Hey y'all! hope you are having an amazing day so far. Today I introduce you to Spotlight by Let's Talk Nation which will be updated once or twice a month on Mondays. This segment was designed to recognize people doing great things in their communities. We started this part of the website to encourage people to step out and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you are a teacher shaping young minds, an entrepreneur who took that leap of faith to launch a business or a philanthropist who has decided that this life is not just about you, but about others as well, we want to encourage the individuals to keep going, and also for others to come along side with them.
Pictured above: Chip & Joanna Gaines
Photo Cred: @joannagaines
This Monday, we focus our spotlight on Chip and Joanna Gaines. OK, who else loves the hit show on HGTV ,Fixer Upper? Chip & Joanna (the stars of the show) are forces to be reckoned with in the home improvement and interior design world. They both bring creativity, uniqueness and loads of fun to the show. I got hooked on this show because I had not seen anything quite like it and well partly because I secretly think I can conquer the interior design world. Joanna is great at what she does and never fails to leave me astonished once a project wraps up. I am always like, how in the world did she come up with an idea like that? she must have some super powers. Sad to report that after five seasons, the show has come to an end. But that is not all there is dynamic duo.
Their journey together began when they met, while Joanna was working at her father’s Firestone automotive shop. Chip came in to get his car fixed and that was when he noticed the beautiful Joanna. The pair eventually hit off and got married not too long after they met, and they started their family soon after. Joanna shares in her book (The Magnolia Story) of how her husband always pushed her towards achieving her dreams. She says “Chip had this way of turning far-off dreams into something that seemed real and achievable in an instant. He filled me up with a confidence I’d never known. He made me believe I could actually do it. So I did.”
With no background in design whatsoever or any formal education in renovating houses, Chip and Joanna were able to turn a run-down 1920’s Tudor style house into a masterpiece which gained recognition in some regional magazines at the time. Then the opportunity for HGTV’s Fixer Upper came along. In the show they transform homes into masterpieces. With both of them bringing their expertise in construction and design, the show became an instant hit.
Pictured above: A Fixer Upper Project for HGTV
Photo Cred: @joannagaines
With the ongoing success of the show, Chip and Joanna turned their little city of Waco into a tourist attraction bringing in 30,000 to 40,000 tourists per week into the city (now that will boost the economy). They also run several businesses such as the Magnolia Market, an online household design store and as well as a physical store located at The Silos, in Waco Texas. Magnolia Warehouse Shop, Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Realty, Magnolia Table, Magnolia Design and Construction, just to name a few.
This couple through their various businesses have created countless job opportunities for the people of Waco, Texas and have also boosted their economy. This is all because they took that step of faith, to start something that they did not even envision to be this big. They give their all to their various businesses and the success they achieve, speaks for itself. Although I am a little sad to see Fixer Upper go, I believe that they have greater things ahead for themselves.
Pictured Above: Magnolia Table
Picture Cred: @magnolia
Pictured above: Silos Baking Co.
Picture Cred: @magnolia
The couple recently announced that they are expecting their 5th child. Their show may be over, but this vibrant couple has no plans of stopping yet. They continue to build and flip homes for clients through their design and construction company (Magnolia Design & Construction), also Joanna has two new books coming out soon, a cookbook titled Magnolia Table and a design book where she continues to share design tips with the general public.
I trust you can now see why the SPOTLIGHT is on Chip & Joanna Gaines this week, and are encouraged to take that leap of faith to do what God created you to do and make a difference. This quote from Joanna brings it all together, "life works when you trust in God and His plans for your life rather than focusing on your own." One big lesson I learned while reading The Magnolia Story, is that God has the best plans for your life. All you need is that one step, and the right people in your corner to push you towards achieving your dreams (God's plans). This will in turn, make a difference in your society and even the world, because if you can touch one life, you can touch the entire world. You will never know the difference you can make if you don’t try.
If you know anyone making a difference in their community and will like them to be featured here, leave a comment below and let me know. Have a blessed day and week ahead. Comment, share, like and subscribe!
To learn more about Chip and Joanna Gaines check out their book The Magnolia Story and website Magnolia.com.
You can purchase the book on amazon.com
(it's a great read!)