Our Story
Hi there! We are Tessa & Guy, a couple of kids that got married young, started a family (now a family of 6), and willed our way into renovating homes with zero experience (which we’ve been doing for the last 8 years). Our style combines vintage inspired design elements with that of modern day conveniences. And while we aren’t “classically” trained our experience and passion for renovating homes over these last 8 years has given us an appreciation for authentic luxury and refined craftsmanship.
OUR START TO RENOVATING
Our love for homes really began when Guy got his real estate license while in his senior year of college. I tend to be quite the “extravagant dreamer” and Guy likes to keep my head out of the clouds (when he can!) but I just felt so called to the older, forgotten properties that I saw lining the streets near the University.
It was after we bought our first fixer upper in 2015 and started renovating it that he too began to get the “itch.” Later that year, after having our 3rd baby we dove into the realm of flipping homes. We flipped our first home in just 10 weeks and sold it in 36 hours. To say we were hooked is an understatement!
REFINING OUR SKILLS
We had never renovated anything in our life (except for our own little fixer upper that became our training ground for all the projects that came our way). But we were determined to succeed and Guy welcomed the challenge of learning new skills and strategies to not only growing our bank account, but raising the bar within the renovation industry.
We began honing in on old homes; the ones that were almost forgotten but had enough charm in them to give them a good ol’ polish. And in 2017 we embarked on our own “old home” adventure and bought a 1920’s Craftsman home.
It was then that we began making our mark by refining our design style to embody a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation. And since then we have remained dedicated to delivering the finest design, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty within every project we touch.
STARTING KINDRED HOMESTEAD
Our continuous pursuit of excellence in both design and construction has made way for so many opportunities. In 8 years we have managed to buy, renovate and sell 13 different properties (some of which you can view HERE) which opened the door to working alongside clients within their home design/renovation needs. Kindred Homestead was launched in 2020 with our mission being rooted in cultivating rich, timeless spaces; spaces that are spoken of for generations to come.
At the beginning of 2023 I began feeling the pull to take a step back from my role in the company to create a bit more margin in our life for our kids. But Guy remains steadfastly persistent in helping others build their dream spaces. And he is amazing at it!
I continue to use this space as my creative outlet to share the updates we continue to make in our home, as well as, some of my favorite home decor finds. Also, if you’re in to sourdough, homemade recipes, and authentic conversation about life in general, then you’re in the right place! And we are so happy that you’re here!
FUN FACTS ABOUT US
We met at the University of Illinois where I was a diver and Guy was a wrestler.
We have 4 amazing kids (ages 11, 8, 7, & 4)
Tessa’s first year of her blog was funded by Joanna Gaines back in 2014, and you can read about that HERE.
Guy is from a little town here in Central Illinois called Fisher, and Tessa is from a small town in Southwest, MI called Plainwell.
Guy is an avid cross fitter and Tessa prefers to get her exercise in by watching Guy exercise :)
We rescued our dog Frankie last October ‘22. You can find his heart wrenching rescue story HERE.
Our life on the blog:
Sourdough baking essentials from sourdough tools, whisks, proofing baskets, mixing bowls, dutch ovens and more!