Karissa Collins’ Family Journey: Introducing Her Husband and 11 Children

Karissa Collins and her husband Mandrae Collins have been sharing the journey of their large family since they found fame on YouTube in 2017.

“Why do we have 11 children?” Karissa wrote in a December 2024 Instagram post, seemingly responding to inquiries about her family dynamics. “I grew up not being particularly fond of children. I never had the desire to be a mother. I have one sister, while my husband has two siblings. We got married with a 5-year plan and were using birth control.”

However, after a church sermon, Karissa and Mandrae made the decision to “let God decide” their future family.

“11 children later, we’ve experienced it all—both the toughest and most blessed moments imaginable,” her caption continued. “We’ve witnessed divine provision, miraculous healing, supernatural strength and joy, and God proving us wrong at every turn. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s the best decision I’ve made … to trust God with our family planning. All praise and glory to Him alone!”

In July 2025, Karissa faced significant backlash after a viral video showed her children playfully hitting her belly following a miscarriage. Karissa clarified that she typically doesn’t engage in “controversy” and didn’t post the video with that intention.

“I apologize. When I shared that video, I wasn’t considering how others might interpret it,” she stated in a TikTok update at the time. “It was simply a cute moment with my kids. I didn’t expect it to gain so much attention.”

Shortly after, in July 2025, she and Mandrae announced they were expecting their 12th child. Just days later, Karissa shared the heartbreaking news of her miscarriage, marking her fourth loss.

Continue reading for a summary of Karissa’s family:

Mandrae Collins

Karissa and Mandrae tied the knot in May 2007.

“Feels like just yesterday we wed on a Wednesday at 23, celebrated with 23 flavors of ice cream and served Dr. Pepper (which is a blend of 23 flavors). Our wedding verse was Psalm 23,” Karissa recalled in a May 2025 Instagram post. “I never imagined this life. We didn’t plan it or dream it, but it’s the best life we could never have envisioned.”

Anissa Beth

The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in December 2009. In an October 2024 Facebook post, Karissa described her eldest as “shy at first but outgoing and then a hilarious goofball.”

Karissa also called Anissa the “family organizer” and praised her as an “incredible” big sister.

Andrae Cardell

Their first son was born in July 2011.

Annistan Breanne

Their second daughter arrived in November 2012.

Anjalie ‘Lele’ Brielle

A little over a year later, Lele joined the family in December 2013.

Andersyn ‘Ande’ Brooklyn

Ande became part of the family in July 2015.

“Andersyn is our firecracker. She’s always happy, loud, and camera-ready. She loves pandas and shopping,” Karissa shared in a July 2024 Facebook caption. “She’s the funniest child and has never met a stranger.”

Aynjel Belle

The couple welcomed another daughter in December 2016. Karissa described her as an “empathetic and emotional” child in a social media post.

Ansyr Blue

Born prematurely in February 2018, Ansyr weighed just 3 lbs. and spent 40 days in the NICU.

“Leaving the hospital was tough, but I felt the Holy Spirit saying 40 days in the NICU was God’s plan,” Karissa explained in a 2023 TikTok. “On day 37, I was told it would be a few more weeks, but miraculously, she came home on day 40—just as God promised!”

Anchor Christian

The couple welcomed their next son in August 2019.

Anthym Bliss

Their daughter arrived in January 2021.

Armor Courage

Born in February 2023, Karissa described her son’s beginning as filled with challenges and trauma. “This amazing baby boy continues to amaze me. He’s so strong,” she shared in a 2024 Facebook video. “He has a purpose and is loved deeply by us and God—a daily reminder of His faithfulness.”

Arrow Chosen

Their youngest son completed the family in August 2024.