HGTV star Erin Napier recently shared a surprising story about her husband, Ben Napier, revealing that she was initially nervous about introducing him to her parents. During an appearance on the Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast, the Home Town couple recalled how quickly their relationship developed and how Erin’s parents immediately welcomed Ben despite having disapproved of her previous boyfriends. Their conversation offered another personal glimpse into a marriage that has lasted nearly two decades.
Erin Napier’s husband is Ben Napier, an American television personality, woodworker, entrepreneur and former youth minister. The couple married on November 22, 2008, and have built a successful career renovating historic homes in Laurel, Mississippi. They also share two daughters, Helen and Mae, and have become familiar faces to viewers through their popular HGTV series Home Town.
Who Is Erin Napier’s Husband Ben Napier?
Ben Napier is best known for co-hosting HGTV’s Home Town alongside his wife, Erin Napier. While Erin focuses on interior design, color schemes and decorative details, Ben handles much of the construction, woodworking and custom furniture featured on the program.
Born in Collins, Mississippi, Ben grew up in a religious household. Both of his parents served as United Methodist ministers, and his family eventually moved to western North Carolina, where he completed high school.
He later returned to Mississippi to attend Jones County Junior College before transferring to the University of Mississippi. Ben graduated in 2007 with a degree in history.
Before becoming a television personality, Ben worked as a youth minister at Laurel First United Methodist Church. His interest in woodworking eventually developed into a full-time career, leading him to establish a workshop and begin producing handcrafted furniture.
Today, Ben is also involved in several businesses, including Scotsman Co. and Laurel Mercantile Co. His work reflects his interest in traditional craftsmanship, American-made products and preserving historic communities.
How Did Erin Napier Meet Her Husband?
Erin and Ben Napier first met in December 2004 while attending Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi.
At the time, Erin worked on the college yearbook and was assigned to interview Ben for a feature. She had already noticed him around campus and admired his outgoing personality.
Ben was involved in numerous student activities and was known for being friendly with people from different social groups. Erin later recalled that she had considered him a crush long before they started dating.
Their first date took place on December 9, 2004, just one day after their yearbook interview. The relationship developed remarkably quickly, and by December 13, they had already discussed getting married someday.
The couple still celebrates the anniversary of their early romance through a tradition they call Love Week. Each December, they revisit memories from the days when their relationship began.
During their October 2026 podcast appearance, Erin explained that introducing Ben to her family initially made her anxious. Her parents had not approved of several relationships during her teenage years.
However, her mother immediately warmed to Ben when he visited their home. Her father also welcomed him after meeting him a few days later.
Erin admitted that their positive reaction surprised her, particularly because Ben was still a college student without much money.
When Did Erin and Ben Napier Get Married?
Erin and Ben Napier married on November 22, 2008, at the Paris-Yates Chapel on the University of Mississippi campus.
Their wedding came approximately four years after they first met. Ben had proposed in 2007, and the couple spent nearly three years engaged.
Erin later explained that her father wanted both of them to complete their college education before getting married. The couple respected that expectation and waited until they had earned their degrees.
After their wedding, Erin and Ben settled in Laurel, Mississippi, Erin’s hometown. Rather than moving to a major city to pursue careers, they decided to build their future in the community they loved.
Their shared interest in restoring older properties eventually became the foundation of their television careers.
Their marriage also developed into a business partnership, with both contributing different skills to their renovation projects.
Erin Napier and Ben Napier’s Children
Erin and Ben Napier are parents to two daughters, Helen and Mae.
Their first daughter, Helen Napier, was born on January 3, 2018. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Mae Napier, on May 28, 2021.
Despite their public careers, Erin and Ben have made a conscious effort to protect their children’s privacy. They generally avoid showing their daughters’ faces on social media and prefer giving them a childhood away from constant public attention.
The couple has also spoken about encouraging outdoor activities, reading, creativity and spending time together without relying heavily on digital devices.
In 2023, they launched the Osprey initiative, which encourages families to delay children’s access to social media until after high school.
Their parenting approach reflects their belief that children should have opportunities to develop friendships and interests without feeling pressured by online attention.
Family has also influenced Ben’s personal priorities. After becoming a father, he began making changes to his diet and exercise habits because he wanted to remain healthy and active for his wife and daughters.
How Erin and Ben Napier Built Their HGTV Career
Erin and Ben Napier became television personalities after their home renovation work attracted attention online.
In 2014, an HGTV producer discovered their projects through social media. The couple had been sharing photographs of their home, woodworking and life in Laurel.
Their television series Home Town premiered in January 2016 and introduced viewers to their approach to restoring older houses while preserving their original character.
The show’s popularity eventually led to additional programs, including Home Town Takeover, Home Town Kickstart and Home Town: Ben’s Workshop.
In January 2026, the couple returned for the tenth season of Home Town, continuing their work renovating properties and helping families settle into historic homes.
Beyond television, Erin and Ben have expanded their business interests through retail stores, woodworking operations and home furnishings.
They also co-authored the memoir Make Something Good Today, published in 2018, which explores their relationship, family life and experiences building a business together.
Erin Napier and her husband Ben have built a relationship that combines marriage, parenting and a shared professional vision. From their college romance to their successful HGTV careers, the couple has remained closely connected to Laurel and the community where they chose to raise their family.
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