Melania Trump is known worldwide as the wife of former President Donald Trump, but she keeps much of her personal life private—including her close relationship with her older sister, Ines Knauss. The sisters share a deep bond that began in their hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, where they were raised by Viktor, a car mechanic, and Amalija, a pattern-maker.

Melania described her childhood as “beautiful,” crediting her parents for teaching her the values of education, hard work, and family. Amalija often made clothes for her daughters, encouraging Melania’s early interest in fashion design.

At 16, Melania was discovered by photographer Stane Jerko and began modeling. She eventually dropped out of the University of Ljubljana to pursue her career, landing contracts in Milan and later in the U.S. Ines, who dreamed of working in fashion design, supported her sister and accompanied her on the journey.

Ines stayed out of the spotlight, but those who met her describe her as gentle, creative, and humble. She was Melania’s maid-of-honor at her wedding to Donald Trump and has been her confidante ever since.

Ines now reportedly lives in a Trump-owned building in Manhattan, just blocks from Melania’s Trump Tower penthouse. She’s known to be an artist, and Melania has shared her illustrations on social media.

Friends say the sisters are extremely close, and when Melania gave birth to Barron, it was Ines she trusted most. Despite her quiet presence, Ines plays a key role in Melania’s life—both then and now.