Tragedy to Triumph
Jennifer Cline is a talented DIY fixer upper, woodworker, widow with two children, and social media influencer. She is known by her followers and friends as the unforgettable "Miss DeWalt" whose work projects inspire thousands across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
When did you decide to become a tradeswoman?
My story began with a tragedy. My husband was killed in a traffic accident thirteen years ago while on his way to work. Our home is around two hundred years old and at the time, was in need of extensive repair that we were planning to fix together.
Vowing to complete the vision we had, I picked up my husband's tools, taught myself how to use them, and set out to complete our house renovation. Along the way, I tried to pass on the trades skills that my husband would have taught to our children.
Today, my son Cameron has a workbench in my shop and we often work on projects together. He's attending the local vocational school and is in the carpentry program.
How did you learn to create and edit videos?
When I first started my YouTube channel, I hired a friend to compile and edit them as I didn’t have the foggiest idea where to begin. Because of the amount of content I was producing and the expense, I quickly learned. Plus, I typically have a clear vision of how I’d like the finished video to look and it’s not something I can easily explain or delegate. My videos are different in that I often turn woodworking projects into a mini music video or production.
Where do you find inspiration for your incredibly creative content?
Quite frankly, the creative process never fully shuts off. I often have dreams about a certain project and jot down the concepts as I wake up. I have many ideas for videos, products and businesses in the notepad on my phone.
Sometimes if I hear a song while driving, I’ll tell Cameron, “remind me to write down Thunderstruck!” Many times, just hearing a song will inspire a project to go with it.
I’m a woodworker and flag maker, but also love repurposing items I find at thrift stores or the side of the curb. Some of my favorites have been a trunk (rescued from recycling) which I turned into a sink, interior doors I made into a bench, and a quilt rack which became a cat condo.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m an extremely hard worker, but when I do have free time I enjoy visiting my family, going to concerts, and just relaxing on my back porch. I live in the country and love looking out over my field to watch the wildlife. Deer, squirrels, birds, woodchucks, and bunnies are all frequent visitors. I even have a little chipmunk that jumps into my lap and eats peanuts every morning! He has made cameo appearances in several of my videos and has his own picnic table with an acorn top.
If you could share one quote with others, what would it be?
You can’t stand out in a crowd if you do what everyone else does. Dare to be different and the person you were made to be!
I believe we are all given unique talents which we are to use to bless others. EVERYONE has a purpose. Once you figure out what it is, don’t let anyone or anything stop you.
