Inside the Life of Karissa Collins: A Glimpse into a Family of 11

Karissa Collins and her husband, Mandrae Collins, have captivated audiences since their rise to fame on YouTube in 2017. Their journey as parents of 11 children has left many fascinated, questioning everything from their parenting style to how they manage their large household.

A Journey of Faith and Family Planning

In a candid December 2024 Instagram post, Karissa addressed the often-asked question, “Why do we have 11 children?” Her response was both honest and reflective. Karissa confessed that, growing up, she wasn’t particularly fond of children and never envisioned herself as a mother. She noted that she and Mandrae married with a clear five-year plan, armed with birth control and a limited vision of the future.

However, a pivotal moment during a church sermon prompted the couple to take a leap of faith. They decided to “let God decide” how their family would grow. Karissa recounted this transformative choice with joy, stating, “11 children later, we’ve been through it all.” Her journey has included profound challenges and blessings, leading her to praise the divine for providing strength and joy when it seemed impossible.

Navigating Public Scrutiny

In July 2025, Karissa faced significant backlash after sharing a viral video of her children playfully interacting with her belly following a miscarriage. In a subsequent TikTok video, she expressed her regret, clarifying that her intent was never to stir controversy. “I apologized. What was on other people’s minds was not on my mind at all,” she explained. This incident opened up discussions about motherhood and public perception, illustrating the complexity of being a social media influencer amid personal pain.

Tragically, shortly after announcing their twelfth pregnancy, Karissa experienced her fourth pregnancy loss. As she processed her grief, she chose to let the fetal tissue pass naturally, underscoring her commitment to embracing her body and its processes in a world that often demands quick fixes and solutions.

Meet the Collins Family

Karissa and Mandrae’s family is a vibrant tapestry of personalities, each contributing to the lively dynamic of their home.

Mandrae Collins

Married since May 2007, Mandrae has been a steadfast partner to Karissa. Their wedding was a memorable affair, marked by 23 flavors of ice cream and a wedding verse from Psalms 23, signifying both their faith and a whimsical touch to their life.

Anissa Beth

Their journey into parenthood began with the birth of their eldest daughter, Anissa, in December 2009. Karissa describes Anissa as shy at first but transforms into an outgoing and humorous “goofball,” playing the pivotal role of family organizer and big sister.

Andrae Cardell

Their first son, Andrae, arrived in July 2011, enriching their family balance and welcoming the perspectives that come with having a son.

Annistan Breanne

The couple welcomed another daughter, Annistan, in November 2012. Her introduction to the family added further joy and girl power.

Anjalie ‘Lele’ Brielle

In December 2013, Lele joined the clan, bringing her uniqueness to the mix just a year after Annistan’s birth.

Andersyn ‘Ande’ Brooklyn

Ande, known as the “firecracker” of the family, was born in July 2015. Karissa describes her as always happy, loud, and unafraid of the camera, flaunting a vibrant personality that has endeared her to followers.

Aynjel Belle

In December 2016, Aynjel was welcomed into the family. Her sensitive and emotional nature has made a notable impact on her siblings, adding depth to their interactions.

Ansyr Blue

Being born premature in February 2018, Ansyr weighed just 3 lbs at birth and spent 40 days in the NICU. Karissa reflects on this challenging chapter as a testament to her faith, emphasizing a fortifying bond with Ansyr and the miraculous nature of her story.

Anchor Christian

Another son, Anchor, was born in August 2019, adding more joy to the family’s growing circle.

Anthym Bliss

In January 2021, the family expanded with another daughter, Anthym, who has lit up their lives with her presence.

Armor Courage

Armor, their son born in February 2023, symbolized strength and resilience for Karissa. Reflecting on his challenging start, she described him as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Arrow Chosen

Their youngest son, Arrow, entered the world in August 2024, rounding out the family beautifully.

Embracing a Unique Lifestyle

Karissa and Mandrae’s journey isn’t just about parenting a large family; it encompasses the ups and downs, the joys and heartbreaks that come with it. Their openness about faith, family planning, and dealing with public perception resonates with many, creating a narrative that is both relatable and inspiring.

From sharing the everyday moments of parenting to addressing complex issues surrounding motherhood, Karissa Collins continues to engage her audience, transforming her family’s experiences into opportunities for connection and understanding.