From Playboy Stars to Everyday Life

Karissa and Kristina Shannon, once the iconic twins from 'The Girls Next Door,' are speaking candidly about their lives after leaving the lavish Playboy Mansion. Now at 35, the sisters are embarking on a transformative journey that has led them away from Hollywood and back to their roots in faith and purpose.

The Journey Begins: Small Town to Spotlight

Growing up in a small, impoverished town in Florida, the Shannon twins were raised by their beloved grandmother and faced significant family struggles. Their modeling careers took off at 16 when they worked in a local restaurant, Ker's WingHouse, where they quickly became local sensations. Their journey into the limelight began when a photographer sent their images to Playboy.

"Hugh Hefner loved us right away," Karissa recalls. At just 17, they became the youngest twins to feature prominently in the magazine, breaking records even as they struggled with the realities of their newfound fame.

Behind the Glamour: Struggles in the Mansion

Although their rise to fame seemed glamorous, the twins faced intense bullying and isolation at the Mansion. "We were just teenagers, naturally beautiful but utterly unprepared for the challenges of that lifestyle," Kristina explained. Despite the attention from Hefner, the pressures and drama ultimately took a toll on their mental health.

Rock Bottom: Loss and Realization

After three years in the Playboy sphere, both sisters hit rock bottom. The heartbreaking death of their grandmother and Kristina's DUI in 2014 forced them to confront their choices. "We were unhealthy and lost, spiraling into what many called our 'Anna Nicole phase,'" Kristina stated, acknowledging the dark times filled with substance abuse and emotional turmoil.

A New Beginning: Healing in Michigan

Determined to rewrite their narrative, the twins left Los Angeles and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they focused on healing. "We sold our beauty salon and sought a simpler life. It was time to rediscover ourselves," Karissa shared.

In Michigan's peaceful environment, they faced their mental health challenges head-on, receiving diagnoses and embarking on a path of self-care and spiritual growth. "We found solace in nature and turned to God, praying for guidance," Karissa revealed.

Ready for a Comeback On Their Own Terms

Now, after years away from the spotlight, the twins are ready to re-enter the limelight, but this time it's on their own terms. They aim to share their authentic selves, embracing reality TV with a fresh perspective.

Additionally, they're exploring new ventures, such as obtaining real estate licenses and dreaming of starting families together. "We want to be housewives and have big families, ideally twins!" Kristina shared excitedly.

A Fresh Start: First Photoshoot After Decade of Change

Recently, the sisters participated in their first photoshoot in their 30s—this time without any explicit themes. "It’s the first glimpse of our new selves since our time on A&E's 'Secrets of Playboy.' We want our fans to see us and understand where we are now," Kristina added.

The Shannon twins are poised for a unique and exciting chapter ahead, with renewed faith, ambition, and a commitment to authenticity.