Bio
Jessica Yonker is an editor for HGTV and its sister brands. She currently produces site content that supports HGTV and Food Network shows and talent and writes a biweekly newsletter for Food Network. She also supports Warner Brothers Discovery’s studio initiatives through creation of custom site content for franchises like Beetlejuice and Barbie. She has more than 14 years of experience as a writer and editor in lifestyle media.
Highlights
- 14+ years of lifestyle media experience in the home, garden and food space
- 10+ years experience email newsletter marketing
- 10+ years experience shooting photography and social video
- Master gardening and gardening experience
Experience
Jessica began her multimedia career in 2012 as a programming intern for HGTV while studying journalism at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, being hired on as a full-time editor and relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, shortly after graduation.
Over the years, Jessica has done everything from social media and email marketing to content creation and video production. She has worked with editors, publishers and freelancers to produce hundreds of articles and photo galleries and has more than 10 years of experience writing email newsletters for HGTV and Food Network. She is a photographer whose work is frequently featured on HGTV.com, has covered events like Dragon Con and Bonnaroo and her photography has been featured in The New York Times. She has also conceptualized, shot and hosted videos for HGTV’s YouTube channels.
Jessica is passionate about finding ways to uplift marginalized voices through her work, producing content featuring diverse designers, artists and chefs and has been a guest speaker for Diversify Social Media, a program that offers free training, information sessions and network opportunities BIPOC interested in social media.
Jessica is a certified Master Gardener from the University of Tennessee. She is an expert in apartment gardening, having nurtured several balcony vegetable gardens, a plot in a community garden and her large collection of houseplants.
Education
Jessica graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media and a minor in Information Science in 2012. She serves on the College of Communication and Information’s Alumni Board and was named Alumni of the Year by the college in 2024. Jessica is also a certified Master Gardener through the University of Tennessee.
Tour Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery 25 Photos
In response to trend report that showed growing interest in cemetery tourism, Jessica conceptualized a feature on Oakland Cemetery, setting up and producing the photo shoot, interviewing the team, editing the article by writer Gloria Ballard and contribuiting photography to the final piece.
Creative Genius
Jessica edits and produces content featuring diverse creators under the Creative Genius digital series, which showcases artists and makers and their work.
Tour a Seamstress and Vintage Collector's Retro Tennessee Home and Creative Space
From crafting charming retro-inspired pieces to building a thriving creative business, SewRena invites us into her vintage-obsessed world of sewing and whimsical experimentation.
HGTV Home
Jessica Yonker worked as a site lead for HGTV Home (formerly HGTV Handmade), one of HGTV's popular digital series and YouTube channels, for over 5 years, working with video and production teams to create site content to pair with and support the channel's videos.
HGTV On Set With
Jessica is the site lead for HGTV On Set With, a digital series that hosts exclusive interviews with set and production designers behind the scenes of hit Warner Brothers Discovery movies and tv shows.
Jessica's Articles
Drew and Jonathan Scott Competed on 'The Amazing Race' — on HBO Max's 'Hacks' Jun 9, 2026
The final season of Hacks included a cameo from HGTV's Property Brothers.
Can a Potting Soil Mix Bring a Plant Back From the Dead? Apparently, Yes Jun 8, 2026
Rosy Soil aimed to take the mystery out of potting soil. Now, they're heading outdoors.
17 Amazing Etsy Shops, According to an HGTV Editor Nov 25, 2025
If it's handmade, vintage, weird or one-of-a-kind, you can bet you'll find it on Etsy. Shop small (without ever leaving your home! …
The Artist Who Made This $5,000 Christmas Tree Featured on 'Hoarding for the Holidays' Is an HGTV Favorite Nov 24, 2025
And he makes Christmas decor for more modest budgets, too.
A Guide to Duck Houses Mar 10, 2025
Here are 11 things to consider when building a home for backyard ducks.
Buy Cookbooks From Black Chefs and Authors Jun 14, 2024
Add more diversity, variety and flavor to your culinary library with cookbooks and reads from renowned Black chefs and authors.
I Tried Big Fig’s Mattress for Plus-Size Sleepers May 1, 2024
After weeks of unbearable nights on a completely worn, sagging mattress, I turned to Big Fig, a bed-in-a-box mattress company cate …
The Plus-Size Mattress Guide: The Best Beds for Heavy Sleepers You Can Buy Online Apr 2, 2024
The good, the bad, the affordable — I logged over 75 hours researching durable beds for plus-size sleepers so you don't have to.
Shop Spring Gardening Essentials From Hilton Carter's New Plant Care Line at Target Apr 1, 2024
Hilton Carter is back with a new line at Target, launching a stylish collection of planters, garden tools, home decor, live housep …
21 Questions With Hilton Carter Dec 19, 2023
We asked the beloved plant stylist, artist and author our most pressing questions. Read the AMA to get Hilton Carter's expert grow …
I Got a TUSHY Bidet and Everything Is Different Now Jun 22, 2023
I should have done it years ago. Bidets are common in countries all over the world and have been for centuries, but they’ve been s …
For a Cooler Night's Sleep, Try SHEEX Sheets and Bedding May 19, 2023
Founded by two former basketball coaches, this athletic gear-inspired bedding brand offers up soft, silky sheets, pillows and comf …
The Ultimate Tea Party Guide: The Best Ideas and Buys for Hosting a Grown-Up Tea Party Apr 5, 2023
Why should dolls and stuffed animals have all the fun? Consider these ways to ring in the spring with a golden afternoon.
This May Just Be the Last Beach Towel You'll Ever Need Apr 25, 2022
Whether it's a picnic in the park or catching some rays on your next beach vacation, the sand-resistant, quick-drying Sand Cloud t …
Winterizing Hydrangeas Oct 6, 2021
Learn how to care for hydrangeas in the winter so these beauties will shine next summer.
Why a Cooler Backpack Is My New Favorite Travel Essential Sep 15, 2021
For all of life's little (and big) adventures, take this top-rated soft cooler backpack for a spin.
How to Care for Succulents May 17, 2021
Even seasoned gardeners have seen succulents perish under their care. Read our growing guide to help keep them happy indoors and o …
50 Pieces of Art You Can Buy on Etsy Aug 3, 2020
There's a whole world of art on Etsy. Whether you're a casual collector or an art museum curator-in-training, shop unique wall art …
3 Bulk Gifts You Can Make in a Clear Ornament Dec 6, 2019
Check off everyone on your list with these double-duty Christmas tree ornament gifts.
Your Expert Shopping Guide to Surviving a Summer Music Festival Apr 23, 2019
Be the hero your squad deserves.
What Are Your Flowers Saying? Jan 22, 2016
Send your valentine the perfect message with help from this fun flower symbolism quiz. Test your knowledge of popular Valentine's …
