Some people have 'it.' Since the days of the iconic TV show, The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was on the air, homes and homemaking have been a large part of the entertainment industry. In recent years we have seen shows like the Property Brothers, MTV Cribs, and even Martha Stewart capture the hearts of millions of viewers.
Likewise, people are in love with Erin and Ben Napier. The happy couple met in 2004 at Jones County Junior College in Mississippi. Ben was a church minister and very involved in clubs and activities. Surprisingly, Erin found herself nervous about being around him.
Ben recounts that he loved Erin's pixie cut. Ben confessed he did not know the name of his future wife's iconic style, only that he loved it. Soon, they connected and decided almost a week later; they would be married.
Who Are Ben And Erin Napier?
Erin and Ben were married in 2008, subsequently making a life together in Laurel, Mississippi. The story of their fame is somewhat like a fairy tale.
The couple also runs a Laurel Mercantil Co. company that features some of Ben's handmade woodworking projects. The Napier's partner with other families in Laurel. Laurel Mercantil Co. features a variety of products, such as home goods like candles, butcher blocks, and pillows. They also have apparel like Ben's iconic flannel shirts and comfy sweatshirts and T-shirts. They proudly assert all Laurel Mercantil products are produced in the United States. They recently opened two retail locations. So, it should come as no surprise the hardworking couple is doing well financially.
How Erin And Ben Got Cast On Home Town
The couple made their way onto the TV via social media. Essentially, the pair were being themselves. Erin and Ben gathered Instagram followers by displaying how they decorated their 100-year-old home. One of those new followers was a TV producer.
After some time, the producer contacted the couple admitting they had stalked them on social media for quite some time. Their show Home Town premiered on HGTV in 2016. This goes to show that it pays to be your authentic self. Perhaps that's why their TV show, Home Town, bears the hallmarks of authenticity that some other HGTV shows lack notoriously. Erin and Ben
While the couple has millions of fans, they prioritize being parents two their two daughters. As a result, the couple directed their creative efforts toward a children's book called The Lantern House.
The book is inspired by the little Napiers, Helen and Mae. Erin explains how her experience of renovating houses inspired her. Erin Napier feels that homes are somewhat alive as lives pass in and out of them. Families are akin to chapters of the house's energy. She thinks that children will connect with young readers. She declares it is a "return to classic children's literature" as the house is an "ever-present member of the family."
The Lantern House tells the story from the house's point of view. It watches over its occupants as they live, grow, celebrate, and grieve together. The book went on sale in May 2022. It garnered a lot of notice on Instagram as well. Erin remarks that one of her most significant childhood literary influences was CS Lewis.
A dialog ensued regarding how her followers felt about their family homes and beloved childhood literature. People consider the book an excellent concept.
People love that Ben and Erin recruited their family members' home renovation in their show. It displayed a lot of love that they would be there to guide them step by step. Erin and Ben provide the wholesome TV experience that many people connect with year after year. One commenter stated that Ben was a "national treasure." Home Town is currently in its sixth season.
What's Next for Ben and Erin?
The Napiers have filmed a movie just in time for the Christmas season. The film is called a Christmas Open House. The production took a week to film. They play a married couple that renovates homes. Without a doubt, they nailed these roles. While it's nice that HGTV built a production around the Napiers, we hope they won't leave their day jobs for Hollywood anytime soon.
Ben and Erin also expanded their brand into a new TV show called Home Town Kickstart. This show's premise is something akin to Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Chef Ramsey goes to restaurants offering his skill and expertise to struggling restaurant owners. Similarly, Erin and Ben will travel to help designers and builders with the challenges of their projects. HGTV star Jasmine Roth among other familiar and new faces will also be a part of the show. The show lasts for six episodes.
Erin and Ben do not show any signs of stopping. Millions of fans will expectantly wait to see what Ben and Erin Napier have in store.