Alt text: Chip and Joanna Gaines launch new TV shows with roller skating and hamster competitions.
When you think of Chip and Joanna Gaines, Fixer Upper is likely the first thing that comes to mind. The power couple became household names with their successful home renovation series, captivating viewers with their creativity, charm, and infectious chemistry. Their Magnolia Network has since grown into a beloved brand, offering a variety of home and lifestyle content. But now, Chip and Joanna are taking a bold leap with new projects that stray from their comfort zone and into uncharted territory. Their new slate of TV shows, including Roller Jam, Human vs. Hamster, and Second Chance Stage, might seem surprising to their fans, but it’s all part of their vision to evolve as entrepreneurs and creators. These shows are not just about building homes—they’re about creating joyful, authentic experiences for audiences.
This evolution marks a new chapter in Chip and Joanna’s entrepreneurial journey, demonstrating that true success comes from embracing risk and staying true to one’s core values. So, why are the Gaineses branching out into these new and unexpected shows? The answer lies in their deep-rooted belief that they must stay true to themselves and never do something just because it’s expected.
Staying Authentic: The Key to Their Success
One of the most important principles for Chip and Joanna is authenticity. Whether it’s designing homes or creating TV shows, they have always been committed to staying true to their values, their audience, and their own instincts. For Chip, it’s a matter of never compromising on what feels right. “The sword we refuse to die on is somebody forcing us to do something we don’t feel wonderful about,” he says. “We won’t put it out there just because it’s what people want or what’s expected. It’s got to feel right to us.”
This focus on authenticity has served them well throughout their careers. It’s why, when faced with the opportunity to create new shows, they weren’t interested in simply repeating what had worked in the past. Instead, they embraced new and unique concepts that feel authentic to who they are. While their earlier success was based on home renovations, they’ve realized that their audience connects with them not just because of their home design expertise but because of their genuine personalities and the joy they bring into everything they do.
The new shows they’re creating—such as Roller Jam and Human vs. Hamster—may seem like a departure from home renovation, but they share a common thread. These shows are about fun, laughter, and creating a sense of togetherness, just like the experiences Chip and Joanna have built with Magnolia. The Gaineses understand that their audience wants more than just home makeovers—they want to feel something, they want to connect, and they want to experience joy.
Alt text: Chip and Joanna Gaines take on new TV show projects that bring fun and authenticity to audiences.
More Than Just Home and Lifestyle: A Deeper Mission with Magnolia
Magnolia has always been about more than just the aesthetic of a home. It’s about the emotional connection that a space, a product, or even a show can foster between people. It’s about creating memories that people can cherish, no matter their age, background, or interests. As Joanna put it, “When we step back and see who’s coming to the shops, it’s every age. It’s a girl’s group of friends, it’s a grandma, a grandpa, and grandkids—it’s family.” For Chip and Joanna, community is at the heart of everything they do. Whether it’s in their stores, their magazine, or through the Magnolia Network, the goal is to create a sense of belonging and connection.
For the Gaineses, home renovation shows like Fixer Upper were just one way to connect with people. The goal has always been to build a brand that is about creating meaningful moments—whether that means designing a beautiful living room or creating a shared experience for people to enjoy on screen. Through their Magnolia brand, they want to continue inspiring people to gather together and celebrate the joys of life.
Their new shows reflect this vision. Shows like Roller Jam, which taps into nostalgia for the roller-skating era, and Human vs. Hamster, which adds an element of humor and competition, are designed to bring people together in a lighthearted, engaging way. These aren’t just TV shows—they’re opportunities for families and friends to sit down and share something memorable. Chip and Joanna understand that entertainment is about more than just what’s on the screen—it’s about what happens when you press play and enjoy something with the people you care about.
Risk-Taking and Growth: How They Push Each Other
Chip and Joanna’s business journey has always been about taking risks—albeit in different ways. Chip, known for his optimism and eagerness to jump into new ideas, thrives on risk and uncertainty. He is naturally drawn to the unknown, the challenge, and the potential for success that comes with venturing into new territory. “Life is just one big experiment,” Chip often says. He’s the one who encourages the team—and Joanna—to go beyond their comfort zones and embrace opportunities, even when they feel uncertain.
On the other hand, Joanna has always been more cautious. While she has a natural talent for creativity and business strategy, her instinct is to avoid risks, preferring to stick with what is tried and true. However, over the years, she has learned to trust Chip’s instincts and embrace the risks that come with growing their brand. As Joanna herself puts it, “The more I exercised that muscle [of risk-taking], the more exhilaration I could feel.”
Despite their differing approaches to risk, Chip and Joanna complement each other perfectly. Joanna, who once viewed risk as something to be avoided, now sees it as an opportunity for growth. “I feel like most of what we built has been pretty instinctive,” she said, speaking about their success as a couple and as business partners. The willingness to take risks, experiment, and push boundaries has allowed them to evolve both as entrepreneurs and as people.
Their dynamic shows that taking risks isn’t just about big business moves; it’s about personal growth, too. While Chip finds excitement in uncertainty, Joanna’s growth in embracing risk is perhaps an even more significant accomplishment. Together, they show that the journey to success isn’t always about being fearless—it’s about learning to face fear and take action anyway.
Trusting Their Instincts: The Secret to Their Success
At the core of Chip and Joanna’s success is their ability to trust their instincts. From the moment they decided to start Fixer Upper, they knew it was something they could do well. But they didn’t stop there. As they expanded their brand and launched new ventures, they remained true to what felt right to them. Whether it’s designing a home or creating a TV show, the decisions they make come from a place of gut instinct—a willingness to follow what feels authentic, rather than what seems popular or profitable.
Joanna, in particular, has come to value this approach. She has learned that even if something makes sense on paper, if it doesn’t feel right, it’s not worth pursuing. “Even though it makes sense to say yes to this, if we’re not feeling it, we’re still gonna say no,” she said. This commitment to staying true to their instincts has allowed Chip and Joanna to build a brand that resonates with people on a deep, emotional level.
In a world where trends come and go, Chip and Joanna have managed to stay relevant by remaining authentic to their mission. They understand that the foundation of their success is built on genuine passion, and they continue to lead their brand with this guiding principle.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Taking Risks While Staying True to Yourself
The Gaineses’ journey offers a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs: success doesn’t come from always playing it safe. Sometimes, the greatest rewards come from stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. Whether it’s launching a new product, creating an unconventional TV show, or simply saying “yes” to opportunities that feel right, embracing the unknown can be the key to growth.
Chip and Joanna have shown that entrepreneurial success isn’t just about making money or following trends. It’s about building something that feels authentic and meaningful, and doing it in a way that brings people together. As they continue to evolve and take risks, they remain committed to their mission of creating memorable, joyful experiences for their audience.
If there’s one thing entrepreneurs can take away from Chip and Joanna’s story, it’s this: Stay true to who you are. Trust your instincts, embrace the risks that come with growth, and never lose sight of the passion that got you started in the first place.
