Karissa Collins, a prominent parenting influencer, has captured the hearts of many with her vibrant family life, which she shares with her husband, Mandrae Collins, and their remarkable brood of eleven children. Since rising to fame on YouTube in 2017, the couple has been candid about their parenting journey, showcasing the joys and challenges of raising a large family.
In a heartfelt Instagram post from December 2024, Karissa addressed the frequent question of why they chose to have eleven children. She revealed that her initial feelings about motherhood were far from enthusiastic. “I grew up not a fan of children,” she admitted. “Never longed to be a mother.” The couple began their marriage with plans for a small family, utilizing birth control and envisioning a five-year plan. However, a transformative church sermon led them to relinquish control and allow God to determine their family size.
“Eleven children later, we’ve been through it all,” Karissa reflected. “We’ve seen the hardest and most blessed moments you can dream of. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s the best decision of my life to trust God to plan our family.” Her journey underscores a profound faith and resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Karissa’s candidness extends beyond joyful moments; she has also shared her struggles with pregnancy loss. In a TikTok video posted in July 2025, she revealed that she was experiencing a missed miscarriage. “I have not fully miscarried the baby, which I found out about a month ago,” she shared, highlighting the emotional toll of such experiences. The situation was further complicated by a viral video that sparked backlash, where her children playfully interacted with her belly after the miscarriage. Karissa expressed regret for not considering how the moment might be perceived, emphasizing that her intention was simply to capture a lighthearted family moment.
Despite the challenges, the Collins family continues to grow. In July 2025, they announced they were expecting their twelfth child, although shortly after, Karissa confirmed another miscarriage, marking her fourth loss. Through these trials, she remains committed to sharing her journey with her followers, fostering a sense of community among those who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Here’s a closer look at the Collins family:
Mandrae Collins
Karissa and Mandrae tied the knot in May 2007, celebrating their union in a unique way. “Feels like yesterday we got married on a Wednesday at the age of 23 on the 23rd with 23 flavors of ice cream,” Karissa reminisced in a May 2025 Instagram post. Their relationship is a testament to love and partnership, evolving in ways they never anticipated.
Anissa Beth
Their first child, Anissa, was born in December 2009. Karissa describes her eldest daughter as “shy at first and then outgoing,” noting her role as the “family organizer” and an “amazing” big sister.
Andrae Cardell
Their first son, Andrae, arrived in July 2011, adding a new dynamic to the family.
Annistan Breanne
The couple welcomed their second daughter, Annistan, in November 2012, further enriching their family.
Anjalie ‘Lele’ Brielle
A little over a year later, Lele was born in December 2013, bringing even more joy to the household.
Andersyn ‘Ande’ Brooklyn
In July 2015, Ande joined the family. Karissa describes her as a “firecracker,” always happy and ready for the camera, with a love for pandas and shopping.
Aynjel Belle
Their sixth child, Aynjel, was born in December 2016. Karissa characterizes her as “empathetic and emotional,” showcasing the diverse personalities within their family.
Ansyr Blue
Ansyr, born prematurely in February 2018, weighed just 3 lbs at birth and spent 40 days in the NICU. Karissa shared the emotional journey of her daughter’s early arrival and the miraculous moment they were finally able to take her home.
Anchor Christian
Their seventh child, a son named Anchor, was born in August 2019, further expanding their family circle.
Anthym Bliss
Anthym, their eighth child, was born in January 2021, adding to the lively atmosphere of their home.
Armor Courage
In February 2023, they welcomed Armor, who has already proven to be a resilient and strong addition to the family.
Arrow Chosen
Their youngest son, Arrow, was born in August 2024, completing their family of twelve.
Karissa Collins has become an influential voice in the parenting community, sharing her family’s journey in a way that resonates with many. Her openness about both the joys and challenges of motherhood has fostered a supportive environment for her followers, encouraging them to embrace their unique paths. As the Collins family continues to grow, their story serves as a reminder of the beauty found in faith, resilience, and love.