There's something truly magical about watching communities come together, and on HGTV's Home Town, that magic happens in Laurel, Mississippi. Hosts Erin and Ben Napier have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, but they don’t do it alone. Enter Josh Nowell, a longtime friend and key player in the Napier family's journey. Josh’s contributions to the show and the Laurel community are nothing short of inspiring.
Who Is Josh Nowell From ‘Home Town’?
Josh Nowell isn’t just a co-owner of the Laurel Mercantile Co.; he’s a vital member of the Napier family’s inner circle. Josh met Erin and Ben during their college days, and the trio quickly bonded over shared passions for creativity, entrepreneurship, and revitalizing their hometown. Josh's wife, Emily Nowell, is also deeply involved in the business, making this a true family affair. Their story begins way back in the early 2000s, when Josh and Emily met on a blind date. Fast forward to 2010, and the couple tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony that Erin fondly recalls.
Erin shared her memories of their wedding in a heartfelt blog post. "There was a fiddle and guitar playing traditional Irish tunes, Spanish moss hanging from the huge live oak trees, an immaculate pink 1957 Packard driving Emily down the aisle, and tons of apple-caramel goodness at the reception," she wrote. "The couple radiated love and joy—it was unforgettable."
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Josh's dedication to Laurel goes far beyond the Mercantile Co. Even before Home Town became a hit, he was dreaming of ways to transform the city. Back in the early 2010s, Josh purchased a historic downtown building with the intention of restoring it. Fast forward to 2022, and that dream became a reality when the building was transformed into a candle store, expanding the Laurel Mercantile Co.’s offerings. "This building is pretty special because I used to live across the street from it," Josh explained in a July 2022 blog post. "I knew I wanted to see it developed into something worthy of its history, and thankfully, we’re starting to bring it back to life."
Josh’s involvement in Home Town extends beyond his role as a business partner. He’s also a skilled woodworker and often assists Ben in the workshop. His expertise has been crucial to many of the show's projects. In fact, when Ben underwent shoulder surgery ahead of the January 2024 season, Josh stepped up even more, taking on a larger role in the first episode. According to HGTV, "Ben enlists his best friends Jim Rasberry and Josh Nowell to help Erin renovate a home for a family looking to escape the cold Canadian winters. The new Laurel residents are hoping Ben and Erin can find them a property with enough outdoor space for their family of six to enjoy their new southern digs."
Do Josh and Emily Nowell Have Any Children?
Yes, Josh and Emily Nowell are proud parents of four children: Samuel, Teddy, Nora, and Irene. While Josh’s passion for woodworking is evident, he’s quick to emphasize that family always comes first. Balancing his time between woodworking, business ventures, and raising their kids, Josh finds himself juggling multiple priorities. "Ben is usually filming 12 hours a day, and I’m generally working on business operations with our partner Jim Rasberry," Josh wrote on the Laurel Mercantile Co. blog in August 2021. "Neither of us can be in the woodshop as much as we’d like, but we’re committed to making it all work."
