Mary Kay McCall, widely adored by fans of the Magnolia world and known affectionately as “Mikey”, has become a beloved personality for her authenticity, creativity, and warm family-centered life. Best recognized as the younger sister of Joanna Gaines, the co-founder of Magnolia and star of Fixer Upper, Mary Kay McCall carved her own beautiful path through motherhood, entrepreneurship, and her deep passion for plants and vintage treasures. Her rise to popularity grew significantly after she appeared in The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo, a Magnolia Network series that documented her inspiring journey of building her dream retro-themed plant shop called Ferny’s. Although Ferny’s officially closed in August 2024, her story continues to inspire thousands of women who juggle motherhood, creativity, and small business dreams. In this detailed, human-written guide, we will explore every part of her life—her early upbringing, multicultural roots, marriage, children, plant shop journey, Magnolia Network experience, her beautiful bond with her sisters, and the reasons behind her emotional decision to step away from her business in 2024. This article aims to provide the most complete, SEO-optimized, and reader-friendly biography of Mary Kay McCall available online in 2025.
Profile Summary: Mary Kay McCall
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall |
| Nickname | Mikey |
| Known For | Joanna Gaines’s sister, Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop, Magnolia Network star |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Estimated Age | 39–40 (exact birthday not public) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Half German-Lebanese (father’s side), Half Korean (mother’s side) |
| Parents | Jerry Stevens (U.S. veteran), Nan Stevens (South Korea) |
| Siblings | Joanna Gaines, Teresa Criswell |
| Husband | Dr. David McCall |
| Children | Six |
| Residence | Waco, Texas |
Who Is Mary Kay McCall? Complete Biography Overview
Mary Kay “Mikey” McCall is an American entrepreneur, plant lover, mother of six, and reality personality who rose to national recognition through Magnolia Network. Her gentle, relatable personality earned admiration from viewers around the world, especially through her inspiring plant shop journey. Below is a complete quick-facts breakdown to make it easier for readers and researchers.
Early Life & Background
Childhood in a Multicultural Family
Mary Kay McCall was raised in a beautifully diverse home that blended German, Lebanese, and Korean cultures, which played an important role in shaping her values, personality, and worldview. Her father, Jerry Stevens, served as a United States military veteran, and her mother, Nan Stevens, originally from South Korea, brought a rich cultural influence into the household. Growing up in such a multicultural environment helped Mary develop a deep appreciation for family, tradition, and the importance of staying connected to her roots. This multi-ethnic family life also shaped her strong bond with her siblings and influenced her creative personality.
Growing Up With Sisters Joanna & Teresa
Mary, Joanna, and their older sister Teresa were raised in several different states, including Kansas, Austin, and eventually Waco, Texas, where their family settled long-term. During their childhood, the sisters created joyful memories centered around crafting, decorating, and exploring creative hobbies. Their shared love of plants, vintage décor, and cozy home-making traditions eventually shaped the careers of both Joanna and Mikey. Their strong sisterhood later became a core theme in Mary’s Magnolia Network show.
Personality and Family Bonds
Those who know Mary Kay McCall often describe her as the funny, creative, and laid-back sister—the one with a warm personality and a natural ability to make others feel comfortable. She is deeply family-oriented and places immense value on quality time with loved ones. Her siblings often mention how much Mikey brings laughter to their lives, and Mary herself reflects often on her gratefulness for the bond she shares with Joanna and Teresa. Their sisterhood continues to be a central part of her personal and professional journey.
Education and Early Aspirations
Schooling
Mary completed her schooling in the United States, although the names of her schools are not publicly known for privacy reasons. Unlike her sister Joanna, who graduated from Baylor University, Mary chose a more family-centered path earlier in life. She devoted herself to motherhood and homemaking well before pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams.
First Steps Toward Creativity
Mary’s earliest expression of creativity came through a small booth she opened in Tulsa, where she sold handmade macramé pieces and dreamed of filling the space with plants. Long before Ferny’s ever existed, Mary imagined owning a mobile shop called The Yellow Submarine, where she would travel in an old camper selling vintage items, décor, plants, and even coffee. This dream stayed quietly in her heart for years while she dedicated her time to raising her growing family.
Marriage, Husband & Children
Who Is Dr. David McCall?
Mary Kay McCall is married to Dr. David McCall, a highly qualified medical professional and surgeon based in Waco, Texas. David holds advanced degrees, including a Master of Science Education Medical and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from ATSU-SOMA. Their relationship is built on shared values of family, faith, and raising their children with love.
Family Life – Mother of Six
Mary and David are blessed with six beautiful children—one son and five daughters. Their youngest child was born on January 4, 2018. Before launching her business, Mary spent many years as a full-time mother, nurturing her home and raising her children with dedication and joy. Her decision to pursue entrepreneurship later in life is deeply connected to wanting to show her children the importance of chasing dreams.
Balancing Career & Motherhood
Although Mary built a successful retro plant shop and became a television personality, she ultimately chose to step back from her business in 2024. She explained that she felt “a pull” to focus on her children, especially because her oldest was preparing to leave for college. This heart-centered decision reflects her values as a mother first and an entrepreneur second.
Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop – Complete History
How Ferny’s Started (2021)
Ferny’s launched as a charming pop-up shop in May 2021 out of a 1967 Yellowstone Cavalier trailer. The shop quickly became one of the most beloved stops at Magnolia Market’s Shops at the Silos. Mikey’s unique style combined retro pots, houseplants, vintage décor, apparel, and plant accessories. Her creativity turned Ferny’s into a dreamy, nostalgic experience for plant lovers.
Why Ferny’s Became a Fan Favorite
The shop’s popularity came from a mix of:
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Its vintage 70s-inspired aesthetic
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The emotional connection fans felt through the Magnolia show
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Joanna Gaines’s enthusiastic support
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Mikey’s warm personality and genuine passion
Ferny’s became a place where people felt joy, comfort, and inspiration.
The Closure of Ferny’s – Why She Ended the Journey (August 2024)
Her Instagram Announcement
In August 2024, Mary revealed that Ferny’s would close after more than two years in business. She described it as a bittersweet decision, explaining that she needed to be present with her family during an important season of her life. She expressed gratitude to Joanna, Magnolia, and her loyal customers, saying it “still feels like a dream” that she lived out this creative adventure.
What Happened After Closing?
Even after closing, some Ferny’s merchandise remained available at the Magnolia grain barn. Mary encouraged fans to “stay in touch” because she might return someday with occasional plant-themed pop-up events.
Magnolia Network Show – The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo
What the Show Covers
The show documents Mary’s journey of building Ferny’s from the ground up. Viewers watched:
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Her first opening
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Joanna helping design and organize the shop
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Her hiring her first employee
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Completing a massive order of 800 potted plants for Silobration
Streaming Platforms
The show is available on:
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Magnolia Network
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discovery+
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Max
Why Fans Wanted Season 2
Viewers flooded her social media with requests for another season. Many said they became “plant moms” because of Mikey’s show. However, due to her shop closing, a second season is unlikely.
Mikey’s Passion for Plants & Vintage Culture
Love for Vintage Items
Mikey’s love for vintage treasures began years ago with her first small macramé booth. Her unique eye for retro style also shines through her visits to the Round Top Antiques Fair, where she sources nostalgic items for her shop.
Inspiration for Retro Aesthetic
Her plant shop’s look was influenced by:
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60s–70s plant culture
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Bright, cheerful retro palettes
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Sustainable décor practices
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Her passion for creative repurposing
Relationship With Joanna Gaines & Sisters
Joanna’s Role in Mikey’s Success
Joanna helped design Mary’s Waco home and supported Ferny’s since day one. Their sisterly connection is a core part of Mary’s story and a major reason why fans fell in love with her shop.
Sister Bond
The three sisters often celebrate milestones together, post heartfelt messages on social media, and cherish their shared memories. Mary and Joanna were even pregnant at the same time at one point, deepening their bond.
Mary Kay McCall Net Worth (2025 Update)
Estimated Net Worth
Mary Kay McCall’s estimated net worth is around $1 million (approximate and not verified). Her earnings come from:
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Ferny’s shop
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The Magnolia Network show
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Plant and décor-related collaborations
Lifestyle
She maintains a modest, peaceful, family-centered lifestyle in Waco, Texas.
Timeline – Life & Career Highlights
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| College Years | Dreamed of “The Yellow Submarine” shop |
| 2018 | Birth of youngest child |
| 2021 | Launch of Ferny’s pop-up shop |
| April 2023 | Magnolia Network show premiere |
| August 2024 | Ferny’s officially closed |
| 2025 | Focus on family; possible future pop-ups |
FAQs About Mary Kay McCall
1. Who is Mary Kay McCall?
She is Joanna Gaines’s younger sister, a plant-loving entrepreneur, and star of The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo.
2. How old is Mary Kay McCall?
She is approximately 39–40 years old, though her exact birthday is private.
3. Why did Ferny’s shop close?
She stepped back to spend more time with her six children and embrace a new season of life.
4. Is Mary Kay McCall still on Magnolia Network?
No new season has been announced since Ferny’s closed.
5. Who is Mikey McCall’s husband?
She is married to Dr. David McCall, a medical surgeon in Waco, Texas.
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