Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Kay Mccall |
| Nickname | “Mikey” |
| Known For | Younger sister of Joanna Gaines; Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop; Magnolia Network series |
| Birth | Early 1980s (exact date undisclosed) |
| Heritage | American father; Korean mother |
| Hometowns | Rose Hill, Kansas; later Austin and Waco, Texas |
| Current Residence | Waco, Texas |
| Occupations | Homemaker; Small business owner; TV personality |
| Notable Projects | Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop (2021–2024); The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo (2022) |
| Years of Public Activity | 2018–present (post-Fixer Upper feature) |
| Spouse | David McCall, DO (surgeon; ATSU-SOMA Class of 2013) |
| Children | Six (five daughters, one son; youngest born 2018) |
| Parents | Jerry Stevens (U.S. veteran); Nan Stevens (Korean-born) |
| Siblings | Teresa Ann Criswell; Joanna Gaines |
| Social Media | Instagram presence focused on family and plants |
Roots and Early Years
Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall grew up in a home where two cultures braided together. Her father, a U.S. veteran, met her mother while stationed in South Korea, and the family’s multicultural spirit infused everyday life with tradition and grit. Mikey’s childhood began in Rose Hill, Kansas, then meandered through moves to Missouri and Texas—first Austin, then Waco—instilling adaptability and a love for close-knit community.
As the youngest of three sisters, she watched and learned. Her oldest sister, Teresa, nurtured faith and storytelling; Joanna, the middle sister, turned design into a national conversation. Mikey took it all in and built a home life that was steady as bedrock, long before the cameras noticed.
A Family Woven Tight
Mikey’s story is most vivid at the family table. She and her husband, surgeon David McCall, have been married for nearly two decades, raising six children—five daughters and one son—spanning from the mid-2000s to 2018. The couple settled in Waco after the rigors of medical training, prioritizing stability and community for their growing brood.
- Father: Jerry Stevens, U.S. veteran whose service brought global perspective into the home.
- Mother: Nan Stevens, whose Korean heritage shaped family traditions and flavors.
- Sister: Teresa Ann Criswell, author and podcaster in Austin, amplifying themes of faith and purpose.
- Sister: Joanna Gaines (b. April 19, 1978), designer and TV personality, whose public platform often highlights Mikey’s creative ventures.
Family for Mikey is not a backdrop—it’s the main act. Holidays, church, school events, and everyday life with six kids create a rhythm that guides her decisions, including career pivots.
Milestones at a Glance
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Born in the U.S.; youngest of three sisters |
| 2000s | Marries David McCall (approx. mid-2000s) |
| 2006–2011 | Welcomes first five children |
| 2013 | David earns DO and MSEd from A.T. Still University |
| 2018 | Home featured on Fixer Upper; sixth child (a girl) born |
| 2021 | Launches Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop as a pop-up at Magnolia |
| 2022 | Stars in The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo (Magnolia Network) |
| August 2024 | Closes Ferny’s to focus on family |
Entrepreneurship: Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop
In 2021, what began as a love for vintage finds and houseplants blossomed into Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop, a cheerful pop-up set in a 1967 Yellowstone Cavalier camper at Magnolia Market’s Shops at the Silos. The concept was simple and irresistible: timeworn charm meets living greenery, potted in retro vessels that whispered stories.
The shop’s momentum was quick. Mikey and her team tackled ambitious orders—at one point potting 800 plants—while refining the brand’s nostalgic aesthetic. Customers came for pothos and philodendrons, stayed for the conversation, and left with a piece of Mikey’s sunny optimism.
By August 2024, Mikey closed Ferny’s—not for lack of passion, but to reclaim time as her eldest prepared for college. It was a decision anchored in the values she’d cultivated since childhood: family first, always.
On Screen: The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo
The Magnolia Network series The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo (premiered 2022) followed the sisters as they turned an idea into a neighborhood favorite. The show blended practical tasks—sourcing plants, styling shelves, building processes—with the warm banter of sisters who know each other’s rhythms. Five episodes captured the hustle, the humor, and the heartfelt reasons behind the venture.
The series also offered a window into Mikey’s creative process: finding soulful objects, pairing them with plants, and helping customers create tiny sanctuaries on their windowsills.
Faith, Service, and Global Ties
David McCall’s story threads through the family’s global outlook. Raised in Nigeria by medical missionary parents, he later trained as a surgeon and continues to support mission work. His parents’ ministry, Restoration Gateway in Uganda, provides healthcare, schools, and care for vulnerable children. For the McCalls, service isn’t a moment—it’s a posture.
Financial Snapshot
Public estimates place Mikey’s net worth around $1 million, a figure often attributed to Ferny’s, television work, and family-linked opportunities. She keeps financial details private, and her life in Waco projects modesty rather than glitz—well-worn denim, dusty boots, and plenty of potting soil.
Siblings in Focus
- Teresa Ann Criswell: The eldest sister, Teresa writes, speaks, and podcasts from Austin, encouraging listeners toward hope and renewal.
- Joanna Gaines: Known for Fixer Upper and the Magnolia brand with husband Chip, Joanna often celebrates Mikey’s entrepreneurial leaps and family milestones. Together, they’ve collaborated on projects that spotlight the warmth of home and the power of starting small.
Recent Updates (2024–2025)
The biggest headline of 2024 was Ferny’s closure in August. Mikey marked the moment with gratitude and hints of future pop-ups if life’s calendar allows. On social media, she keeps a light touch: family photos, plant snapshots, and a steady throughline of thankfulness. In 2025, she remains anchored in Waco, focused on motherhood, marriage, and the everyday beauty of home.
Family at a Glance
| Family Member | Relationship | Notables |
|---|---|---|
| David McCall, DO | Husband | Surgeon; ATSU-SOMA 2013 graduate; mission-minded |
| Six Children | Daughters (5), Son (1) | Youngest born 2018 |
| Jerry Stevens | Father | U.S. veteran; met Nan in South Korea |
| Nan Stevens | Mother | Korean-born; pillar of family traditions |
| Teresa Ann Criswell | Sister | Author and podcaster in Austin |
| Joanna Gaines | Sister | Designer, TV host; collaborative projects with Mikey |
Why Her Story Resonates
Mikey’s path isn’t the rocket ride of celebrity; it’s the slower bloom of a perennial. She took years to pour into six young lives, then stepped into entrepreneurship with humility and humor, and just as quickly stepped back when family needed more of her time. In an age of perpetual “more,” her choices feel like a deep breath.
FAQ
Who is Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall?
She’s the youngest sister of Joanna Gaines, a mother of six, and former owner of Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop in Waco.
When did Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop open and close?
It launched as a pop-up in 2021 and closed in August 2024 so Mikey could focus on family.
What TV show features Mikey?
The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo premiered in 2022 on Magnolia Network.
How many children does she have?
She has six children—five daughters and one son—with the youngest born in 2018.
Who is her husband?
Her husband is surgeon David McCall, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who graduated in 2013.
What is her cultural background?
She’s of mixed heritage: an American father and a Korean-born mother.
Did Joanna Gaines help with her business?
Yes, Joanna collaborated on designing and launching Ferny’s and appeared with Mikey on the Magnolia Network series.
What is Mary Kay Mccall’s estimated net worth?
Public estimates hover around $1 million, though she hasn’t confirmed any figures.
Where does she live now?
She resides in Waco, Texas, close to extended family and community.
