ERIN AND BEN NAPIER OF HGTV'S 'HOME TOWN' TALK THEIR NEW FURNITURE COLLECTION & MORE!

HGTV'S 'Home Town', Erin and Ben Napier, discuss their new furniture collection with Vaughan Bassett, how they started their company, what it's like working together as a married couple, and more!
INSTAGRAM: / thehomedotcom
FACEBOOK: / thehomedotcom
ELLEN GEFEN: @ellengefen
Tell us, uh, about the company, how y'all started and how the whole concept of the company started. Um, actually it started with, I had a furniture shop. I was building furniture, really small, doing a few little gift items along the way and we started kind of finding things that we wanted to sell vintage pieces. And we started a website because when I owned a stationery company during the winter months, it slowed down. So we wanted to have a retail side where we would sell the things that he built and vintage pieces that I was finding. And then when the show happened, we couldn't dedicate our time to it anymore. So we partnered with our four best friends. So it's the six of us now. And they like together, we all run this company, but we only sell American made goods. We only make American made pieces. Um, we design and manufacture everything in the US so partner and license and work with American manufacturing companies. Yes, because our show is about small town revitalization and that's what we've dedicated our lives to is revitalizing our small town. And you can't revitalize small town America if there is no industry in small town America. So that's um, that's kind of why we're here. So describe the furniture that you are building and how even at Von Bassett, how that really molds together with what you have. The, the Von Bassett LM co home and had been Napier partnership was, it's a pretty good story. We, I was building furniture and it was a natural fit that once our show started taking off and it was becoming a hit, we got an offer from an overseas manufacturer and our agent really wanted us to take the offer. But one of that company's big selling points was they were one of the first companies to go overseas. And we have, you know, we've staked our flag out that we're going to be for a man, American manufacturing. And so even though it was a really incredible offer, it was really easy for us to say no to that. And I asked our agent to reach out to Von Bassett, and it's a company that I've been a fan of since I was in high school and he lived up here. Yeah, I went to high school near here. And so we would go up in the mountains. And so I kind of kept up with the furniture industry and what had happened there and what the Bassett's had done at Vaughn Bassett. And so when this came up, he basically said that that would never work. The, the Vaughn Bassett Napier partnership wouldn't be a thing. And so we said, you're fired. And I picked up the phone and called them, Googled Vaughn Bassett, Dialed the first number, Sheila, who's at the front desk answered. And she put me through to Doug and Doug had no idea who I was. And, and he, uh, he was really funny because I, you know, I'll wait. I was like, Hey, you been Napier from HGTVs hometown? And he was like, I don't watch HGTV. So that didn't go well, but a year later courted them for a year and a year later he called me on the morning that our daughter was born. He called me. I was in the delivery room. Yes, they had to call him back, but uh, yeah, it's been, it's been an incredible fit. One, because I do, I mean weekend and week out I'll build custom furniture on a nationally successful. Yeah. What Ben does is just like the micro picture of what Von Bassett does. It's 600 bins building these things in Virginia. The way we design the furniture, it's really cool because I take things that we do in our shop and I say, can we do this? And then the Bassett say, well, this is the version that we can do. And then we say, well, can we tweak this? And then weeks a week, there's a lot of back and forth in the design and we come up with something that is visually pleasing but also can be produced on a mass scale by these 600 craft. We've one Virginia. How is it to work as a couple together in a company. We fit together perfectly. We've just never done it any, we've only ever worked together. So we don't actually know how to, not where we stand in the gaps for each other, each other's gaps. And so, um, where I am terrible with numbers and accounting and business and people, he's a people person and I'm a little more shy and, but we're both very creative and that way we're really strong together. Well, and we, we respect each other's lanes. And so if, you know, if something is more in Aaron's wheelhouse, I won't step in unless she asked me to. If something is more in my wheelhouse, she won't step in unless I ask her to, which we do a lot.

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

When they design a house, or a piece of furniture, they sound like it's their home. They get excited about what they find, and really listen to the homeowner about what they want. Each house looks different, not assembly line. I hope they don't change.

[@superphone5559]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking a stand to only sell or deal with American made products. This is yet another reason why we LOVE you guys!!!!! We appreciate your character and integrity!!!!😁

[@carynkrezman2916]

This is awsome you two are great

[@colleenjohnson4116]

Excellent! You go ahead and show the rest of this country how it’s supposed to be done! You two give me hope! I Thank You for that!

[@terriestapley5475]

These two are made for each other. Love their book, Love their style, love their character I just love them❣️ Genuinely good people, very refreshing❤️

[@annacale5910]

Loved this interview. Love that they want everything "Made In America" The fit together like a pair of gloves and are both so talented. I don't think there is much of anything the Erin cannot do. I am 83 years old and love watching their show. Home Town and Maine Cabin Masters are my two favorite shows. I think I have seen every episode at least twice. Hope they always stay the same . ♥

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart 💜💜💜

[@learntoswim9291]

'Home town' is one of my most favorite shows to watch!! I get so excited for the families when they see the magnificent and brilliant work that Erin, Ben and the crew do, that it brings happy tears to my eyes. I have never been to Mississippi but omgoodness how you make it feel just like home. This show is a breath of fresh country air. Thank you so much !!! 🏡💕

[@rosemarywhite6998]

I watch thier show & love it. Love them.

[@learntoswim9291]

@@rosemarywhite6998 🏡🌤🙏🏼💙

[@susanbaker8130]

Thank you for maintaining your American and creative integrity! 🇺🇸👏😍

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hi sweetheart. 💜💜💜💜

[@sharonstevek.6797]

I think Ben and Erin are adorable. They are my new favorite couple of hgtv. Your voices and demeanor are so comforting and reminds me of my family of origin from a small town. Warm and fuzzies, thank you

[@sharonkaye2890]

I feel exactly the same. When I first saw them, I wasn't sure, but the more I watched they became one of my favorite duos!! Love them both. Erin has a great talent...I do admire her decorating abilities, and I love seeing Ben's woodworking skills.

[@FlowerGirl8]

Erin finishes his sentences 🙂. Bassett has made excellent, quality furniture for a long time, glad they are (one of the few) still in business. Ben is a perfect fit!

[@nancyfreiheit1739]

I love this couple , there interaction with each other is great to watch.

[@1amazingj]

Love Ben & Erin. This couple is Absolutely Amazing. I Love that they stood up & only wanted to do American made furniture & had it manufactured here in the United States!

[@jmccracken491]

I do believe these two people will continue with the Made In America routine. Erin and Ben both seem to be what America needs a lot more of. God Bless ya both.

[@debie.3898]

Love your show, love your work. Don’t ever let the industry change you. You two are the cutest couple.

[@roystewart4386]

I have being watching Hometown tv-programme for quite sometime and find it very satisfying to see how this couple go to any lengths to give their customers such great customer care. They make customers look like friends. Its people like them, who make America great. One can make a good living and still do it with that sense of service satisfaction. Keep up the good work. Good family values.

[@sheilabroad8192]

They finish each other’s sentences too. 💕.

[@tinam7011]

I love how the two of you look at each other ❤️. You see the genuineness of your Love for one another. May the Lord continue to bless you both , your home , you family and your future endeavors together ❤️

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

So nice to hear. It's been a shame what's happened to the furniture industry in the US. I've loved the quality of their furniture.

[@terryqualls8378]

There should be a LOVE button on here! I love this couple and everything they do and stand for. I'll be looking for their furniture the next time I'm in need of a new piece for my home. God bless you, Ben, Erin and little Helen!

[@trinksaalabinksa7094]

[@MaryMary-gn3in]

What a beautiful couple, Love their show. I could watch them all day, and I do sometimes. Just real people 💯💯. Keep doing the it makes HGTV worth watching, so glad I found this on You Tube. Such a sweet family ❤️❤️❤️.

[@donnanancekivell9430]

I’m in Toronto Canada and I never miss your show........it’s obvious you adore each other and work very well together ......oh how I wish you could do some work up here.........it’s lovely to hear you talking about the business and how it was started, continued success..........a huge fan...........Donna in Toronto

[@jennifermorgan8475]

Many thanks for caring enough to be a catalyst for change in Laurel, MS! Wish there were a couple like you in every small town America! Kudos for standing firm in your decision for your furniture line to be Made in America! Love your HGTV Home Town series! Erin, I love your designs! Ben, I love your creativity in deciding to use what most would consider trash & turn it into treasures for the homeowners!

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart 💜💜💜

[@nonniejames3578]

I love these two. They are real and decent and good at what they do. I relate to them, thier real.

[@annadavis6361]

American made! I love it! Love this show so much, and the love they share!

[@cheryleaston6820]

So glad these two are doing so well. Hard working and so sweet. Ben reminds me of my youngest son. Hes a great man. Love the show.

[@lindahutson9099]

Love the show and think you are great together. I hope you stay true to each other and what you stand for . Please don’t let fame and fortune ever replace faith and family. God bless

[@lakeitawilson]

I love y'all!!! I watch your show and know Ben going to make something out of that wood. Its alllways beautiful. The way Erin do her diys and her visions are so amazing!!

[@BexfromTexas]

Yall's show is my favorite! I love that yall aren't puffed up with pride with your show. Yall are a very endearing couple, very down to earth. Cutest ever!! Talented DELUXE! I watch every week, even the reruns!

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart ❤️❤️

[@darleneperry8850]

Erin and Ben love ur show. My son and family and I and my friend were on the phone Monday watching you all do ur magic. We know the love that u both do to these run down places. Your compassionate and ur not the kind to rip people off. Keep up the good work you all do. Thank you Darlene from Walbridge Ohio

[@katherinecornette5315]

❤️ this! Great couple with loads of talent & a❤️for America & small town folks. So refreshing!

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart

[@marybroomfield7016]

I watch your show every time it is on even the rerun's

[@SuperLifetouch]

Love your show! I love that your only using made in America products. My husband is not a reality show person, but really likes watching your show. Keep up the amazing work. Just watching the show I want to visit Laurel.

[@nancygibson4380]

Can anyone, like me a single senior afford a house there? I live in a condo with my 2 Chihuahuas. We need a small yard, no condos, no apartments. What do you suggest? I'm 71 with a clear mind.

[@hildamclawhorm6305]

My very favorite Show on TV.. I hope they will always be in love🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@kirkjohnson4569]

She's going to cheat on him

[@kirkjohnson4569]

@@suzieparis6821 I'm kidding

[@chrissyrocco796]

He’s adorable. And she is beautiful.

[@shellydehart8217]

Ben I love ur designs of furniture. For a man who study history u e turn Ed into a master craftsmen. I’m so that u like putting old with some new n it’s so fitting for ur all shows. I’ve said this before “ u guys r my favorite people on HGTV” plz don’t stop in believing in what ur doing. 😊♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@rustyg5890]

Love everything about Erin and Ben, their vision, their family, friends, crew, American made only stance, their show, products, and the positive outlook they have towards life, home, family, neighborhood, town, etc. Love, love, love them!!! Continued success!!!

[@johnmclean4342]

Love your show! Thanks for sticking to your principles to have Made in America.

[@natnielsen8472]

WooHoo - You Go - Our Country Is Really Your Home!! I admire your fortitude and sticking with American made!! You guys are such a cool couple - keep up the good work! Love your personalities and the respect you have for each other. So super to see the love you share for one another - oh boy - home run!

[@js7246]

We love the show, they are so down home, and talented. The best show on TV. Would not miss them. Her designs are fantastic,his wood works are fantastic. They are so lovable. They are real people. I'm hoping my husband and I can take a trip to Laurel, Mississippi. Thank you Erin and Ben 😊

[@elainesandy5567]

I too love hometown Erin and Ben are so real Love that they can make a house so homey and beautiful Hope to see more shows after this pandemic is over

[@marielambert777]

I absolutely love you both so adorable you are my kind of people I have lived in small town before Ben you remind me of my brother, Erin your so beautiful wishing both of you all blessings ❤️👍😍🤩

[@gloriayazzie1353]

Hometown..I watched it one time!!..they charged alot..yet painted over everything instead of sanding it down!!..reuse alot of everything...Sorry not worth my time

[@victoriar2571]

Yall are an awesome team. You are such an asset to refurbishing small homes.

[@barbkriner2374]

Love the furniture you make Ben and I love the houses you guys redo it's actually amazing to see the difference.

[@sandracooper3717]

I love Ben & Erin so excited to see their own furniture ❤❤

[@yypbobbiecheaney2317]

I love their show HOME TOWN.

[@takecontrolbeauty6402]

You know I love you two! I was home recuperating from Covid 19 while my husband was on a ventilator in the hospital and ur show kept me alive happy and looking forward to seeing both ur happy faces ! I love Helen too! This American made furniture is just amazing especially in today's times ! I would buy more American made than overseas anywhere! Love ur style and while I was recuperating I was thinking Gosh I wish I had ur style in my home! Your love just comes thru and makes us happy! Well sure made me happy ! Keep up the great love and work Barb 💕💕

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello darling 💜💜

[@Slivings911]

Love them. Love from Hattiesburg, MS! 💖 Thank you for manufacturing in America! 🇺🇸

[@vickiwojtow5789]

My Husband and I really enjoy your show and so glad you stood your ground about “Made in America” furniture.

[@kathymcintyre4997]

Love Ben and Erin! Their show is hands down, my favourite. They are sincere and extremely talented. Makes me wish I could move to their home town❣️

[@joycecardoni6055]

I love Home Town. They are hands down the best of any other HGTV show and, that's because they are real. I love both their style . Ben's pieces are just awesome and, I love tthat he uses wood left over from the home they're working on. They are just fabulous together because you cans see their love and respect foe each other.

[@monicatlakes732]

OMG you know I LOVE you couple so much the magic you do when you transform very old houses to brand new home i've been watching home town HGTV since lockdown my fam is totally not happy with me from south Africa

[@carylrobinson2352]

These two are so cute and love their show and what they stand for!

[@kathleenjones1399]

I adore you both so much. I watch your shows over and over. You are the ones I would love to redo my old home. Some day. I love your relationship and that you really love each other. So happy for you. Helen is adorable. Much love. Ya’ll are precious!,

[@ninacasali8612]

Nice to see someone stand up for American made products. Too many people just capitalize on their name preach about American values and then put their names on imported crap.

[@kierrasimone8546]

I’m so proud of them, & I’m very happy that they’re doing big things in our small town.

[@daverowe5351]

Love the show and THANK YOU for staying with American Made - God Bless You

[@alicedaley851]

Watching you since you started on tv and have recorded for watching later. Love your show clean wholesome family blessed show!🤩❤

[@marykatherineknipp8735]

Finally, the furniture I'm looking for but can't find. Thank you Ben & Erin & Helen. A great team and great show. Thank you.

[@dcmc7383]

Thank you again, Erin and Ben. Thank you so much.

[@andreabilbo6403]

So happy for my fellow Mississippians. Love your show and everything you'll do. Also, Laurel is a beautiful, small quaint town. The town remind me of Bay St Louis, MS. Keep up the good work!!!

[@binghellwagner7623]

Ben and Erin keep up with Your good objectives . FROM EUROPE IM A FAN OF YOUR SHOW. ..MILLION THUMBS UP...

[@hopewetherington8119]

We love this show and this sweet couple. I am from Mississippi, Greenville, the heart of the Delta. I ya e been to Laurel as well. Love how they mix old and new, and that they value small towns, family traditions and the USA.....

[@francenekomsa8157]

I love watching them...they are two very special, talented and loving people. Watching them has gotten me through this pandemic. I adore them

[@honibear6478]

I’m a big fan of your show and watch it regularly. 😊

[@jerimunoz187]

This is great to hear. I’m waiting on new episodes of the show. Y’all work so well together.

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart 💜💜💜💜

[@leticiatrevino6381]

Love, love, love your show.

[@patriciawallace4337]

Love love love your Home Town show! Glade to know y'all all about American made furniture! Love you guys!❤❤❤

[@catherinearnold6061]

Great show! My favorite on HGTV. y’all are so cute and loving and make a great team. Ben you are an extremely talented wood worker and I love your humor, wit and silly attitude. Erin, I love interior and exterior design, you are such a great listener, you really get what the client wants, before they know! I wish I had half your talent, but to get to the point.... you have inspired me to take up painting and watercolor again. My husband and I want to live in your town. I hope we work with you both one day.

[@nancymendyka1386]

I just can’t tell you two how much I admire all you do! Every time you are building something I won’t even leave the room until I see the most beautiful piece you have created again, it always takes my breath away. And Erin, I am so in awe how artistic you are, starting with your drawing of what the home could be, and all the little and big things you do in the home! I just love you so much, you are just real people! Thank you for only using & doing American made!!! ❤️💕🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lindabassett8556]

So Happy To hear of the Merger of Ben & Vaughn Bassett. I am a distant relative to The Bassett Furniture co. Love Home Town.

[@nelidaflores1286]

Love these people and the HGTV Home town episodes!

[@sandragoodwin2271]

We have been watching your show for a couple of years, we love it would love to visit that charming town you live in..

[@cassandragriswold7521]

A big big fan from Biloxi Ms sends a big big hello. I've been watching y'all from the beginning. Come to Biloxi, we've got homes that need help since hurricane Katrina hit us.

[@bethcoussou]

I love your show and how you two work together so well! You each bring so much to the show. I love your style, Erin, and I love watching your ingenuity, Ben, when you see some old wood in an old house and instantly have a vision of what to do with it. Your end result for each house you renovate is astonishing. I also appreciate how you only want American build products.

[@lesliejimenez1827]

We watch you all the time, and love the small town aspect! You guys are GREAT Leslie and Xavier

[@td7456]

This is the first time I've seen Ben NOT sweating! LOL Love their show!

[@pattywoodford8141]

I love your show and admire you both for your integrity and commitment to each other and to American industry. Your designs are timeless, warm, personal, wonderful!

[@LAHCAH]

Thank you! Praying❣️ ✝️🙏🏼🛐 for this additional success!!

[@nancyredd5048]

Love your show. Binged watched it yesterday here in California during self quarantine.

[@carlawolf8260]

I love to watch your show I binge watch some times.. you make the most beautiful homes . I love what you stand for. Your such a fantastic couple. I will keep watching to see what comes next. Lots of blessing to you both.

[@cyrilhwalker7249]

Hello sweetheart 💜💜💜💜

[@1006kathleen]

So much love and respect for you both ! 💖💖 God bless you every single day of your lives !

[@donnafielder6027]

I enjoy watching these two on Monday nights! I tape their shows because I like going back to see past programs! These two are both very talented! They are both proud of their home town Laurel, Mississippi! You can tell the love they both put into each of these homes! American made cant be beat! Ben Thank You for keeping your furniture line in the good old USA! I wished these two all the best in their business (who knows when I’m looking for new furniture I just may look up their brand). They have a beautiful family ♥️

[@spiritual2020]

Erin and Ben are my absolute favorite couple to watch. They exude love and respect for each other!

[@libbylife7161]

Beautiful! Love you guys!

[@kathygregory2127]

Love you guys! Keep on doing what you do, it’s working!

[@jeanhudson7815]

I absolutely love you guys!! You are so down to earth and real! My favorite HGTV show!!

[@macrichardson7904]

We have watched them all !! Erin and Ben are the only ones we really watch now. We love how they interact with each other and the homeowners. Love the simplicity. I think they are great people, I would love for them to be our neighbors !!! Especially now that they have the camper, we could camp together !!

[@elizabethschuldt5310]

Love what this couple is doing. I prefer to purchase Made In The USA!

[@ginnyvalentine2097]

I love everything about the Home Town show and Erin and Ben! I really like the love and respect that they have for each other all the time. One day I hope to visit Laurel, Mississippi.

[@davidluffman3680]

We love to watch their show....they are both very talented..funny...kind and their love for each other and for what they do really comes across in their show!!!!

[@javedsahibzada4069]

Genuine honest intelligent people. God bless you all

[@margietatone481]

American made...YAY!!! Ben & Erin, love watching you guys, & seeing how you re-purpose so many things. Thanks for keeping it here in USA! God bless you, your family, & all your endeavors.

[@chrissyrocco796]

Love,love, love your show. Your both so loving and real.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Right now we're watching you save Wetumpka, Al. So much fun to see the life infused in that small town. Thanks to you, and HGTV.

[@sandyberghuis4485]

Wonderful loving couple and excellent TV show. Thank you for all you do! God bless!

[@mjflores100]

Love you guys promoting and maintaining your American integrity!

[@danam927]

So proud of y'all in so many ways! God is definitely working through you!

[@janetragonesi1653]

Outstanding Ben and Erin, we love the show, your warm and loving relationship! We love "HOME TOWN

[@cindyroman-daversa9194]

We fill each other’s gaps♥️♥️♥️ A wonderful and sweet couple who are super talented and devoted to community as much as each other! I love that they will only build in America. Keep up the awesome job!

[@pamelabrawner867]

I love love love your style!! You guys are fabulous and your show is top of my list. American products all the way! Helen is a precious little lady. Sending lots of love!!!

[@celiaweiss6705]

They are my new favorite hgtv building couples show. I love the combination of the traditional with contemporary furniture.

[@carolsummerfield5060]

My favorite couple!

[@greenleafgallery2424]

They and their show are rare and wonderful