Jenn Todryk, the designer and television personality known for her work on HGTV’s “No Demo Reno,” has decided to step back from the show after three successful seasons. The 37-year-old, who is also a mother of three, reflects on the challenging balance between her professional ambitions and family commitments that ultimately led to her decision.
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In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, Todryk stated that her growing fatigue from both starring in and producing the series prompted her to reassess her priorities. “I needed to prioritise my family,” she expressed, acknowledging the exhausting yet rewarding nature of her role. With her children—son Von and daughters Berkley and Vivienne—clinging to her during filming, Todryk realised that she didn’t want their childhoods to be dominated by her work schedule.
The Instagram post in which she announced her decision resonated with many. Alongside a heartfelt photograph of her filming an episode while one of her children played nearby, she conveyed her determination to keep her home a supportive environment rather than a production set. “I didn’t want their home and safe space to feel like a set,” she reiterated, emphasising her desire for her children to experience their childhood freely and unencumbered by her career.
Todryk began her journey with “No Demo Reno” back in 2018, shortly after giving birth to Vivienne. Since then, she has experienced significant changes in her family life, including experiencing pregnancies while also designing and overseeing renovations for various projects. Interestingly, rather than scaling back her involvement, she expanded her role on the show, effectively taking on the duties of an executive producer by the second season.
Her position was not just a title; it came with considerable responsibilities. “I had a hand in everything,” Todryk explained, detailing how she oversaw the designs and production details, managed schedules, and influenced the overall tone of the show. By incorporating more personal elements such as her humour and improvised interactions, she was able to infuse her unique personality into the episodes, contributing further to their success.
However, the evolving demands of her dual role as a producer and mother took their toll. She confronted the harsh reality of exhaustion, feeling spread thin as she juggled filming and parenting responsibilities. She even enforced strict timeframes for filming, insisting that work hours should be confined to the daytime, recognising the importance of being present for her children’s activities.
Todryk admitted that while she was deeply invested in her work, the intense schedule often left her drained when she returned home. “I felt like I wasn’t being my most energetic mum when I was with them,” she revealed, illustrating the conflicting demands of her career versus her family life.
Reflecting on her health, Todryk shared that she deals with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting her thyroid, which compounded her feelings of fatigue and stress. The combination of professional pressures and personal health challenges led her to question whether her efforts were truly beneficial for her family. “This is really cool, but it’s pretty self-serving,” she recalled pondering, as she felt her husband was shouldering much of the family responsibilities.
Ultimately, when the strain became overwhelming, Todryk made a pivotal choice to take a step back from her television career. Realising that she had the option to press “pause,” she informed HGTV of her decision, feeling confident it was the right move for her and her family. “I worked really hard to create a successful show, and leaving felt like a significant shift,” she noted.
Now, in this new chapter, Todryk is focusing on content creation and nurturing her relationships with her children and husband, Mike. Expressing excitement about her future endeavours, she stated, “I get to do my fun thing, which is show up on social media, create a community, and embrace my uniqueness.”
Jenn Todryk’s journey is a reminder of the challenges faced by many working parents, illustrating the importance of finding balance and recognising when to take a step back for the sake of one’s family and personal health. As she transitions away from “No Demo Reno,” her commitment to motherhood and wellbeing remains at the forefront of her priorities, allowing her to pursue creative outlets on her own terms.