Hi, I’m Brittany Bailey (aka Pretty Handy Girl).
I am a licensed general contractor, artist, graphic designer, web designer, photographer, and lover of doing everything myself. I’m also a night owl who likes to sleep in on the weekends.
I despise stereotypes and am working hard to break down the stereotype that women aren’t handy. This site is for anyone who wishes they were handy and could make their own repairs, upgrades, or become a true do-it-yourselfer. You’ll find detailed tutorials (about home improvement, home repair, decor, craft, and sewing) to help you over the newbie hump. I’m also taking you along for the ride as I flip and renovate houses for fun.
How the heck did I get to be handy?
I grew up in Northern Virginia, the oldest of three daughters. My parents added onto our home three times during my childhood. During renovations, my mom and dad let me swing hammers and “help” them build. They instilled in me a belief that I could do anything a boy could do — if not better.
In 2001, my husband and I bought our first house in Raleigh, NC. Money was tight, so I learned how to fix things — one broken toilet at a time. In 2013, a leaky pipe turned into a major kitchen renovation. We fired the contractors and I took over the task of building back our kitchen from bare studs by myself.
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a few power tools. I enjoy the surprised look on faces when I explain that they are actually my power tools and I don’t usually let my husband (affectionately referred to as Pretty Handsome Guy) touch them.
Want to know more about me? Read this post filled with oodles of mundane facts about the girl behind the blog.
A wish to empower
My mantra is that if someone can do it, then there is a 95% chance that I can do it too! Join me as I show you some of the accomplishments and pitfalls of doing it yourself!
I love to hear from my readers
I enjoy answering questions, comments or getting feedback! I love getting random sweet notes in my inbox letting me know if I’ve encouraged you. Please, feel free to send me an email.
Brand Awareness Campaigns
I DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR LINKS. I DO NOT ACCEPT GUEST POSTS. I WON’T PUT YOUR LINK ON MY BLOG FOR FREE. Are you still reading? Do you want your product mentioned on my blog? Great! Let me ask you a few questions first. Is it DIY or home-related? Can I write a valuable post or tutorial around your product? Do you have a budget for sponsored posts? If the answer to all of these is YES, feel free to contact me: prettyhandygirl (at) gmail.com.
You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
You May Have Seen My Work In:
Just found your blog. Can’t wait for a rainy day to catch-up read all the older posts!
Hey Brittany! It’s very nice to ’virtually’ meet you! 😊
I found your blog while searching for ”Scrap Wood DIY Projects” for some inspiration while on Pinterest.
It was doubly exciting to find out that you’re also in North Carolina!!😎 My husband and I and all of our family, are born & raised North Carolinians. My Momma is from Raleigh. She grew up in Caraleigh, right between South Saunders & Wilmington St. My Daddy’s family & my husband’s family are all from Lillington. My parents met & married & settled down in Garner, so that’s where I grew up. My husband & I live outside of Lillington, smack dab between Fort Bragg & Sanford.
I can’t wait to see more of your projects. So far, everything I’ve seen is beautiful!!
And, I apologize for my rambling. It’s just, I really enjoy talking with people and between being a SAHM & living wayyyy out in the boondocks, I tend to ramble on when I do happen upon an ear, LOL.
Anyway… I reckon I’d better get on back to the project search, now that our 2nd child has now graduated and the ”baby” starting 10th grade, I’m gonna need lots & lots of projects! Haha
Nice to meet you too Felicia! Hopefully we’ll meet in person one day!
Hi Brittany. I found you on Instagram. You’re very inspiring. There is so much I want to do to my house but I’m afraid of messing up. I have no support and I’m hoping to get that from you. Thank you.
Hi Brittany! Fellow do it myself gal here! I just started a blog focused on inspiring Women to do it themselves also. I look forward to reading about your home improvement projects. I have signed up for your email list. Jeanne
I can’t find where to subscribe to your email blog. Thanks, Susan
Susan, if you are on desktop, there should be a widget on the sidebar to sign up for the newsletter and get the free e-book. Let me know if you don’t find it.
I am so happy to have found this page! We just moved into a hundred year old home in February and I’ve never felt more empowered and alive learning how to do it myself, from installing flooring to fixing drywall and teaching my daughter how to be handy too. Your inspiring!,,,
Welcome Maddie and good luck with your 100 year old house! I bet she’ll be beautiful when finished!
So glad I found you. I’m a woman of the same beliefs. I have lost both legs now and they’re above the knee so the challenge is to still be that woman without them. Feel like you will inspire me quite a bit. Keep up the great work.
Nice to virtually meet you Jeannie. I hope you find some DIY projects you can tackle. Sounds like you won’t let anything hold you back.
Howdy, Brittany!! Just found your site…don’t know why it has taken me this long. My husband and I work together on our projects (most of the time 😉 ) and he has recently joined Pinterest and finds things for us to make! We usually share our tools, but if a blade is dull or something is missing, I end up getting the blame. That’s okay though, because it is the same when it comes to my sewing machines. lol On that note, why is your brand/type of sewing machine not listed under “My Toolbox”? I am curious as to what type of machine you use for your projects. Can’t wait to have more time to look into your site.
Love from Texas,
Amanda
That’s a big oversight! I should list it in my tools. I have a Brother sewing machine. This is the one I have and I’ve used it for years and it’s still in great shape. http://amzn.to/2fkaglk (affiliate link)
Dear Britanny,
Just found your website. Thank you so much for being here.
At age 70, I realize that my hubby can’t or won’t fix the little things that he used to do, so I need to do what I can for myself.
The sink stopper in bathroom sink is broken and it’s driving me crazy. If I can get the elbow grease, I think I can do it. Just hoping my shoulder replacement will work.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Barbara
Barbara, welcome, so nice to meet you. I hope your shoulder behaves. Best of luck on your sink repair!
Wow Brittany! I must say I’m envious! You are so very lucky to have such a skill set & that your parents took the time to get you started at a young age. Of course girls can do these things, but it’s the “where do you learn” part that gets me. My dad & I always did yard projects together until he died when I was 15 and after that I didn’t have anyone to guide me. I thought changing out light fixtures and landscaping myself was pretty good. I’m going to check out the rest of your blog-can’t wait to see your projects. Go girl! 😀
I have been following along with your blog and social for about a year now and I’m just now reading your “About” page. I, too, am the oldest of 3 daughters. My father was a remodeling contractor while I was growing up, so I learned a lot about home improving through osmosis and being around his job sites. I can also relate to having ‘my’ tools that my husband can’t touch! Thanks for all you do to break down female stereotypes! I’m doing my best to do the same!
Chelsea, thank you so much for your comment! Us handy gals need to stick together. By the way, I already know you virtually as well and am a fan of your’s and your Dad’s. Let me know if you’re ever in North Carolina ;-).
And vice versa if you’re ever in Alabama or the Gulf Coast!
Will do!
Hi! I have this not so lovely counter top. Formica I believe, can’t take it any more, any ideas on something to resurface them and not to expensive and durable? They are the color, some where in between yellowish, not quite gold tone.. Help
I just stumbled upon your blog and must say I love your ingenuity and sense of humor. I shall return.
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