How 'Small Town Potential' Hosts Davina and Kristen Met and Fell in Love
We've got some insider info on one of HGTV's newest power-couple duos, Small Town Potential's Davina Thomasula and Kristin Leitheuser.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2023/4/6/0/RX_JCRO101_JCRO101.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1707275181716.jpeg)
Davina Thomasula and Kristin Leitheuser, hosts of HGTV's Small Town Potential.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/David-Haynes/Headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.suffix/1436475942968.jpeg)
There's a new and welcome addition to HGTV's extensive roster of power couples: the genial and energetic co-hosts of HGTV's new series Small Town Potential, Davina Thomasula and Kristin Leitheuser.
It's About Chemistry
Aside from home improvement, decorating and design, there's another mainstay of HGTV that keeps viewers coming back: the love stories. Think Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV's Home Town, Dave and Jenny Marrs of Fixer to Fabulous, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson of Married to Real Estate. And that list is by no means exhaustive. Let's not forget the brotherly love (and good-natured sibling rivalry) between Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott. Fans can't get enough of the stories behind these real-life relationships.
So who are Kristin and Davina? What's their story? How did they meet? We've got you covered.
Small Town Potential 101
In the captivating new series — which premieres Sunday, March 3 at 9|8c — HGTV ventures into New York's Hudson Valley. For the network, it's a heretofore untapped region rich with the picturesque towns, homes and locales that pique the interest of HGTV aficionados. The upstate communities along the scenic Hudson River are situated in easy proximity to the bustle of New York City, but the pace is markedly different, and the landscape is lush and green. It's a powerful draw for city expats eager to embrace a more homey and easygoing lifestyle.
And there's no shortage of older homes — homes with tons of charm, character and history. "That's why so many people are moving here," says Davina, "Each town has so much to offer and so much potential … Even if you’ve lived here your whole life, you continue to discover things you didn’t realize existed."
Get to Know Davina and Kristin
Davina is a designer and real estate agent with a penchant for historic homes and restoration. She was born in Buffalo, New York, but grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. She founded the New York-based foodie-friendly website forknplate.com. She also worked in New York as a bartender for 15 years and, at a different location on the lifestyle spectrum, as a real estate agent for Keller Williams' New York offices. In addition to her real estate endeavors and newfound HGTV stardom, Davina is also proud co-owner of Goodnight Kenny, a tiny but distinctive neighborhood cocktail bar located in Poughkeepsie, New York. She and her partner, Kristin, are both involved in the day-to-day operation of the bar.
Kristin is a Hudson Valley native who grew up in Pleasant Valley, New York, a town between New York City and the state capital of Albany. She's tall (5'11") and, in case you were wondering, yes she did play basketball. She's a contractor and a builder and works with her dad, Don Leitheuser, also a contractor and an accomplished woodworker. She spent summers between college working with her dad on construction projects and always wanted to follow in his footsteps. Kristin brings the construction expertise, practical dedication — and loads of enthusiasm — to the renovations featured on Small Town Potential.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/unsized/2023/4/RX_JCRO102_TALENT_POSE_8.jpg)
Kristin and her dad, Don Leitheuser.
Davina and Kristin's Love Story
A designer and real-estate pro matched up with a builder and contractor. Sounds like a match made in HGTV heaven, right? It is, but that's only part of the story. Aside from being business partners and HGTV co-hosts, Kristin and Davina are committed life partners as well. The two are engaged (no dates set as of yet) and have been together for almost a decade.
How did it all begin? As Kristin told HGTV, "After college, I played on a New York City area recreational basketball team and once, after a game, we went to a bar because someone knew the bartender — who turned out to be Davina! I played it safe and ordered a Guinness ... and the rest is history."
In a post on Kristin's Instagram, she offered these loving words on Davina's birthday: "Happy Birthday my love! You are the hardest working individual I know and deserve nothing but the best EVERY day — not just this special day. I love you with all my heart. I believe in you and will be by your side for as long as you will have me."