company is undergoing a dramatic transformation, marked by a major career shift for one founder, a public family rift, and a new focus for the business that started with a single house flip.

The latest updates reveal a complex and compelling narrative that goes far beyond reclaimed materials and charming bungalow renovations. From a return to the courtroom to a downsized staff and a personal falling out with key cast members, the world of Two Chicks & A Hammer is currently defined by drastic changes and bold new ventures, proving that even after eight seasons on television, the "two chicks" are still building their future, albeit on separate foundations.

The Founders: Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk Biography & Current Status

The success of Two Chicks & A Hammer is inseparable from the personal and professional lives of its two founders. Their journey from flipping a single home to national television stars has made them household names in the world of home renovation.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Mina Starsiak Hawk

• Full Name: Mina Nicole Starsiak Hawk
• Born: November 26, 1984
• Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
• Initial Career: Worked as a waitress before co-founding Two Chicks & A Hammer.
• Current Role: Owner of Two Chicks & A Hammer, Realtor, TV Personality, Author.
• New Ventures: Author of the children's book *Built Together*, which focuses on the idea that families are built as well as born.
• Family: Married to Stephen Hawk, with two children.

Karen E. Laine

• Full Name: Karen Elaine Laine
• Born: October 8, 1962
• Birthplace: Richmond, Indiana, USA
• Initial Career: Practiced law as a criminal defense attorney for many years.
• Current Role: Retired from Two Chicks & A Hammer in 2019, TV Personality, Master Gardener, and now, a practicing attorney again.
• Major 2025 Shift: In May 2025, Laine announced her return to the legal field, joining the Indianapolis law firm of criminal defense attorney Josiah Swinney.
• Signature Style: Known for her passion for reclaimed materials and unique, eclectic design touches.

The End of Good Bones and the Rise of New Beginnings

The news that *Good Bones* would conclude after its eighth season sent shockwaves through the HGTV community. Premiering in 2016, the show became a staple, chronicling the mother-daughter team's mission to revitalize the Fountain Square and Bates Hendricks neighborhoods of Indianapolis, Indiana. The show’s ending, however, was less a finale and more a pivot to new, personal projects.

The Good Bones Legacy

The core mission of Two Chicks & A Hammer was always neighborhood revitalization. They focused on buying dilapidated, often foreclosed homes, and transforming them into beautiful, modern properties with a distinct, charming style. This commitment to their community is their lasting legacy, inspiring countless homeowners to look past a home's initial condition.

The Spin-off and Separate Paths

Despite the end of the main series, HGTV aired a special spin-off, *Good Bones: New Beginnings*. This series highlighted a crucial change in the dynamic: Karen and Mina were now often working on separate projects, reflecting their diverging professional interests. Mina continued with the core renovation and real estate business, while Karen focused on her passion for master gardening and unique outdoor space renovations.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

This shift to separate projects foreshadowed the personal and professional distance that would soon become public knowledge.

The Shocking Career Change: Karen’s Return to the Courtroom

Perhaps the most significant and unexpected development in 2025 is Karen E. Laine's return to her roots. After retiring from her legal career to focus on the renovation business, Laine has officially rejoined the professional world as a criminal defense attorney.

From Reclaimed Wood to Legal Briefs

Laine's decision, announced in May 2025, marks a major career shift away from the spotlight of home renovation. She joined the Indianapolis law firm of Josiah Swinney, bringing her decades of legal experience back to the courtroom.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

This move highlights Karen's desire to pursue her long-held passion for law, independent of the television and renovation schedule. While she remains a beloved figure from the show, her professional life has now taken a decisive turn.

Impact on Two Chicks & A Hammer

Karen had already retired from the day-to-day operations of Two Chicks & A Hammer in 2019, but her full-time return to law solidifies her distance from the core business. This leaves Mina Starsiak Hawk as the sole driving force behind the company, managing the real estate, renovation, and design aspects with her downsized team.

The Family Rift: Mina, Karen, and the Good Bones Cast

The professional changes have been accompanied by significant personal drama. Mina Starsiak Hawk has been open about the rift that has developed between her, her mother Karen, and other key cast members, including her brother Tad Starsiak and former project manager Cory Miller.

A Public Falling Out

Mina has spoken candidly about the strain that the demands of the show and the family business placed on their relationships. The public nature of their falling out has been a major topic for fans, who were used to seeing the family work side-by-side on screen.

The tension has led to a significant emotional and professional distance, with Mina admitting she was "torn" about how to handle the ongoing drama. This personal conflict underscores the challenges of mixing family with a high-pressure, high-profile business.

The Remaining Team

Despite the rift, Mina continues to work with a dedicated team, including design assistant MJ Coyle and contractor Austin Aynes, to carry on the Two Chicks & A Hammer vision. However, the downsizing of staff is a direct consequence of the end of the *Good Bones* production schedule, as the business no longer needs to plan projects at the scale required for a television show.

Mina’s Next Chapter: Author, Realtor, and Entrepreneur

With Karen focused on law and the TV show concluded, Mina Starsiak Hawk is fully embracing her role as a multifaceted entrepreneur. Her focus is now on streamlining Two Chicks & A Hammer and expanding her personal brand.

The Children’s Book: *Built Together*

Mina’s debut as an author with the children's book *Built Together* is a key part of her new direction. The book is a warm, welcoming story that reflects her own family life and the concept that families are created in various ways, not just by birth. This project demonstrates her pivot toward ventures outside of pure home renovation.

Real Estate and Design Focus

Two Chicks & A Hammer continues to operate as a renovation and real estate company, concentrating its efforts on the areas of Indianapolis it helped put on the map, such as Fountain Square and Bates Hendricks. Mina's design style, often described as a blend of modern farmhouse with unique, salvaged elements, remains the company's signature.

The company also briefly attempted to expand its retail footprint but closed a new store after only seven months, indicating a strategic decision to consolidate and focus on core renovation and design services in a more manageable, post-HGTV capacity.