Joanna Gaines experienced great success during her time on “Fixer Upper,” but at some point, she and her husband, Chip, decided they needed to step back. Even amidst the peak of their fame, they chose to walk away from the nonstop demands of their careers, despite pressure from their team to continue. Looking back, Joanna described feeling a sense of “soul weariness.”
In a recent podcast appearance, she shared how they realized they were merely going through the motions, lacking true fulfillment. “When you start realizing you’re living on a thing that’s now… the intentionality is gone, and you’re just showing up… that doesn’t feel fulfilling,” she reflected. It prompted both of them to pause and reassess what was truly important: their health, happiness, and family.
“Fixer Upper” made the couple well-known TV personalities, yet even as the show gained popularity, they recognized that they couldn’t sustain the pace forever. The series debuted in 2013 and showcased their ability to transform run-down homes into beautiful spaces in Waco, Texas, all while cultivating their Magnolia brand.
In September 2017, they announced that they would end “Fixer Upper” after its fifth season. Joanna mentioned that they had devoted almost 25 years to building their business, but about three years ago, they began to lose sight of their vision and purpose.
They decided to take a summer break, but this choice wasn’t without its consequences. Joanna admitted it put strain on their team and led to disappointments. However, she emphasized that it was essential for them to pause and seek clarity on their goals.
Joanna recalled the moment she recognized the burnout she was feeling. It reached a point where she dreaded her days, and she even joked about wishing for an illness just to take a break. But she understands that physical exhaustion is different from deeper, emotional fatigue. “So there’s that part, but also just… where your soul just feels weary,” she explained, illustrating her thoughts on exhaustion that runs deeper than physical limits.
This experience taught her that she can’t simply outwork feelings of fatigue. Joanna and Chip, who married in 2003, are parents to five children. Settling in Waco led to the flourishing of their Magnolia businesses.
After five successful seasons, “Fixer Upper” wrapped in 2018, paving the way for the Magnolia Network to launch in 2021. The Gaines have built a remarkable brand, featuring a variety of businesses and products, including a range of lifestyle books, a furniture line, and even a hotel. Despite their fame, it seems their focus is now more grounded in family and personal well-being.
