As a licensed contractor, personal trainer, TV star and host of "Sweat Equity," Amy Matthews is constantly working on something.

At the ripe age of 14, Matthews got her first taste of home improvement when she traveled with her church youth group to repair homes for families in need. For the next several years, she tackled similar fix-it-up projects through various organizations. From underpinning to building porches to tarring a tin roof, she learned the most important tools for home renovation are patience and a good sense of humor!

After studying at Boston University and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, Matthews returned to her native Minnesota where she continued to hone her do-it-yourself skills with The Family Handyman magazine. For the magazine, she's done everything from outdoor repairs and projects to new product demonstrations. She is also a personal trainer, certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Her film and television credits include leading roles in three independent feature films and numerous national and regional commercials.

She inspires people to tackle just about any home improvement task as she hosts shows on HGTV and DIY, including "Renovation Raiders," "Sweat Equity," "Bathroom Renovations," "Blog Cabin," and "This New House."

She also is a co-founder of And Now She Rises, a non-profit that empowers women who have been in abusive relationships, from victimhood to victory.

Lifestyle Professionals, Home & Garden Personalities, Entertainers, Reality TV, HGTV, Television Personalities, Celebrity Broadcasting, Journalism,