Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s widely popular show "Fixer Upper," have captured the hearts of people nationwide. The two own several successful Waco-based businesses together, including Magnolia Homes, which is central focus of the show, which premiered in 2014.
Joanna graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Communications, and a budding passion for interior design. Chip also attended Baylor and graduated with a degree in Business Administration, but the couple never met during their time spent at Baylor. It wasn’t until years later, when Chip saw a picture of Joanna behind the counter at her family’s shop, that he became interested in her. He said that the second he laid eyes on her, he knew she was the one. The two eventually met, and instantly fell in love; Joanna says Chip’s humor and ability to make her laugh won her over. In 2003, the couple opened their first business, Magnolia Market. After having two kids, they decided to close the Market to focus more on their growing family and construction business, Magnolia Homes.
With their rapidly growing businesses – check out Joanna’s new furniture line coming out in April – and the bright spotlight of the HGTV show, it seems almost impossible that the two are able to keep the spark alive.
Chip reflects on his ever-present, continuously growing love for Joanna in his blog. He writes, “This year I ran through a wall and almost separated my shoulder, dunked a basketball goal that then fell on me, jumped into the river, drank river water out of my boot, and quite a few other embarrassingly awesome things. What do all these have in common? They were all plots to impress Jo.”
In her online video testimony, which can be found here, Joanna explains why it is so incredibly important to put your faith in God’s plan. In her testimony, she shares a story of how she let go of her insecurities and doubts about Him, and how He worked in miraculous ways in her life. Faith plays a huge part in the couples' relationship. In fact, Chip has said that it's the foundation behind all the homes they build.
Check out the Gaines family home; a rustic fixer-upper farmhouse outside of Waco.
Joanna's inspiration for this house was to make it feel "kid-friendly." Her four kids - Drake (6), Ella Rose (5), Duke (3), and Emmie Kay (2) feel right at home. Chip even built the kids their very own tree house.
Check out season three on HGTV now, or catch up on the previous seasons on Netflix! Chip and Joanna are definitely #relationshipgoals.