It’s Day 233 of the Pink Collar Savvy & Chic on Purpose Project and I’ve been thinking about the dynamic duo behind HGTV’s Fixer Upper Fame, their Capital Gaines (the title of Chip’s book) and how the couple seem to be making the most of Magnolia mania. Lest I come across as a critic, or worse a hater, let me start by saying I’ve been a fan of the couple and the show since its pilot aired in 2013. Recently, however, I’ve begun to wonder about this now because I just published my debut novel, Seasons of Her Soul, and Lord willing, it will experience some success. Do I want to get rich from it? I can honestly say “No” to that; then again, I’d like to not have financial stress and can relate to some degree to Zig Ziglar’s famous quote, “Money won’t make you happy…But everybody wants to find out for themselves.” LOL! Seriously though, at what point have multimillionaires, like the Gaines’, made enough that they could offer merchandise at prices that are more affordable for their masses of fans vs. making the most of the Magnolia mania by charging maximum prices?
I know, it sounds like I’m questioning the fact that they’re maximizing their opportunities. Me, the self-proclaimed Maximizer! I’m not. I’m absolutely an advocate for making the most of a good thing. It’s just that I was a bit surprised by what I felt were the steep prices of the Magnolia Hearth and Home line that debuted at Target last year. Furthermore, those prices were cheap compared to those on items I’ve spied at TJ Maxx and Home Goods over the last few months. Compelled to capture photos of the pieces I’ve seen, I didn’t know why at the time, even as I focused on the price tags. The stores are located in upper class communities, yet the first piece I saw several weeks back, has been marked down, which seems to indicate it was overpriced…
Don’t get me wrong, I think this furniture is gorgeous – especially because the curvaceous lines, detailed carvings, and sumptuous velvet are reminiscent of my beloved Shabby Chic style. In fact, I have a chair in my living room that could be a cousin to these. My issue is the prices are supposed to be more affordable at TJ’s, meaning they’ve been marked down significantly but are still out of reach for the very fans who can’t afford to go visit Magnolia in Waco, but who would love to bring a bit of it into their homes.
As a Pink Collar Savvy & Chic on Purpose entrepreneur whose business encompasses many things, including interior design coaching, I do appreciate the Gaines’ style and work ethic. Not only that, their faith, family and fundamentally all American values have struck a chord with audiences that goes far beyond renovation and design. I also admire their success and pray it continues for them as the final season of their phenomenally popular show draws to a close. And being completely honest I hope my business, including my novels, are mildly as successful as theirs are. I just pray that if I experience even a modicum of their fame and make a minimal amount of the capital gains they have, I’ll be able to make the most of the situation while keeping affordability for the ones I set out to do it for in mind.
As a Pink Collar Savvy & Chic on Purpose retail purchaser, what do you think of the Magnolia prices? How do we place appropriate value on our work without making it out of reach for those it would benefit?
Be savvy & chic,
~ Pink Collar Coach
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