All About Joanna Gaines’ 2 Sisters, Mikey McKall and Teresa Criswell

Joanna Gaines was inspired by her sisters Teresa Ann Criswell and Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall.

Before she became famous for her design skills on HGTV The upper part of the fixator along with her husband Chip Gaines, Joanna and her sisters grew up in Rose Hill, Kansas. Their American father Jerry Stevens and Korean mother Nan Stevens met when he was stationed in South Korea while serving in the military.

The two reconciled when Nan approached him at a party in 1969, and in the years that followed, they started a family in the US. Despite her happy upbringing, Joanna opened up to PEOPLE about some of the struggles she and her sisters had growing up.

“We were literally the only Asians in our whole school,” she said in 2022, adding that they were often called names or teased for bringing Korean food to school for lunch. “It was deeply personal because it was half of my story… I realized that if this isn’t accepted, maybe I need to hide it and play more of the other side of who I am.”

In an intimate episode of Joanna’s podcast, The stories we tellthe siblings spoke openly about how their relationship eventually helped them feel proud of their heritage.

Joanna Gaines and her sisters Mikey and Teresa with their mother Nan Stevens.

Joanna Gaines Instagram

The Magnolia Network creator also shared that talking to her sisters is “one of my favorite things” and noted that they are all very different. She described Teresa as the life of the party and Mikey as an introvert.

– I always felt safe with you. I have such beautiful memories with you – said Teresa, recalling their childhood. “You both inspire me with the way you live now and how you can rebuild yourself in every season,” added Joanna.

Here’s everything you need to know about Joanne Gaines’ sisters — Teresa Ann Criswell and Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall — and their relationship with the reality TV star.

All about Joanne Gaines’ parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens

Teresa Ann Criswell

Joanna Gaines and her sisters, Teresa Ann Criswell and Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall with their mother Nan Stevens.

Joanna Gaines Instagram

The eldest daughter in the family, Teresa Ann Criswell, is a podcaster and author. She and her husband, Tim Criswell, live in Austin, Texas and have a grown daughter, Tristin.

Together they host an audio show of the same nameOH…The Teresa and Tristin Podcast, about which their relationship is often the topic of conversation. Joanna’s older sister also has a YouTube channel called Triumphant Victorious Reminders, and since 2009 has written a blog of the same name, mostly composed of meditations on faith.

In the same vein, Teresa is a published writer, who has worked on Christian books for children and adults.

All about the 5 children of Chip and Joanne Gaines

Joanna’s eldest sister supports her work, which she expressed in her birthday card. To celebrate the renovator’s special day in 2016, Teresa posted a photo of the three sisters as children on Instagram.

“Happy #birthday to one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known,” she wrote in the caption. “Jojo, you are a first-class peacemaker with a generous spirit, a heart of gold who has the ability to rally like me” I have never seen! I remember our times of sweet adventures as a little girl.”

Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall

Joanna Gaines hugs her younger sister, Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall. Joanna Gaines/Instagram

Joanna’s younger sister, Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall, is featured on The upper part of the fixator when Joanna and Chip were working on what became the McCall family home.

“Chip and I have been doing houses for fifteen years, and I’d say this house is the one I’m most excited about,” Joanna said in a January 2018 episode. “I think probably the biggest reason is that my sister and her family are going to live in him.”

Mikey, her husband David McCall and their children were moving back to Waco, Texas after nine years away. In the episode, the Gaines children gathered in front of the cameras to reveal their aunt and uncle.

At the time of filming, Mikey was expecting her sixth child. Later that year, she gave birth to a baby girl, and Joanna celebrated her arrival by sharing photos of Mikey, Teresa, their mom, and the newborn on Instagram.

Joanna Gaines with her parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens, and sisters Mikey and Teresa.

Joanna Gaines Instagram

In 2021, Mikey opened her own business, a plant store called Ferny’s.

“A couple of things I really love…my little sister and watching someone search for what makes them come alive,” Joanna captioned her sister’s store post on Instagram. “You can imagine how I feel today when these two things come together!!!”

She continued: “Mikey has had this dream for years and with six kids and a busy life, she’s been patiently waiting to get out and continue this creative and quiet movement in her heart, but today she’s going for it!”

The following year, Joanna and Mikey debuted a new show on the Magnolia Network, The Retro PlantShop with Mikey and Jowho follows his younger sister as she builds her business, combining her love of plants and vintage items.

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Source: HIS Education