Kelley Lorraine, a prominent content creator, has had an eventful year as she navigates life following her separation from her husband. The 31-year-old social media influencer, known for her vibrant presence on platforms like TikTok, recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss her journey of personal growth and adaptation since her divorce.
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In August, Lorraine revealed to her more than three million followers that she and her husband, Luis Joel, were parting ways after seven years of marriage. The announcement shocked many, particularly those who followed the couple’s family life closely. Lorraine, who wed at 23, found herself at a crossroads, needing to rediscover her identity outside the framework of her marriage and family.
Reflecting on the past year, Lorraine admits it hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s been rough,” she explains, while acknowledging the positives that have come out of this transformative period. “It’s also been really good,” she adds, recognising the personal growth she has experienced. This year has been pivotal for Lorraine as she has started to explore long-forgotten passions, like horseback riding, and revisit interests that once brought her joy.
Following their separation, Joel relocated to Texas, leaving Lorraine to embrace her new role as a single mother in Los Angeles. “It’s been really hard,” she confides, sharing that she currently has full custody of their two young children. The responsibility of parenting can be overwhelming, especially as she balances her career while ensuring the well-being of her family. “It’s day in and day out. You’re sick, and you still have to show. I’ve definitely had a learning curve — I’ve had some hard months,” she explained.
Lorraine’s bond with Ana, her step-daughter from Joel’s previous relationship, has proven to be a significant source of support during this time. Their relationship has evolved from that of a typical stepmother and stepchild to what Lorraine describes as a more roommate-like dynamic. Ana chose to stay with Lorraine even after her father’s move to Texas, demonstrating the strong connection they share. “She has such a strong love for the girls and takes care of them,” Lorraine noted appreciatively.
As Ana embarks on her own journey in the entertainment industry, Lorraine has taken the opportunity to involve her in the high-profile events she has attended over the past year. These shared experiences not only enrich Ana’s exposure to the industry but also solidify their unique bond. “It’s a really good way for her to see what her future’s gonna look like,” Lorraine commented on Ana’s participation in these activities.
As she approaches the one-year mark since her divorce, Lorraine is also tentatively exploring the dating scene again. She opened up about the apprehensions she faced when considering dating after a long hiatus. “I haven’t dated in years,” she admitted. The modern dating landscape, particularly the prevalence of dating apps, has felt daunting. “I was like, ‘I don’t know what to do,’” she recalled.
While navigating this new world, Lorraine encountered a few missteps, including a date with someone who turned out to be in a relationship. Despite these obstacles, she feels fortunate to have met someone special over the past few months. “We’ve been talking and things are going really well,” she disclosed, expressing optimism about this new chapter in her life.
Support from Ana has proved invaluable as Lorraine steps back into the dating arena. The two have even enjoyed double dates together, each providing moral support for the other. “She calms my nerves,” said Lorraine, expressing gratitude for Ana’s approval of her new interest. Additionally, Ana has been instrumental in caring for Lorraine’s children during her outings, making the transition into dating smoother.
Kelley Lorraine’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. As she continues to embrace this new phase of her life, she remains grounded by the love and support of her family, including her step-daughter, Ana. With her eyes set on the future, Lorraine’s story reflects not just the struggles of personal transformation, but also the joys and opportunities that arise from embracing change.