The HGTV series Good Bones, which premiered in 2016, followed the mother-daughter duo Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine as they refurbished old homes in Indianapolis. However, behind the scenes, the duo faced numerous challenges that led Mina to depart from the series. In an exclusive interview, Mina shared the reasons for her departure, citing a strained relationship with her mother, bureaucratic red tape in the city of Indianapolis, and the negative impact it had on her mental health and relationships.
The issues began when Mina was just three years old, and her mother’s lack of personal growth and therapy contributed to the complex and strained relationship between the two. Mina has spoken publicly about the difficulties of rebuilding their relationship, stating it’s incredibly hard to undo the damage caused by her mother’s actions. The tension between them was palpable, and it was evident that their relationship was strained.
The city of Indianapolis also proved to be a significant challenge for the mother-daughter duo. As property owners, they had to navigate through bureaucratic red tape and follow specific rules and guidelines. However, this often resulted in denied requests and pushback from local government officials, making it difficult for their family-run business to operate efficiently. Mina expressed frustration with the city’s lack of transparency and tendency to deny requests without explaining the reasoning, which only added to the stress and tension.
Mina Starsiak Hawk and her Mom(Photo: Mina Starsiak Hawk)
The constant stress of dealing with the city, combined with the pressure to meet HGTV’s demands and the financial strain on her company, took a toll on Mina’s mental health. She struggled with feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and broke, ultimately leading to the show’s demise. Despite the series’ success, Mina’s happiness and well-being were not considered a priority. The experience was draining and left a lasting impact on her.
Although Good Bones is no longer in production, Mina is open to future projects with HGTV, but only if they align with her new personal and professional boundaries. She has even turned down a similar show pitch, stating that a reboot would be unlikely. Mina’s willingness to speak candidly about her experiences has given fans a look into the behind-the-scenes struggles of reality TV production, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and personal relationships.
