Introduction to Cortney Van Olphen
I first stumbled upon Cortney Van Olphen while exploring the vibrant undercurrents of Los Angeles celebrity circles. Born on August 19, 1997, in the sun-drenched sprawl of Los Angeles, California, Cortney Erin Van Olphen stands as a 28-year-old force, weaving her story through family bonds and bold ventures. She’s not just any young entrepreneur; she’s the half-sister to reality TV sensation Scheana Shay, a connection that adds layers of intrigue to her otherwise grounded existence. Picture her as a quiet river running parallel to a roaring waterfall, steady and supportive amid the splash of fame.
Cortney’s life unfolds like a carefully curated Instagram feed, blending privacy with glimpses of creativity. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, with dark hair mirroring her sister’s, she often sparks comments about their twin-like resemblance despite a 12-year age gap. I see her as a modern mosaic, pieced together from freelance gigs, family milestones, and a dash of adrenaline from past scares. Her journey from behind-the-scenes support to front-and-center business owner captivates me, revealing a resilience that echoes through her daily pursuits.
Family Roots and Close-Knit Bonds
Each page of Cortney’s family photo album is warm and complex. Her mother, Erika Van Olphen, has supported both girls through life’s curveballs. As of 2024, Erika has been married to Ron Van Olphen for about 30 years. I see her anchoring the family in a wild sea. She posts poignant messages like the 2023 Cortney 26th birthday tribute, applauding her independence and drive.
The unifying figure is Cortney’s father and Scheana’s stepfather, Ron Van Olphen. He joined Scheana early, creating a close-knit family. Ron is quiet yet powerful, like an ancient oak’s roots supporting sprawling branches, making holiday gatherings and private anniversaries reliable.
The older half-sister Scheana Shay, born Scheana Marie Jancan on May 7, 1985, occasionally illuminates Cortney’s way. They bond despite their age difference due to their shared mother but different fathers. They’ve been photographed together at events like the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards, their similarities reflecting in a peaceful lake. Scheana considers Cortney her “twin,” and 2024 girls’ nights with Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix show their closeness. They are the only siblings in this story, making their sisterhood crucial.
Long-term relationship with Justice Horden adds romance to Cortney’s life. Traveling and surviving a car fire have been their shared experiences since 2018. Justice is at her side throughout business launches and daily life. Their story emphasizes collaboration and growth without marriage or children.
Career Milestones and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Cortney’s professional path intrigues me as a testament to adaptability in Hollywood’s shadow. She began as a freelance social media manager and personal assistant, roles that placed her in the orbits of stars like Paula Abdul. Accompanying Abdul on tours sharpened her skills in digital strategy and event handling, turning her into a behind-the-scenes wizard.
In 2023, she launched Valley Brat, a clothing brand inspired by Los Angeles culture. Available online, it captures the essence of valley life with edgy designs. But her crowning achievement came in September 2025 with the opening of Salty Horse, a coastal-western cafe at 2246 Newport Blvd in Costa Mesa. Housed in a restored 1938 feed barn, this spot blends all-day brunch, cocktails, and unique dishes like ube chicken and waffles or “Cortney’s BB” matcha. TikTok propelled it to viral fame, drawing crowds with its aesthetic patio and bold flavors. Chef Fernando, drawing from experiences at Javier’s and Malibu Farms, leads the kitchen, while Cortney’s social media savvy fuels the buzz.
Financial details remain veiled, but the cafe’s 3.9-star Yelp rating from hundreds of reviews and 56,000 Instagram followers signal success. Her occasional cameos on Vanderpump Rules boost visibility without stealing her independence. I view her career as a climbing vine, steadily reaching new heights through creativity and grit.
Key Life Events and Timeline
To grasp Cortney’s journey, I often turn to timelines, those chronological maps that reveal patterns. Here’s a detailed one, capturing pivotal moments:
| Year | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Born on August 19 in Los Angeles, California. |
| Early 2000s-2010s | Grows up in a blended family, forging close ties with half-sister Scheana and mother Erika. |
| 2015 | Begins appearing in Scheana’s social media posts, strengthening public sibling visibility. |
| 2017 | Attends iHeartRadio Music Awards with Scheana; kicks off freelance career in social media. |
| 2018 | On January 18, escapes a fiery car explosion with boyfriend Justice Horden, an incident that drew family relief and media attention. |
| 2020s | Solidifies role as personal assistant, including tours with Paula Abdul. |
| 2023 | Launches Valley Brat clothing brand; celebrates 26th birthday with family accolades. |
| 2024 | Joins Scheana for Vanderpump Rules girls’ night; Mother’s Day posts emphasize family resemblance. |
| 2025 | In September, opens Salty Horse cafe in Costa Mesa, achieving viral success on TikTok. |
| 2026 | Continues managing Salty Horse, with hints of potential expansions in social posts. |
This table underscores her progression from family-centric youth to entrepreneurial adulthood, marked by 12 years separating her from Scheana yet united by shared experiences.
Recent Highlights and Public Moments
Lately, Cortney’s story has shimmered with positive vibes. The 2024 Mother’s Day tributes showcased her uncanny resemblance to Scheana, fueling fan discussions. By late 2025, Salty Horse dominated social feeds, inviting notable figures and earning praise for its menu innovations. The 2018 car incident, where her Jeep burst into flames en route from Las Vegas, remains a stark reminder of life’s fragility; she and Justice escaped unharmed, crediting quick instincts.
Her YouTube travel vlogs, though sporadic, offer personal insights, like windows into her adventurous soul. With 56,000 followers, her Instagram serves as a canvas for business promotions and family snapshots, blending professional triumphs with personal joys.
FAQ
Who is Cortney Van Olphen’s famous sibling?
Cortney’s half-sister is Scheana Shay, a star from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. Born 12 years apart, they share a mother and a bond that’s evident in public appearances and social media.
What businesses does Cortney Van Olphen own?
She founded Valley Brat in 2023, a Los Angeles-inspired clothing line. In September 2025, she opened Salty Horse, a cafe in Costa Mesa that gained rapid popularity through TikTok for its unique dishes and historic charm.
Has Cortney Van Olphen faced any major incidents?
Yes, on January 18, 2018, she and her boyfriend Justice Horden narrowly escaped a car fire. The Jeep exploded shortly after they pulled over, an event that highlighted her resilience and drew family gratitude.
What is Cortney Van Olphen’s relationship status?
She’s been in a long-term relationship with Justice Horden since at least 2018. They share travels and support each other’s endeavors, maintaining a stable partnership without public mentions of marriage or children.
How does Cortney Van Olphen connect to the entertainment industry?
Through freelance work as a social media manager and personal assistant to figures like Paula Abdul. Her sister’s fame occasionally intersects, but Cortney carves her own path with independent ventures.
What makes Cortney Van Olphen’s family unique?
It’s a blended unit with Erika and Ron Van Olphen at the core. Ron acts as father to Cortney and stepfather to Scheana, creating a supportive dynamic despite different paternal lines, celebrated in posts spanning over 30 years of marriage.
