They grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, before moving to Greater Los Angeles in June 2012 at nearly 16 years old to pursue a career in acting and filming for their YouTube channel.

[7] The Merrell Twins launched their main YouTube channel in late 2009, but they didn't take it seriously and upload videos to it consistently until towards the end of 2013.

[6] They often appear in AwesomenessTV videos and had recurring roles on the television show Jane the Virgin.

The show was renewed further for a third season the following year revolving around TikTok star Nate Wyatt.

In the beginning of 2023, Vanessa and her husband John Vaughn, formed a music duo "ButterflyTiger" and released their debut single, "Love Me (Like You Do)" on February 24, 2023.

[20][21] The twins have stated in at least a couple of videos that they are of Spanish, Portuguese, Irish, German and Mexican descent.