Ben and Erin Napier Share Early Relationship Insights
HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier reminisced about their relationship, revealing they knew early on they wanted to get married. Their paths crossed back in December 2004 at Jones County Junior College in Mississippi, where Erin interviewed Ben for a school article. Interestingly, just six days after that encounter, the couple made a commitment to each other.
In a discussion with Fox News Digital, they reflected on their immediate connection and how quickly they acknowledged the seriousness of their bond. “I feel fortunate to have known both of them,” Erin remarked, emphasizing that people often hesitate to express their feelings openly. “What if you plan to date someone forever, but they don’t feel the same? It makes you wonder—what’s the point?” she questioned.
After falling for each other, they both transferred to the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Ben proposed in 2007, and they tied the knot in November 2008 at the Paris Yates Chapel on the Ole Miss campus. The couple has since welcomed two daughters, Helen in 2018 and May in 2021.
The new season of “Hometown” is kicking off on January 4th at 8 PM ET/PT on HGTV.
During their interview, they stressed the significance of honesty in relationships, acknowledging the difficult moments that come with it. “It’s ultimately better to share the truth, even if it might hurt,” Erin stated. Ben chimed in, “At least then you know.”
Erin highlighted the transparency she encourages among young daters, sharing her conversations with friends who are uncertain about their dating dynamics. “When they say they’re unsure if someone likes them, I push them to ask directly,” she said.
Interestingly, the couple shared a story about a crew member who found success with open communication in his relationship. “They were upfront about everything from the start,” Ben noted. It became a running joke about how they laid all their cards on the table early on.
Reflecting on their creative partnership, Erin’s background in graphic design and Ben’s woodworking passion led to collaborative projects soon after they met, and the couple went on to revamp homes in Erin’s hometown, Laurel, Mississippi. They eventually co-founded Laurel Mercantile, a home goods store featuring American-made products.
Their big break into television came after Erin’s blog about their renovations caught the attention of HGTV producers. “Hometown,” a reality show focused on restoring historic homes, debuted in 2016, and they have since participated in various spinoffs.
When discussing working together, Ben mentioned the challenge of surprising each other due to their constant communication. “We’re practically an open book,” he noted. Erin added humorously, “It’s hard to hide anything when you’re together all the time.”
Erin and Ben also touched on the pressures of television appearances. “When you’re in the public eye, you can’t afford to have off days,” Ben reflected. Erin chimed in, recalling a famous saying from Taylor Swift about pushing through tough moments.
The upcoming season of “Hometown” will follow the couple in their renovations of both their historic home and various local properties, along with a significant project at the maternity ward of the South Central Regional Medical Center, where Erin was born and where her daughters were welcomed into the world.
Erin noted the personal connection to the hospital. “Many cherished moments occurred in that maternity ward, and I wanted to honor the people who worked there,” she explained, sharing her beloved memories.
As they honed in on the ward’s design, they focused on creating a warm, welcoming environment for families. “The lighting is crucial,” Erin emphasized. “We aimed for a homey feel.”
In summary, the Napiers shared insights into both love and collaboration, showing how essential communication and creativity are in their lives together.
