Melania Trump has long remained a figure of mystery, known for her quiet composure and fiercely private nature. Recently, renewed interest in her early modeling days has sparked fascination with her transformation—from a small-town girl in Yugoslavia to First Lady of the United States. Born Melanija Knavs in 1970 in Novo Mesto, she grew up in Sevnica, a modest industrial town. Her father, Viktor, was a car dealer, and her mother, Amalija, worked as a patternmaker. Former teachers recall her as polite, graceful, and ambitious—traits that set her apart early on.
Melania’s modeling journey began at 16 after being discovered by photographer Stane Jerko. She quickly grew into a confident model, eventually working in Paris and Milan, and mastering five languages. In 1996, she moved to New York, rebranding herself as Melania Knauss.