American lifestyle creator and YouTuber Michel Janse has built a strong online following through her honest videos about relationships, personal growth, faith, creativity, and everyday life. However, one of the most searched topics about her personal story is her former marriage and the identity of her ex-husband.
Michel Janse’s ex-husband is Brook Smith. Their relationship was once a major part of Michel’s online content, with Brook appearing frequently in her videos and joining her professional projects. After their separation, Michel shared her experience publicly, revealing difficult details about the marriage and the challenges she faced during that period of her life.
Meeting Brook Smith
Michel Janse and Brook Smith first connected online before beginning a serious relationship.
The couple eventually married in 2018 when Michel was 21 years old. During their marriage, they lived together in Pasadena, California, where Michel continued developing her career as a lifestyle content creator.
At the time, their relationship appeared regularly on Michel’s social media platforms. Fans became familiar with Brook through her YouTube videos and podcasts, where he was presented as an important part of her personal and professional journey.
Online Partnership
During their marriage, Brook Smith was involved in several aspects of Michel’s public brand.
He frequently appeared in her lifestyle vlogs and became a familiar face among her audience. The couple also worked together on Michel’s lifestyle podcast, Not Quite Average, where they discussed personal topics and experiences.
Beyond content creation, they collaborated on Janse the Label, Michel’s ethical clothing brand. Their shared projects reflected how closely their personal relationship and business activities were connected.
For many followers, their marriage appeared to be a partnership that extended beyond home life into creative work.
Separation Announcement
In November 2021, Michel Janse announced to her audience that she and Brook Smith were separating.
The news surprised many viewers because Brook had been a regular presence in her content for several years. Since their relationship had been publicly documented, the separation became a significant moment for Michel and her online community.
The divorce was officially completed in early 2022, marking the end of their marriage after several years together.
Following the split, Michel began sharing more about her personal experience and the emotional challenges surrounding the relationship.
Difficult Marriage
After the divorce, Michel opened up about the reasons behind the breakdown of her marriage through emotional YouTube videos.
She described the relationship as involving what she characterized as narcissistic behavior and emotional abuse. Michel also stated that she experienced repeated infidelity during the marriage.
Her discussions focused on her own healing process, personal boundaries, and learning to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns.
Michel’s decision to speak publicly helped many viewers who had experienced similar struggles and showed a different side of her life beyond lifestyle content.
Criminal Past Revelation
The situation received additional attention in 2022 when information about Brook Smith’s hidden criminal past became public.
It was revealed that Brook had a criminal history and was a registered sex offender. Michel responded to the news by addressing her audience and explaining that she had not known about his past during their relationship.
She stated that she had been unaware of those details while they were together and clarified her position after learning the information.
The revelation became a difficult chapter in Michel’s life as she processed information that changed her understanding of her former marriage.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Michel Janse made major changes in her personal life.
She moved back to Texas before later relocating to Oceanside, California. These transitions represented a new phase as she focused on rebuilding her life, career, and personal identity.
Through her content, Michel continued sharing experiences related to growth, healing, relationships, and finding a healthier balance in life.
Her openness about difficult moments became an important part of the connection she built with her audience.
New Marriage
Michel Janse eventually found love again.
In February 2024, she married musician Jordy Searcy. The couple’s relationship has been shared with fans through Michel’s content, showing a new chapter after the challenges of her previous marriage.
Her second marriage represents a fresh beginning and reflects the personal growth she has discussed with her audience over the years.
Career Growth
Despite the challenges surrounding her divorce, Michel continued expanding her career as a creator.
Her YouTube channel has remained focused on lifestyle topics, personal storytelling, relationships, faith, and everyday experiences. She has built a loyal audience by being open about both positive moments and difficult life lessons.
Michel’s willingness to discuss personal struggles has helped her stand out in the crowded online creator space.
Final Thoughts
Michel Janse’s ex-husband Brook Smith was once a major part of her personal life and online presence. Their marriage included shared creative projects, public appearances, and business collaborations before ending in divorce in 2022.
After the separation, Michel publicly discussed the emotional difficulties she experienced and the unexpected revelations that followed. While the chapter was painful, she has since focused on healing, personal growth, and building a new life.
Today, Michel continues creating content while embracing her marriage with Jordy Searcy and connecting with millions of followers through her honest approach to storytelling. Her journey remains a reminder that public success often includes private challenges, and personal growth can come from even the most difficult experiences.
