Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, recently shared a deeply personal moment during his travels in Sweden.
A simple snack, deeply rooted in his childhood, triggered a powerful wave of emotion and reflection-reminding him of the woman who helped shape his life and career.
Ohanian, 41, lost his mother, Anke Ohanian, in 2008 to glioblastoma, a severe and fast-growing form of brain cancer. She was only 54.
The loss left a deep imprint on Ohanian, who often honors her memory through heartfelt social media posts and charitable efforts. But this latest moment came unexpectedly, courtesy of a piece of candy.
“This Nordic licorice reminds me of my mom, she loved the stuff – it’s not for the weak – but I love it too NGL. Tack Sweden! See ya again soon,” Ohanian wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, alongside a video showing a variety of Nordic licorice he encountered during his visit.
The treat he referenced-salty licorice or “salmiakki”-is popular in Finland and other Nordic countries, known for its strong flavor and ammonium chloride content. It’s also widely available in northern Germany, where his mother was born and raised.
A childhood shaped by love, language, and support
Anke Ohanian, born in Hamburg, Germany, met Alexis’s Armenian-American father, Christopher Ohanian, in Ireland.
The two later immigrated to the United States in 1980, where they built a life together and raised their son in a multicultural household. Anke often spoke German at home, ensuring Alexis was connected to his heritage from an early age.
She was more than a mother-she was a guiding force. In an interview with Jay Shetty, Ohanian reflected on a pivotal moment in high school when he considered becoming a professional waiter instead of attending college.
He recalled the support and wisdom his mother offered during that time: “My mom, though, so sweet. She was like, ‘Look, whatever you do, I know you’re going to be best at it. I know you’re going to work your hardest.
“Why don’t you start with a budget and figure out what it would cost to live there and then how much you will get paid and see if that’s something you want to accomplish.'”
Rather than discourage his dream, she encouraged him to think it through practically-offering unconditional love without judgment. That moment, Ohanian explained, reinforced his self-belief and entrepreneurial mindset.
“She was incredibly supportive,” Ohanian has said in past interviews. “She helped me see obstacles as opportunities.”
A tribute beyond words
Ohanian has never shied away from expressing how much his mother’s passing affected him.
On past anniversaries of her death, he’s referred to it as “the hardest day of the year.” Her courage and resilience continue to inspire the way he approaches business, fatherhood, and philanthropy.
Through his nonprofit, 776 Foundation, and other charitable endeavors, Ohanian supports initiatives focused on youth development and cancer research-causes close to his heart.
As the father of two daughters with Serena Williams, Ohanian often reflects on the values his mother instilled in him and how they now influence his own parenting journey.
That a small piece of licorice could transport him back to such deeply rooted memories speaks volumes about the love he still carries for Anke.
While time may move forward, Alexis Ohanian’s tribute proves that a mother’s presence never truly fades-it simply evolves, finding new forms in everyday life.
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