From Law Enforcement to DIY Empowerment in Home Improvement
Jenni, a trailblazer in the DIY and home improvement world, whose journey from law enforcement officer to real estate and construction maven has inspired thousands. Through her initiative, “Jenni Can Fix It,” she’s not only transforming homes across Tennessee and Georgia but also empowering homeowners to take charge of their spaces. Jenni’s story is one of resilience and passion, blending hands-on skills with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community education. With a remarkable portfolio of renovations and DIY projects, she’s proof that anyone can find confidence and independence through the power of home improvement. Whether tackling complete remodels or teaching simple repairs, Jenni makes home improvement accessible, inspiring others to roll up their sleeves and discover their own capabilities.
From law enforcement to home improvement — what inspired such a bold career shift, and how has your background in public service influenced your approach to construction and DIY?
I was working in Afghanistan as a security manager, processing clearances for DOD contractors, when I found out I was pregnant. You also cannot be in a war zone while pregnant. This is when I had to embrace a career shift. I knew nothing about real estate or flipping, we had a good savings and followed a few investors on Facebook and jumped right in. While being in law enforcement you see a lot from going into people’s homes, being in certain neighborhoods interacting with people from all different walks of life, one thing I noticed that the nicer the neighborhood looked the less violent crimes, stealing,crimes against people you would have… So, a major Key to crime was to present something nice that people take pride in enough to want to maintain it and upkeep it properly. People are a reflection of their environment I would say at least 90% of the time speaking from my experience.
Your initiative, “Jenni Can Fix It,” goes beyond repairs — it’s about empowerment. How do you see the relationship between home improvement skills and personal empowerment?
It provides a sense of independence, enhances your creativity, it helps develop your problem-solving abilities and creates a sense of community when teaching and working with others. So, it’s not just a visual product it helps greatly with self-confidence and personal growth.
You’ve gained recognition for combining functionality with aesthetics in your renovations. How do you balance creative vision with the practical needs of homeowners?
First, I need to clearly understand the homeowner’s needs and their goals, then prioritize. While keeping their wants/end goal in mind, not disregarding the fact your home is a huge investment, I want to explain to them the importance of certain decisions and tasks. Being a Licensed Real Estate Broker also is an advantage for me with helping my clients consider practical decisions by keeping up with the trends and what current homeowners are looking for while buying homes if they ever decide to sell or use it as an investment property. Like kitchens, owner’s suites and a full bathroom and bedroom on the main level are becoming very desirable.
As someone committed to sustainability, how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your projects? Are there any particular innovations you’re excited about?
Let’s start off by saying I don’t think I’ve installed anything other than LED lights for years now, lo-flow plumbing fixtures (which now are required by code almost everywhere), smart home features, energy efficient appliances, repurposing wood, furniture, houses etc. Encouraging designs, and products that produce more energy than they use. I’m excited about any new inventive possibilities that will save money on energy bills. Because Georgia Power Bills are extremely high lol.
You’ve inspired thousands with your DIY projects. What’s been one of your most transformative projects, either in terms of design or impact on the homeowners?
For homeowners our bathroom and kitchen remodels/designs are the most raved about and I love that!
In an industry dominated by men, how has your experience as a woman in real estate and construction shaped your perspective? What challenges have you overcome, and what advice would you give to other women looking to enter the field?
It can be challenging at times but my past career in local and federal law enforcement has helped a lot saying that I’ve pretty much been in male dominated fields my entire adult life. This is why I strive to learn everything I possibly can to improve my craft and knowledge in my field daily, because I need people to know I’m not just here because I’m a female, I’m here because I know what I’m doing and you trust me to do just that. A lot of times I show up to the work sight and they don’t realize I’m the one they are meeting until I start explaining what I need them to do, then they see that I know what I’m talking about or either they see me actually doing the work and it becomes a distraction for a few minutes because they are watching in disbelief because my nails stay freshly manicured and my hand shake is not as rough lol (running joke with some of my guys that work with me). To my ladies looking to peruse the construction industry
Advocate for yourself. Never stop educating yourself; codes, methods, materials etc change often. You are as strong as your Network, so build a strong one! Don’t be afraid of getting a mentor and asking for help, it’s vital. Find a healthy balance. It’s so important between your work life, kids, relationships, marriages, extra curriculars etc.
Embrace the fact that you are a woman. Studies show women make the majority of the household choices when it comes to decorating and what makes sense as far as functionality our input matters believe me and be confident about it!
Your journey involves a mix of hands-on work and educating others. What are some of the most common misconceptions homeowners have about home improvement, and how do you work to dispel them?
For example, being in real estate I’ve heard a lot of women say they can’t purchase a home prior to getting married because they are afraid of the Maintenance. Truth of the matter is there are a lot of men that fork out big money for simple repairs as well. A lot of people just don’t know how to do it, and they think that it may be a super difficult task. Most of the time it can lessen your anxiety by simply having someone like me (the girl next door) show you how to fix your runny toilet in less than 30 mins for less than $30 dollars. I actually partner with Lowes on demos on occasions and the women and men walk out of there with a C for confidence on their chest because they just learned something new, they feel good, it’s something to be proud of and they can share with others. So if you have heard the concept of a “House Before Spouse” this helps people realize its obtainable.
With the growing demand for DIY content, how do you ensure your projects remain accessible and achievable for viewers with different skill levels?
It’s a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve been in the industry for 12+ years and learning something everyday, having the capability to educate people on something I’m passionate about excites me especially when they come out to the demos or follow me on social media because they want to be there, they want to learn How to Fix it Like Jenni! Their skill levels will grow they can start off with small projects and move up skill levels as they continue to follow me
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of “Jenni Can Fix It”? Are there any exciting projects, expansions, or new directions you’re planning to explore?
To continue to advocate from children and adults, married or single, all households to gain confidence, and knowledge in all aspects of life, not just construction, to help with problem solving skills and growth. People will soon see that every single person in the world can have valuable input in the construction industry because we all have to coexist and function in and out of the walls that we continue to build daily with people’s lifestyles in mind.
Beyond the tangible changes you bring to homes, how do you hope your work impacts the people and communities you serve?
People tend to take pride in their homes and communities when it’s something they love to go home to.
Connect on Instagram @jennicanfixit
Lynnecia S. Eley is Founder & Managing Editor of Soigne’ + Swank Magazine. She is a career-driven entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she is an award-winning University Assistant Dean and Adjunct Professor committed to excellence, dedication, and caring for others. Known as the Confidence Doula, Lynnecia is a best-selling & award-winning author and coach, a founder of Two Queens Media and Eta Rho Sigma Sorority, Inc. You can learn more about Lynnecia and her platforms at www.shecaninspire.com.
