1) IG: @afaspanishimmersion (I share a lot of "school build-out" and classroom resets there--Founder of Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy in Woodbury, MN). 2) I got into DIY out of necessity when I was building an immersion early-learning environment on a real-world budget--after ~25+ years leading K-12 programs (principal/associate superintendent/chief of schools), I was used to designing systems and spaces that work for kids, not just look cute. 3) I love the "before/after" that actually changes behavior: when you shift a room layout, labels, and storage, kids become more independent and calmer (it's basically classroom management through design). 4) Biggest mistake I made early on was choosing finishes that photographed well but didn't survive daily cleaning--matte paint + high-touch walls was a regret; now I use Sherwin-Williams Duration Home (washable) and stick to satin/eggshell in high-traffic areas. 5) Tips: treat a renovation like an instructional framework--define the purpose, set non-negotiables (safety/traffic flow/light), then phase it in; also, measure first (I literally tape the footprint on the floor) so you don't buy the wrong-size furniture. 6) Project I'm most proud of: converting a standard early-childhood room into a 90/10 Spanish-immersion-ready space with "language everywhere" (picture/word labels, bilingual family board, cultural artifacts) plus STEM stations--because it made the room teach even when adults were silent.
1 / @mermaidway on Instagram 2 / I grew up around fabric, colors, and chaos -- my grandmother sewed everything by hand, and I've always loved creating beauty from raw material. I started experimenting with interiors during lockdown when I turned my apartment into a tactile moodboard -- mirrors, paint, velvets, plaster walls. That energy never left. 3 / I love the quiet transformation -- not just the room, but in how I feel moving through it. A space shaped by your own hands carries a different kind of soul. There's power in turning a drill, but also in choosing a shade of blush pink no one else would dare. 4 / Going too fast. I've rushed through sanding or skipped measuring because I was "sure." Always double check. And let chaos happen -- the mess is part of the magic. 5 / Don't wait for someone to "approve" your idea. Grab the tool. Watch the tutorial. You'll mess up, but you'll learn. Beauty doesn't have to be perfect -- make it yours. 6 / My bedroom ceiling mural -- vines, swans, a full moon -- all hand-painted during a breakup. That project held me. Every night, I sleep under something I created when I didn't feel strong. Now it reminds me who I am.
While I respect the focus on female DIYers for Women's History Month, that doesn't describe me. I'm a general contractor based in Washington, and my work centers on leading full-scale remodels through my company, AnyVision Home Remodeling. That said, I've worked alongside many women who have taken on their own renovations, and I've seen firsthand what sets successful DIY projects apart from the ones that go sideways. One homeowner I worked with had already demoed her kitchen before calling us in. She had a strong vision and had built a following online by sharing the process, but she underestimated electrical planning and cabinet lead times. We were able to step in, correct the wiring layout, and re-sequence the schedule, but it added weeks she didn't anticipate. The biggest mistakes I see DIYers make are skipping the planning phase, underestimating permits, and starting demolition before materials are on site. My advice is simple: finalize your design, confirm product availability, and understand your local code requirements before you swing a hammer. For women who want to tackle renovations themselves, I'd say confidence is key—but pair it with preparation. Invest in quality tools, build relationships with local trades you can call if needed, and don't cut corners on structural, plumbing, or electrical work. The projects I'm most proud of are the ones where homeowners—women especially—take ownership of their space and partner with us strategically. When the vision and execution align, the results are not only beautiful, they're empowering.
You asked about my social media presence, how I got into renovations, what I love about it, and what advice I'd give to women tackling projects on their own. My Instagram handle is @rbscontractors, where I share project progress and practical construction tips. I got into renovations early on by working hands-on in the field, and over time I began documenting projects to show the real process behind quality craftsmanship. What I love most is taking a space that doesn't function well and turning it into something practical, durable, and tailored to how people actually live. One project I'm especially proud of was a full home remodel where we uncovered major structural issues mid-project; solving those problems correctly, even when it wasn't the easy route, protected the homeowner long term and reinforced why doing it right matters. In terms of mistakes to avoid, I've seen many DIYers underestimate planning and budgeting—rushing demolition before having a full scope, permits, and materials lined up can create costly delays. I've also seen people skip proper prep work, like not leveling subfloors or waterproofing correctly, which leads to expensive repairs later. My advice to women who want to tackle renovations themselves is to start with smaller projects to build confidence, invest in quality tools, and never hesitate to ask questions at supply houses or from licensed trades. Learn the "why" behind each step, not just the "how," because understanding structure, load paths, and moisture control makes a huge difference. Most importantly, trust your judgment, stay patient, and prioritize safety over speed.