Melania Trump: Life Before Becoming First Lady
Before stepping into the global spotlight as the wife of Donald Trump and the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump led a fascinating life that took her from a small town in Slovenia to the high-profile world of fashion and eventually into the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.
Early Life in Slovenia
Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in the town of Novo Mesto, Slovenia, which was then part of communist Yugoslavia. She grew up in the industrial town of Sevnica, where her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car dealer, and her mother, Amalija, was a patternmaker for a children’s clothing manufacturer.
Melania had a modest upbringing but was exposed to fashion at an early age through her mother’s work. This ignited her passion for modeling, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already pursuing a career in the industry.
A Promising Modeling Career
Melania began modeling at 16 after being discovered by fashion photographer Stane Jerko. She enrolled at the University of Ljubljana to study architecture and design but dropped out after one year to focus on modeling full-time.
Her career took her to Milan and Paris, where she worked with renowned fashion houses and designers. Melania’s striking looks, tall frame, and poise helped her build an impressive portfolio. In 1996, she moved to New York City, where her career gained momentum. She appeared on magazine covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and In Style, and worked with some of the top photographers in the fashion industry.
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How Did Melania Meet Donald Trump?
Melania met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party during New York Fashion Week. Trump, recently separated from his second wife, Marla Maples, was immediately smitten by Melania. He asked for her number, but Melania initially declined, preferring to take his number instead. Their relationship took off after a few months, and the couple began dating.
After several years together, Donald proposed to Melania with a 12-carat diamond engagement ring in 2004. They married on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The guest list included celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Shaquille O’Neal, and Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Family and Values
Melania comes from a close-knit family. Her father, Viktor, was a member of the Communist Party, which helped provide the family with certain privileges during a time when Yugoslavia was under strict communist rule. Her mother, Amalija, instilled in her a strong work ethic and an appreciation for fashion and design.
Melania has one sister, Ines Knavs, who has remained out of the public eye but is known to be close to her. Melania’s relationship with her family remained strong even after her move to the United States, and she often credits her parents for shaping her values and disciplined approach to life.
Citizenship and Naturalization
In 2001, Melania was granted a green card under the EB-1 program, often referred to as the “Einstein visa,” which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities. She became a U.S. citizen in 2006, a year after marrying Donald Trump. This milestone allowed her to fully embrace her new life in America.
Business Ventures and Personal Pursuits
Before becoming First Lady, Melania ventured into business by launching a jewelry line called “Melania Timepieces & Jewelry” in 2010, which was sold on QVC. She also introduced a skincare line, though the business was short-lived. While her business pursuits received mixed reviews, they highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit.
Transition to Political Life
Melania largely stayed out of the political limelight until Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president in 2015. Her calm demeanor and quiet strength provided a contrast to Trump’s bombastic style. When she became First Lady after Trump’s victory in 2016, Melania’s grace and elegance became a hallmark of her public persona.
Conclusion: A Remarkable Journey
Melania Trump’s journey from a small Slovenian town to the White House is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and adaptability. Her early life shaped her values, her modeling career gave her a platform, and her marriage to Donald Trump thrust her into the global spotlight. Today, Melania’s legacy is one of elegance, resilience, and quiet strength.
