The world first met Gia Giudice when she was eight years old on Bravo's hit reality TV
show, Real Housewives of New Jersey, alongside her parents, Teresa and Joe Giudice.
Today, she's all grown up and pursuing her own dreams, all while dealing with the realities
of both of her parents doing time in prison.
Social media pro
Like many young starlets these days, Gia has monetized her Instagram presence by advertising
various products to her hundreds of thousands of followers.
As one of her many endorsements, Gia agreed to promote a meal replacement called 310 Shake
in a now-deleted post from 2017, a move that left many criticizing the teen, her mother,
and the brand.
According to the International Business Times, comments began pouring in with one user asking,
"What kind of example are you setting for other girls your age?
Body image is such a big issue with young girls and you shouldn't promote it...Weight
loss drinks are full of sugar and most of them are genetically engineered… def not
healthy."
Meanwhile, others defended the then 16-year-old, with one fan pointing out,
"I don't think she's promoting a weight loss shake.
She is into cheerleading and gymnastics I'm pretty sure it's about staying healthy.
Gia don't let people make you feel bad you're a strong young lady keep it up."
Makeup model
If there's one thing Teresa Giudice loves, it's makeup: after all, she revealed to Glamour
in 2018 that her go-to beauty routine costs a whopping $22,077 per year.
In August 2019, Gia made her mama extra proud when she landed a modelling contract for Stila
Cosmetics.
Teresa shared a number of behind-the-scenes videos on her Instagram Stories, and Gia looked
stunning in nude tones, including a shimmery pink eye and an extra glossy lip.
The gig sent Teresa down memory lane, she told her Instagram followers that it reminded
her of the days when she'd take a younger Gia on auditions.
College student
She may be daddy's little girl forever, but Gia's no longer a little girl by any means.
In May 2019, she took to Instagram to make an exciting announcement and prove she was
all grown up.
Wearing a Rutgers University t-shirt, she wrote,
"It's official…RU 2023."
Fast-forward a few months and mom was dropping her eldest daughter off at university for
her very first semester.
Of course, the Real Housewives Of New Jersey star documented the momentous day on her Instagram
Stories.
According to People, Teresa started off with footage of Gia packing up her things, then
saying a tearful goodbye to her dog, Bella, before eventually arriving at her dorm room
in New Jersey.
Gia's uncle, her grandfather, and her younger sister were all on-hand for the big day.
As mom Teresa previously told Bravo TV, Gia plans to pursue a degree in law.
Champagne trouble
In August 2019, Teresa faced backlash from her followers when she reposted a video showing
Gia and her cousin celebrating their college admission by popping bottles.
The reality TV star meant for the post to be celebratory, writing,
"Congratulations to my beautiful daughter and niece on their new chapter in life.
I'm so excited for both of you to follow your dreams and take what life has to offer you."
However, it soon turned into a magnet for criticism.
One critic commented,
"Great example letting minors pop bottles of alcohol.
Parent of the year right there."
Another wrote,
"WOW really?
How about something more appropriate for 2 little girls?"
Meanwhile, yet another argued,
"I understand the pride and happiness to celebrate but it could have been left out of your post!
Young girls seeing this will think it's the cool kid thing to do…just simple common
sense!"
The unthinkable
While the Giudice family was expecting to be reunited with patriarch Joe following the
completion of his 41-month prison sentence, they were dealt a serious blow in October
2018: According to Page Six, Pennsylvania's York Immigration Court ruled that he should
be deported back to his native Italy upon release from jail, leaving Gia and her siblings
dealing with the unthinkable.
He's remained in ICE custody and has reportedly not seen his wife and kids since his release
from prison.
"If Joe gets deported, he'll never be able to go to their graduation, celebrate their
birthdays, anything.
He's gonna be missing out on so much."
As the probability of Gia losing her father grows, she's tried to remain strong.
In May 2019, she took to Instagram to wish him a happy birthday, writing,
"Happy birthday to the guy who teaches me everyday to keep going and never stop fighting!
You inspire me everyday.
Love you so much.
Keep smiling.
See you soon."
Not only has Gia had to witness both of her parents spend time behind bars, but she's
also been forced to grow up fast and become an anchor for her mother.
In September 2019, a source cited by Hollywood Life claimed,
"It was a difficult transitional period with Joe away, but now that Gia has also moved
out, Teresa isn't sure what life will be like for her."
Here's hoping it all works out for them.
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