The Evolution of the Relationship Between HGTV Stars Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine

After publicly discussing the tension in their relationship nearly three years ago, Mina Starsiak Hawk, an HGTV personality, characterizes her current rapport with her mother, Karen E. Laine, as 'peaceful.'

Known for their joint work on HGTV's 'Good Bones,' which started airing in 2016, Starsiak Hawk and Laine became beloved figures on the network by revamping homes in Indianapolis through their business, Two Chicks and a Hammer. Although Laine stepped away from the business in 2019, she continued to appear on the television show.

Both the original series and its spin-off, 'Good Bones: Risky Business,' quickly attracted a dedicated audience. However, in August 2023, Starsiak Hawk announced that the series would not continue, choosing to explore the strains in her relationship with Laine on her podcast 'Mina AF.'

Family Dynamics Observed by Viewers

The television show not only showcased the transformations of homes but also offered insight into the familial ties of Starsiak Hawk and Laine. As a family-driven enterprise, various family members, such as Starsiak Hawk's brothers and half-siblings, occasionally made appearances.

Starsiak Hawk, married to Stephen since 2016, has two children. She and her husband also looked after a niece during part of 2017. Although the family dynamics, which they admitted were 'complex,' seemed affectionate on-screen, Starsiak Hawk revealed in August 2023 that the reality off-camera was more complicated.

Complexities in Personal Relationships

During a podcast episode titled 'The Pain of Staying the Same,' Starsiak Hawk shared her thoughts on establishing boundaries and dealing with changing family dynamics, catalyzed by her son's fifth birthday.

The challenge of deciding whom to invite to family events posed dilemmas due to the strained relations with her mother and brothers. Starsiak Hawk explained that her relationships, particularly with her mother, were difficult, prompting uncertainty about maintaining conventional familial niceties.

Although she had historically invited relatives to celebrations, Starsiak Hawk chose not to include certain family members at her son's birthday due to these tensions.

The End of 'Good Bones'

In early August 2023, Starsiak Hawk announced that 'Good Bones' would conclude after its eighth season, a mutual decision with HGTV driven by the overwhelming pace of their work schedule.

Starsiak Hawk expressed that the pressures associated with maintaining such an active workplace were beginning to take a toll on her well-being and personal life, influencing her choice to step back.

Filming Challenges for Hawk and Laine

In an interview with People in September 2023, Starsiak Hawk revealed that her relationship with Laine reached its most challenging phase during the filming of the eighth season, detailing a significant conflict they experienced.

According to Starsiak Hawk, while many assumed she had a close traditional parent-child relationship with Laine, their bond was notably different, forged through friendship rather than conventional mother-daughter dynamics.

Continuing the Good Bones Legacy Separately

HGTV announced a limited new season of 'Good Bones' in August 2024, focusing separately on Starsiak Hawk and Laine's renovation endeavors. This separation illustrated their distinct personal and professional trajectories.

While Starsiak Hawk took over a family property project in Martinsville, her mother embarked on a new real estate challenge in Wilmington. Both paths indicate different chapters in their personal journeys, outside of their previously shared venture.

Reassessing Their Relationship

Post 'Good Bones,' both Starsiak Hawk and Laine entered separate projects, and in late 2025, Starsiak Hawk provided an update on their personal rapport, indicating incremental progress in mending their strained relationship.

Though not particularly close, Starsiak Hawk acknowledged a positive step forward as they spent holidays together, marking a period of sobriety and mutual respect in their interactions.