The world fell in love simultaneously with a small town in Texas called Waco and the couple that reintroduced the world to it–Chip and Joanna Gaines. When HGTV first aired the show Fixer Upper, we were immediately all drawn to the infectious and impossibly cute dynamic the couple had. You can call it true love or you can call it good programming. Whatever it was, the Gaines couple had it and we were both envious and intrigued, not only with their family dynamic but also with their work. Nobody knew shiplap could be so attractive until they told us so. Actually, not many people really knew what shiplap was to begin with.
Now, five years down the road after the show started, demo day has become a hashtag and the Gaines couple have reached “couple goals” status. Their wholesome approach to living was inspiring, but it was really Chip’s work and Joanna’s designs that have elevated their family business. They’ve turned farmhouse designs into an addiction. They’ve also turned Waco into a tourist attraction. The Fixer Upper show has turned them into household names, and it has also helped them venture out and grow their many business even further.
Since its first season, we’ve seen the Magnolia business grow from a simple farm and market into an entire empire. Their Magnolia Market alone has grown exponentially. People from all over the world visit the Magnolia Silos and the Magnolia Boutique to get their hands on some of Joanna’s curated goods. They’ve also opened up a Magnolia Bakery close by. In addition, the couple purchased an old diner and turned it into Magnolia Table, a restaurant that specializes in hometown breakfast style meals. They even started a realty business, Magnolia Realty. All of these happened while their own construction and design company, Magnolia Homes, were growing as well. There were also a couple of books published along the way: The Magnolia Story and Magnolia Table, which is a recipe book.
After renovating over 100 shows on Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna are finally ready to move on. The show is airing its final episode this month after five wonderful seasons of great designs, lots of laughter, and just the best company altogether. Chip and Jo have made us all feel like part of their family. We’re surely going to miss watching this lovely couple on TV, but knowing these two, they can’t possibly just stop there.
So what’s next for Chip and Jo? Fixer Upper is actually getting a spinoff that will focus on Joanna and her designs. The new show will be called Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, and although it’ll focus on Joanna and whatever inspires her to come up with her ideas, we’re sure we’ll see a glimpse of Chip from time to time. Other than that, the family has plenty of things to look forward to. Apart from having another member of their family coming soon, they have all their other ventures to focus on and expand. We wouldn’t completely hate it if they come out with a totally new show featuring their entire family. We’d love it, as a matter of fact, and probably wouldn’t miss an episode.
