Joanna Gaines is a multi-talented celebrity who works as an interior designer, TV personality, and writer. She and her husband Chip Gaines co-hosted Fixer Upper, a popular home renovation show that debuted on HGTV in 2013.
Early Life
Joanna Gaines and Chip both attended Baylor University, but they were not acquainted during their time there. She pursued a degree in communications and initially had plans to become a broadcast journalist.
However, they crossed paths when she was working part-time at her father’s tire shop in Waco, Texas, where Chip would bring his vehicles for maintenance.
Legend has it that Joanna’s picture was displayed behind the counter, prompting Chip to make frequent visits to the store in hopes of running into her.
He also began to see her in the local commercials for the tire store, further fueling his longing to meet her in person. Finally, in 2001, their long-awaited encounter took place. Chip’s first words were, “Hey, you’re the girl from the commercials.”
At the beginning of their relationship, Chip and Joanna encountered a rough start when he arrived one hour late for their initial date. However, they were able to build a strong bond and eventually fell in love. They tied the knot in May 2003 and now have five children.
Just a month after their wedding, they successfully renovated and sold their first house. Shortly after getting married, Chip and Joanna launched their first “Magnolia Market” home decor store.
Joanna Gaines’ Career
After catching the attention of HGTV producers, Chip and Joanna Gaines‘ business of renovating and designing homes was featured on the network. With the help of the team behind “Cake Boss,” their show “Fixer Upper” debuted in May 2013.
Joanna and Chip have been involved in over 100 home renovations during the show’s duration until 2018. The average budget for their buyers is approximately $200,000, with an additional $30,000 for desired renovations.
The couple is located in Waco, Texas and they also own Magnolia Market and Magnolia Realty. In the past, there have been speculations about one or both of them leaving the show, which were confirmed to be accurate in 2018.
A lawsuit was initiated in April 2017 for $1 million against Gaines’ TV show Fixer Upper by former business associates from Magnolia Real Estate Company. The legal action claimed that Gaines failed to inform partners John L. Lewis and Richard L. Clark about his agreement with HGTV to purchase their shares.
According to both individuals, he allegedly gave $2,500 for their stocks without disclosing confidential information. A lawyer representing Chip stated,
“We are confident that these claims will be found to be merit-less, and it is disappointing to see people try to take advantage of the hard work and success of Chip and Joanna Gaines.”
In July 2023, a resolution was reached outside of the courtroom.
The popular show “Fixer Upper” was brought back to television in 2021 by Magnolia Network, a new network that replaced DIY Network, a sister channel of HGTV.
The revival began in January with the premiere of “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home” on Discovery+. In 2022, “Fixer Upper: The Castle” aired, and “Fixer Upper: The Hotel” is set to premiere in 2023.
Net Worth
Joanna Gaines is an American entrepreneur, expert in home remodeling and design, and popular TV star. She has a total net worth of $50 million, which she shares with her spouse, Chip Gaines. Her fame largely stems from her appearances on the HGTV show Fixer Upper.
