The glitz of the Victoria’s Secret runway feels a world away from the quiet, grounded reality Candice Swanepoel has built for her family. Since her split from longtime partner Hermann Nicoli, the South African supermodel has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a single mother, raising her two sons, Anacan and Ariel, with a fierce dedication that belies her jet-setting career.

Swanepoel’s journey is a testament to the modern woman’s ability to balance professional dominance with personal responsibility. By choosing to raise her children between the bustling streets of New York City and the tropical calm of Brazil, she is curating a childhood for them that is culturally rich and deeply connected to their roots. This is not just a story of a celebrity breakup; it is a narrative of maternal strength and the reconstruction of a family unit on one’s own terms.

Life After the Split

The separation from Nicoli in November 2018 marked a turning point. While the public speculated on the causes, Swanepoel focused inward, pouring her energy into her sons. Anacan, born in October 2016, and Ariel, born in June 2018, became the center of her universe. She has been vocal about the intensity of raising two boys close in age, describing it as a beautiful chaos that has redefined her purpose.

Her parenting style appears to be hands-on and protective. Despite her fame, she has managed to shield the boys from the most intrusive aspects of celebrity culture while still sharing glimpses of their growth with her fanbase. The decision to alter the spelling of Anacan’s name—adding an 'n' to aid pronunciation outside of Brazil—speaks to her thoughtful attention to detail in their lives.

• Cultural Dualism: The boys are growing up fluent in the rhythms of both American ambition and Brazilian soul.
• The Single Mom Balance: Swanepoel has candidly discussed the challenges of solo parenting, rejecting the supermom myth in favor of honest vulnerability.

A New Chapter

Today, Swanepoel stands as a figure of resilience. She has not let her relationship status define her happiness or her career trajectory. Instead, she has used her platform to advocate for maternal health and empowerment, partnering with organizations like mothers2mothers.

As Anacan and Ariel grow, they do so under the guidance of a mother who has navigated heartbreak to find a stronger version of herself. For Swanepoel, the runway may be her workplace, but her home—wherever it may be in the world—is her sanctuary.