Nobody knows how to describe what I do for a living. It took me a while to figure it out myself.

Software customer service. That was easy for people to understand, but what I’m doing now? DIYer? Home renovator? Photographer? Writer? I’m proud to wear many hats because the journey to get here wasn’t an easy one.

Making and fixing things is in my blood. From late night projects with my grandfather to cross-stitching with my grandmother, I discovered a hard-working hobby that brought satisfaction.

Fast-forward a few years. I bought my first house when the housing market crashed – a major fixer upper I knew I could make great. I thought I could rely on my boyfriend to help, but when the relationship ended so did his helping hands. I was really doing it all on my own.

Sometimes that meant piling up rolls of paper towels to steady a cabinet door while installing it. Sometimes, it just sucked. Nine years ago, I started to document the experience on my blog to show the reality of a home makeover. Trust me, HGTV is smoke and mirrors. Nothing happens overnight. Home renovation is rough and messy and people liked seeing the real thing.

I built up a steady following on my blog while working my day job and studying for my MBA. Then I decided to go all in on my blog and make a real business out of it.

Everyone said I was crazy. Now I’m turning down offers from brands I once dreamed of working with because I have the power to say yes to things I love, and no to what I don’t.

This is the only job you’ll work 80 hours to avoid working 40, and I love every extra minute of it.