Fans Reveal How Wacoans Really Feel About Chip And Joanna Gaines (It Isn't Good)

Chip and Joanna Gaines have become a constant fixture in Waco, Texas, the city where they live and work. From modest beginnings to hosting the renowned home renovation show Fixer Upper, the Gaineses have somewhat become the faces of their adopted hometown.

The famous HGTV couple are very polarizing, with many people having very contrasting views about them. On one hand, critics allege that they present fake details on Fixer Upper, leaving families with empty homes, as staged furniture is promptly removed once filming wraps.

On the other hand, there are those who can’t stop singing Chip and Joanna’s praises. Woodworker Clint Harp, for instance, featured in one episode of Fixer Upper in 2014, yet he has maintained his relationship with both more than a decade later.

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The Gaineses have built a life for themselves in Waco, but it would appear that the true sentiment among locals remains a topic of debate. Is the love for this celebrity couple genuine, or is there hidden discontent beneath the surface?

Wacoans Struggle To Celebrate Chip And Joanna Gaines’ Impact In The City

While Chip and Joanna Gaines might be household names in Waco, Texas, it would appear that their fame isn’t universally embraced in their hometown. Since Fixer Upper debuted over a decade ago on May 23, 2013, it has brought significant attention to Waco, but not everyone is thrilled with the changes.

Over on Reddit, a fan raised their concerns: “Sure, the [landmark] Silos [in downtown Waco] and their restaurant bring in tourists, but a lot of us worry that the Gaineses are pricing out lower-income residents and small businesses. Waco’s identity is shifting, and not everyone is happy about it.”

In February 2020, a report on Builder Online pondered whether Fixer Upper was in fact ruining Texas. The article claimed that Waco was attracting visitors and new residents, consequently raising home values and property taxes.

Waco’s economy would have likely benefited from the constant flow of tourists, but the impact on local infrastructure has been significant, at least according to residents. “Ever since Fixer Upper started, traffic around town has become unbearable. It’s like Waco isn’t for the locals anymore, but for tourists,” one post said, also on Reddit.

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Another added: “I used to visit my favorite café every morning, but now it’s always packed with tourists. It’s like my peaceful little routine has been hijacked by the Gaines mania.”

Chip Stands Out More Than Joanna Gaines Among Wacoans

Chip and Joanna Gaines might have great chemistry once the cameras start rolling, but off-camera, they are known to have contrasting personalities that influence how they are perceived by Wacoans.

More Comments About Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Influence in Waco

• “Yeah, I miss the gold old days of crazy religious cults. Now it’s just the cult of HGTV.”
• “White people are unused to being the victim of gentrification, but here we are.”
• “I love Chip and Joanna but sometimes she can be difficult and too demanding… ‘What Mama wants, Mama gets.'”

According to a Reddit user, “Chip stands out much more than Joanna. He’s the one everyone talks about—the goofy, charismatic guy who’s always up to something.” His frequent appearances at the Silos, where he interacts with fans and engages in various activities, have made him a beloved local figure.

However, this persona doesn’t always sit well with everyone. Some locals find his personality overwhelming, with one Reddit user noting, “Chip is pretty annoying.”

Behind the scenes, Chip is described as loud and outgoing. “Chip is loud and obnoxious like he is on TV, but in a harmless jock way,” said another, who claimed to have worked on three of their shows: “He’s friendly and definitely plays up his personality for the camera.”

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In contrast, Joanna is portrayed as a “consummate professional” who “doesn’t like filming more than she has to.” Known for being a “one-take wonder” and incredibly natural in front of the camera, those from Waco who have seen her in action claim that she brings a calm and composed presence to their projects.

Chip And Joanna Gaines Do Enjoy A Good Amount Of Support From Wacoans

While Chip and Joanna Gaines have clearly rubbed off many in Waco the wrong way, there still remain those in the local community who continue to rally behind the HGTV stars. These often vocalize their appreciation for the couple’s positive impact on their city.

Before Fixer Upper, Waco was probably best known around the world for very harrowing reasons. When Chip and Joanna’s hit show arrived on HGTV and started captivating audiences, the city was catapulted back into the national spotlight, and for a much more palatable reason.

This hasn’t gone unnoticed among the locals. “Chip and Joanna have done wonders for Waco… people are coming from all over to visit,” a comment on the same Reddit thread said, while another read: “The local economy has seen significant growth, with new shops, restaurants, and opportunities sprouting up as a result of the increased tourism.”

The Gaineses’ positive impact extends beyond business. Many Wacoans have expressed genuine gratitude for the couple’s philanthropic efforts and their commitment to uplifting the community. “Joanna genuinely cares about Waco,” one resident remarked. “She supports local charities and helps out with community events.”

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Even some who find Chip’s personality a bit overwhelming can appreciate the couple’s apparent commitment to their hometown. As one Redditor observed, “Sure, Chip can be a bit much sometimes, but you can tell he’s a genuine guy who loves Waco and wants to share that with the world.”

Chip And Joanna Gaines Have Faced A Myriad Of Legal Issues

Despite their success, Chip and Joanna Gaines have not been without their share of legal troubles. From lawsuits to regulatory fines, the couple’s rise to fame has been accompanied by numerous legal challenges.

In 2015, the EPA found that 33 homes featured on Fixer Upper had failed to adhere to safety standards of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), exposing residents and workers to the risk of lead poisoning.

As a result, Chip and Joanna were sued for five counts each on these homes. To settle the lawsuit, the couple paid a $40,000 fine and took extra steps to set up a lead abatement program in Waco, Texas.

In a separate episode, Chip was named in a fraud lawsuit filed by former business partners in 2017. The partners alleged that he persuaded them to sell their interest in Magnolia Realty for $2,500 each, without disclosing plans to develop the Fixer Upper reality TV show.

In spite of these legal challenges, Wacoans appear to have at the very least accepted the Gaineses as local celebrities. Still, they have to face many who believe that they have done more harm than good in the community.

Joanna Gaines

All the latest news on Joanna Gaines can be found here in our articles that feature her and things going on related to her.

Birthname

Joanna Lea Stevens

Birthdate

April 19, 1978

Birthplace

Wichita, Kansas

Current Spouse

Chip Gaines

Height

5′ 7″

Twitter

@joannagaines

Instagram

@joannagaines

Notable Projects

Fixer Upper

Profession

Interior Designer

Net worth

$50,000,000

Source of Wealth

Magnolia Farms

Nationality

American

Bio

In the world of interior design and home renovation, few names resonate as strongly as Joanna Gaines. With her impeccable sense of style, creative vision, and unwavering dedication to family, Joanna Gaines has become a household name and an inspiration to countless individuals looking to transform their living spaces into havens of comfort and beauty. Joanna’s journey from a small-town girl to a renowned entrepreneur and design maven is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion.

 

Early Life And Education

 

Joanna Gaines was born on April 19, 1978, in the picturesque town of Wichita, Kansas. She was the middle child of four children raised by her parents, Jerry and Nan King. Her childhood was imbued with a love for family, creativity, and the simple joys of life. Joanna’s parents instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

 

Joanna graduated in 2001 with a degree in Communications from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. It was during her college years that she met the man who would become her partner in both life and business, Chip Gaines. Chip’s entrepreneurial spirit and construction skills complemented Joanna’s design sensibilities, forming a perfect synergy that would shape their future endeavors.

 

After graduating from college, Joanna and Chip ventured into the business world, starting with a small home renovation project. This modest undertaking marked the beginning of their journey into the world of real estate and design. With limited resources but boundless enthusiasm, the couple embarked on a path that would soon lead them to unprecedented success.

 

Career

 

In 2013, Joanna and Chip Gaines received an opportunity that would change their lives forever—a chance to showcase their talents on a reality television show titled Fixer Upper. The show, which premiered on HGTV, followed the couple as they transformed dilapidated properties into stunning, functional homes. Joanna’s impeccable design sense, combined with Chip’s construction expertise and charismatic personality, quickly captured the hearts of viewers around the world.

 

Fixer Upper not only catapulted the Gaineses into the national spotlight but also laid the foundation for their own brand. Joanna’s distinctive farmhouse-chic aesthetic, characterized by neutral palettes, shiplap walls, and rustic accents, became a design phenomenon that inspired countless homeowners to embrace a blend of vintage charm and modern comfort.

 

Joanna and Chip Gaines expanded their empire with the launch of Magnolia Market in 2015. What started as a small home goods store in Waco, Texas, blossomed into a lifestyle brand that encompasses home décor, furniture, clothing, and more. Joanna’s design philosophy, rooted in authenticity and personal connection, resonated deeply with consumers seeking to infuse their living spaces with warmth and character.

 

The Gaineses’ vision extended beyond retail, leading to the establishment of Magnolia Home, a furniture line that showcases Joanna’s signature style. Her attention to detail, commitment to quality, and dedication to crafting pieces that tell a story have made Magnolia Home a staple in homes across the country.

 

In addition to their retail ventures, Joanna and Chip expanded their footprint in Waco with the Magnolia Silos, a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment that attracts visitors from far and wide. The Silos not only offer a glimpse into the Gaineses’ design ethos but also serve as a testament to their ability to create meaningful experiences for others.

 

Business Ventures

 

Beyond her role as a designer and entrepreneur, Joanna has also ventured into the realm of literature. Her books, including “The Magnolia Story” and “Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave,” offer insights into her journey, design philosophy, and practical tips for transforming living spaces into sanctuaries of comfort and style.

 

Personal Life

 

Throughout her journey, Joanna Gaines has consistently emphasized the importance of family and balance. Her marriage to Chip and their shared commitment to raising their five children—Drake, Ella, Duke, Emmie, and Crew—have remained at the forefront of their lives. ‘

 

Net Worth

 

Chip and Joanna have a combined net worth of $50 million from all their different endeavors, but it mostly comes from the Magnolia empire they have built.

 

Activism

 

Joanna and her husband, Chip Gaines, are big philanthropists. Primarily giving to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, but also many other good causes like disaster relief efforts and education initiatives. They believe in using their platform and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Additionally, Joanna is passionate about promoting sustainable living and has been involved in various environmental conservation projects. 

 

Controversy

 

When it became known that Joanna and Chip Gaines’ church held traditional views on marriage and homosexuality in 2016, a controversy erupted. This led to discussions about whether the Gaineses shared these views, sparking debates about their stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The couple chose to keep their personal beliefs private and refrained from making public statements on the matter. They have since emphasized their commitment to respecting all individuals and promoting inclusivity.

 

 In 2017, Chip and Joanna Gaines were sued by a former business partner who claimed that they had bought him out of Magnolia Realty without properly compensating him. The lawsuit alleged that the Gaineses used insider information to force him out of the business. The case was ultimately settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement were not publicly disclosed.

 

In 2018, Magnolia Home, Joanna Gaines’ furniture line, faced scrutiny when it was reported that some of its products contained levels of lead exceeding federal limits. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for some items, and Magnolia Home worked to address the issue and provide remedies for affected customers. The incident raised questions about quality control and product safety within the Magnolia brand.

 

Joanna Gaines faced accusations of cultural appropriation in relation to some design choices featured on Fixer Upper. Critics argued that some of the design elements incorporated into the homes renovated on the show were culturally insensitive or appropriative. The controversy highlighted broader discussions about cultural awareness and sensitivity in design and media.

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