Melania Trump has remained an intriguing and private figure, even after years in the public eye—from her early modeling career to her time as First Lady of the United States. Her journey from a small town in Slovenia to a prominent role in American public life continues to draw attention and admiration.
Born Melanija Knavs in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia), Melania grew up in the town of Sevnica. Her father worked as a car dealer, and her mother was employed in a children’s clothing factory—an environment that may have influenced Melania’s early appreciation for fashion and design. Those who knew her as a child described her as polite, focused, and creative, with aspirations of becoming a designer.
At the age of 16, Melania was discovered by photographer Stane Jerko. That first photoshoot marked the beginning of her modeling career. As her experience and confidence grew, she worked in fashion hubs like Paris and Milan, while also becoming fluent in multiple languages. In 1996, she relocated to New York City and began working under the name Melania Knauss.
Her life changed significantly after meeting businessman Donald Trump in 1998. The couple briefly separated in 2000 but reunited soon after and married in 2005. They welcomed their son Barron in 2006. Though she stepped away from professional modeling, Melania remained a calm and composed public figure.
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