Key Takeaways 

• From Flips to Full Remodels: Kristen and Michelle transitioned from real estate investing to remodeling, growing Remodel Boutique through word-of-mouth for over 15 years without advertising.
   

• Design Meets Strategy: They combine creative, family-friendly design with value-driven budgeting—reverse-engineering client goals to create practical, beautiful spaces.
   

• Empowered by Tech & Team: By embracing AI, SOPs, and 3D scanning, they’ve eliminated non-promotable tasks, freeing their primarily female team to focus on high-value work.
   

• Leading With Purpose: Their firm prioritizes respect, mentorship, and inclusion—showing that confidence, integrity, and collaboration can reshape leadership in the trades. 

 

 

In a recent episode of The Home Remodeler Toolbox Podcast, host Bob Vance sits down with Kristen and Michelle, the powerhouse duo behind Remodel Boutique in Austin, Texas. What started as a venture in real estate investment turned into a thriving remodeling business built on integrity, creativity, and a relentless willingness to learn. Their story is a lesson in growth, leadership, and the power of owning your unique voice in a male-dominated industry. 

From Real Estate to Remodels 

Kristen and Michelle didn’t initially set out to build a remodeling company. Their journey began in the world of real estate investing. After designing and flipping several properties, people started to take notice. Homeowners began asking them to remodel their spaces, and from that demand, Remodel Boutique was born. Kristen leaned into her design sensibilities while Michelle took on the construction side, leveraging her bilingual skills to manage subcontractors effectively. 

Growing Through Word-of-Mouth 

For over 15 years, Remodel Boutique grew organically. Without spending a dime on advertising, their reputation spread through word-of-mouth referrals. Their focus is on residential projects in the Austin area—full home remodels, additions, ADUs, and even new construction. Today, 80% of their business comes from remodeling. 

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while digital marketing for remodelers is crucial in today’s world, building a strong foundation of trust and word-of-mouth referrals can be just as impactful when paired with solid operations. 

Design With Heart and Function 

What sets Remodel Boutique apart is their design philosophy. Kristen and her team specialize in reconfiguring homes to maintain their character while solving modern functionality needs. Many of their clients are parents, so storage, flow, and kid-friendliness are often at the forefront. 

They begin every project by reverse-engineering the client’s goals: What do they really want from the space? What’s their budget? What can they live without? This focus on creative, budget-conscious solutions is key to their success. 

Innovation and Technology in Remodeling 

Though Remodel Boutique didn’t lean heavily into digital tools early on, the last few years have brought major shifts. Today, they incorporate AI for meeting notes, SOP creation, and project management through platforms like Monday.com. AI has helped them eliminate "non-promotable tasks" that often fall disproportionately on women—tasks like note-taking and admin work—freeing the team up for more strategic contributions. 

They also use 3D scanning for estimating and space planning. Even though they’re just scratching the surface, the results are already transformative. 

Their use of technology and interest in digital marketing for remodelers shows a shift in mindset—one that aims to scale the business thoughtfully without sacrificing the quality of their work or team culture. 

Empowering Women in Construction 

As a female-led company, Kristen and Michelle know firsthand the challenges women and minorities face in the construction world. From subtle microaggressions to overt doubt from subcontractors or clients, they’ve weathered it all. 

Their response? Confidence, clarity, and consistency. 

They emphasize emotional intelligence, tone awareness, and strong communication as key leadership skills, especially when managing job sites. They've built a workplace where respect is non-negotiable—and they choose to work only with subs and vendors who align with their values. 

Mistakes Happen—Own Them 

Kristen and Michelle don’t shy away from admitting their mistakes. In fact, they see them as growth opportunities. Whether it’s a design choice that didn’t translate well in real life or a miscommunication on a project, they believe in acknowledging, fixing, and learning. 

Clients don’t expect perfection—they expect honesty. And Remodel Boutique’s willingness to own and resolve issues proactively is what earns them lasting respect. 

Serving Homeowners With Empathy 

One of the standout aspects of this episode is their approach to customer service. Remodel Boutique doesn’t wait for a client to complain—they proactively look for ways to improve the experience. From redesigning a narrow outdoor shower that looked fine on paper to explaining why some imperfections are industry standard (like the 3-foot view rule for flooring), they balance empathy with practicality. 

As Kristen puts it, "I basically dress homes and put makeup on them." 

Mentorship and Advice to Aspiring Remodelers 

Kristen and Michelle are firm believers in community and mentorship. They found their mentor through NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), which also gave them credibility in the early days. 

Their advice to aspiring remodelers—especially women and minorities: 

• Don’t wait to be invited into the industry. 

• You don’t need formal training to get started. 

• Be honest about what you don’t know. 

• Learn from others, ask for help, and take feedback seriously. 

As Kristen beautifully said, "Your candle shining doesn’t dim mine." 

FAQs About Remodel Boutique 

Q: What’s one piece of advice for women entering the trades? A: Don’t wait for permission. Get out there, be honest about what you don’t know, and commit to learning. You belong in this space. 

Q: How do you handle mistakes when they happen? A: We own them. Mistakes are inevitable, but how you respond—taking responsibility and correcting them—is what earns trust and respect. 

Q: What role has technology played in growing your business? A: Tech has been a game-changer. AI tools help us automate tasks, improve communication, and focus on higher-value work. It's helped us grow smarter without losing our personal touch. 

Q: How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs? A: We always start with the client’s goals, needs, and budget. From there, we reverse-engineer the design to make sure it looks great but also works beautifully in real life. 

What’s Next for Remodel Boutique? 

Looking forward, the duo is focused on scaling. That means improving internal systems, refining SOPs, expanding their tech stack, and eventually, growing into other cities. 

Their ultimate goal? To work more on the business than in it, and build something that lasts long after they retire.

Kristen and Michelle's journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion, humility, and a strong work ethic collide. They’ve navigated challenges not just as business owners, but as women redefining what leadership looks like in the trades. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about starting their own remodeling business, leveling up their leadership, or exploring digital marketing for remodelers. It offers a refreshing blend of humor, honesty, and practical advice you won’t want to miss. 

Listen to the full episode now and get inspired to build boldly.