Chanel Ayan has captivated audiences with her stunning presence, bold personality, and groundbreaking journey on The Real Housewives of Dubai. As the first Black supermodel in Dubai, Ayan has used her platform to break barriers and inspire women worldwide. However, behind her glamorous career and television fame is a deep and beautiful love story with her husband, Chris Pillott.
While Ayan’s charismatic energy and unapologetic confidence have made her a fan favorite, her marriage to Chris, her role as a mother, and her growing business empire showcase another side of her success. From meeting her husband as a teenager in Kenya to building a global beauty brand, here’s everything you need to know about Chanel Ayan’s husband, family, and post-RHODubai life in 2025.
How Chanel Ayan Met Her Husband, Chris Pillott
Long before she was a global fashion icon, Chanel Ayan (real name: Ayan Pillott) met her husband, Chris Pillott, in Nairobi, Kenya. The couple’s love story began when Ayan was just 17 years old, fresh out of high school, and engaged to her cousin (a cultural norm in her community).
Chris, on the other hand, was 22 years old, had just graduated from college, and was enjoying his independence. Ayan’s sister introduced them at a restaurant in Nairobi, and their connection was instantaneous.
Ayan has openly shared that Chris was immediately drawn to her—and not just because of her beauty and charm. According to Ayan, it was her incredible dance moves that first caught his attention. “He wanted to dance with me because I’m a f–king great dancer, I can move, man,” she said during The Real Housewives of Dubai.
Their chemistry quickly blossomed into romance, but their relationship was not accepted by Ayan’s family at first.
Ayan and Chris’ Struggles and Triumphs as a Couple
Coming from a traditional Somali-Kenyan family, Ayan faced intense backlash when she decided to be with Chris, who is a white American entrepreneur. “Running away with a white man, that’s unheard of,” Ayan told Vogue Arabia. “The people in my community are thinking that’s unacceptable. She’s marrying outside our culture, that’s unacceptable.”
Despite the challenges, Ayan and Chris fought for their love, proving that true love transcends cultural expectations. Over time, Ayan’s family eventually accepted their relationship, and even some of her siblings later married outside their culture as well.
Now, after more than 20 years of marriage, Ayan and Chris have built a beautiful life together. Ayan has credited Chris for being supportive of her career, even as she juggled modeling, reality TV, and entrepreneurship.
Who is Chanel Ayan’s Son?
Ayan and Chris are proud parents to their 17-year-old son, Taj, whom she affectionately calls “Cookie.” Taj has inherited his mother’s love for fashion and modeling, making a name for himself as a signed model with IMG Models.
Taj has even modeled alongside his mother, appearing in campaigns for her makeup brand, Ayan Beauty. Ayan often expresses her pride and admiration for Taj, posting heartfelt messages about him on social media.
“I am so proud and thankful to be your mum,” Ayan wrote in an Instagram post featuring a photo of her and Taj modeling together. “You are truly unique and my bloodline.”
Aside from modeling, Taj also has a playful side, often appearing in Ayan’s TikTok videos, calling her out for exaggerating her morning routine or dancing in the rain with her.
Chris also shares a close bond with their son, frequently posting father-son moments on social media. Ayan once commented on a picture of Chris and Taj, calling them her “favorite human beings on this earth.”
Chanel Ayan’s Career and Life After The Real Housewives of Dubai
Since appearing on RHODubai in 2022, Ayan has been busier than ever. Together with Chris, she launched Ayan Beauty, a luxury makeup brand inspired by her years in the modeling industry.
Ayan told Women’s Wear Daily that her goal with Ayan Beauty was to empower women and help them feel confident in their skin, with or without makeup.
“I love when a woman feels good about herself when they wear makeup, or when they don’t,” she said. “Sometimes when I don’t have makeup on, I feel so powerful.”
Ayan Beauty has become a major success, featuring high-quality beauty products that reflect Ayan’s personal style and experience in the fashion industry.
Beyond Beauty: Ayan’s Growing Influence
Aside from her makeup brand, Ayan has continued to make waves in fashion, TV, and philanthropy. She has been featured in numerous fashion campaigns, walked prestigious runways, and used her platform to advocate for diversity in the fashion industry.
Additionally, Ayan has been open about her past struggles, including growing up in a strict household and breaking away from cultural expectations. She hopes to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Chanel Ayan’s Net Worth in 2025
Ayan’s net worth is estimated to be around $2-3 million in 2025, with her earnings coming from multiple ventures, including:
✔ Her modeling career (spanning over two decades)
✔ The Real Housewives of Dubai
✔ Ayan Beauty (her growing beauty brand)
✔ Fashion campaigns and endorsements
Her husband, Chris Pillott, also contributes to their wealth through his entrepreneurial ventures.
Final Thoughts: A Love Story That Inspires
Chanel Ayan’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and love. From her humble beginnings in Kenya to becoming a global fashion icon and entrepreneur, Ayan has proven that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination.
Her marriage to Chris Pillott has stood the test of time, breaking cultural barriers and proving that love knows no boundaries. Together, they have built a beautiful family, with their son Taj following in his mother’s footsteps in the fashion world.
As Ayan continues to expand her beauty empire, break barriers in the fashion industry, and inspire women around the world, there is no doubt that she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether on the runway, on TV, or in business, Chanel Ayan continues to shine.
