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

'Fixer Upper' star Joanna Gaines always cheers on her siblings

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

Before she became known for her design skills on HGTV's Fixer Upper alongside 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 in the military.

The two hit it off when Nan approached him at a party in 1969, and in the years following, they welcomed a family in the U.S. Despite their happy upbringing, Joanna told PEOPLE about some of her and her sisters' struggles growing up.

"We were literally the only Asians in our entire 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 that was half of my story. ... I realized if this isn't accepted, maybe I need to hide it and play more into the other side of who I am."

In the intimate episode on Joanna's podcast, The Stories We Tell, the siblings opened up about how their bond eventually helped them feel pride in their heritage.

The Magnolia Network creator also shared that talking to her sisters is "one of my favorite things to do" and noted that all of them are 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 great memories with you," Teresa said while reminiscing about their childhood. "You both have inspired me in the way you are living life now and how in every season you can rebuild," Joanna added.

Here is everything to know about Joanna Gaines’ sisters — Teresa Ann Criswell and Mary Kay "Mikey" McCall — and their relationship with the reality TV star.

Related: All About Joanna Gaines' Parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens

Teresa Ann Criswell

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

Together, they co-host their self-titled audio show, OH...Teresa and Tristin Podcast, on which their relationship is often the topic of conversation. Joanna's older sister also has a YouTube channel called Triumphant Victorious Reminders, and she’s been writing a blog under the same name since 2009, largely made up of meditations on faith.

In the same vein, Teresa is a published writer, having worked on Christian books for kids and adults.

Related: All About Chip and Joanna Gaines' 5 Kids

Joanna's eldest sister is supportive of her work, as she expressed in a birthday tribute. To celebrate the renovator's special day in 2016, Teresa posted a photo on Instagram of the three sisters as kids.

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

Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall

Joanna's younger sister, Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall, was featured on Fixer Upper when Joanna and Chip worked on what became the McCall family home.

“Chip and I have been doing houses for fifteen years now, and I would say this house is the one I’m most excited about,” Joanna said in the January 2018 episode. “I think probably the biggest reason is because my sister and her family are going to be living in it.”

Mikey, her husband David McCall and their kids were moving back to Waco, Texas, after nine years away. In the episode, the Gaines kids gathered on camera to do the big reveal for their aunt and uncle.

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

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

"A couple things I love so much...my baby sis and watching someone pursue what makes them come alive," Joanna captioned an Instagram post of her sister in the shop. "So you can imagine how I'm feeling today as these two things come together!!!"

She continued, "Mikey has had this dream for years and with six kids and the busyness of life, she's waited patiently to step out and pursue this creative and quiet stirring 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 Jo, which follows the younger sister as she builds her business, combining her love of plants and vintage items.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.