Melissa Gorga opened up a lot in season 11 of The Real Housewives of New JerseyWhile the reality star had always talked about her relationship with her husband Joe, raising her kids, and her sometimes troublesome connection to her sister-in-law Teresa Giudice, Melissa got even more honest in these episodes. Melissa admitted that her marriage was in a tough spot and that she and Joe needed to work some things out.

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While RHONJ fans love Melissa and know a lot about her, there's a lot more to know about this long-time cast member, from the medical procedure that she had when she was young to why she decided to call her boutique Envy.

Melissa Had Heart Surgery As A Child

Melissa Gorga and Teresa Giudice on The Real Housewives of New Jersey

The Real Housewives has handled serious topics and the cast members on all of the different cities share the hard times that they've faced. And there are some difficult things that the housewives have experienced that viewers don't know about.

According to Us Weekly, Melissa had open-heart surgery when she was really young. Melissa tweeted in February 2019, "Most people don’t know that I had open heart surgery at 8 years old." This definitely a really tricky thing to go through as such a young child.

Melissa Has A Degree In Psychology And Education

Melissa and Teresa smiling on RHONJ

Melissa has revealed a lot on RHONJ, from the fact that she doesn't always agree with Joe to her fights with Teresa. Fans might not know about Melissa's life before she joined the show, including her educational background.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Melissa attended New Jersey City University and has a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Education. Viewers know Melissa as a cast member who is ambitious and determined to make Envy a success and it's interesting to hear about what she studied.

Melissa Wrote A Book About Marriage

Melissa and Joe Gorga from RHONJ smiling

In 2013, Melissa's book Love Italian Style: The Secrets Of My Hot and Happy Marriage was published. Melissa gave marriage advice about arguments, flirting, cooking, and making sure that the spark is still there.

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In season 11, Melissa and Joe fought over several episodes and it even seemed like their relationship might be in big trouble, which was shocking for fans who have always supported the love that they share. As she has spent more time running Envy, Melissa has been candid about how Joe doesn't love change.

Melissa Is Starting A Podcast

Melissa Gorga from The Real Housewives of New Jersey at the reunion episode

There are many Real Housewives recap podcasts that are a lot of fun to listen to. And some of the cast members have also started their own podcasts, which always allows fans to get to know them on another level.

According to People, Melissa is about to launch a podcast called Melissa Gorga On Display. She told the publication that she will interview stars and have conversations about business, fashion, and "treating yourself." She said "It's life unfiltered."

Melissa Chose Her Boutique Name Carefully

RHONJ's melissa Gorga at Envy in front of clothing

It's been fun watching Melissa open Envy. She's always had a strong sense of style and now she's doing what she loves and following her dreams.

Melissa told E! News that she decided to name her store Envy because people often like the stylish clothing that someone else is wearing and feel envious about it. She wanted a name that was "chic" and "very short."

Melissa And Joe Once Owned A Restaurant

Joe and Melissa Gorga from RHONJ

RHONJ fans might remember that Melissa, Joe, and Teresa used to own a restaurant. They were filmed talking about it on the show.

But Gorga's Homemade Pasta & Pizza didn't last. According to Women's Health, there were problems with management and the restaurant closed after almost a year. Melissa explained that Joe loved having the restaurant but it was a lot of work as they both have careers and they're raising their children.

Melissa Isn't Sure That She'll Keep Making Music

Melissa Gorga singing live on RHONJ

RHONJ viewers remember when Melissa recorded her song "On Display" in an early episode of the reality series. It was her dream to make music, and Melissa joined the Real Housewives who are professional singers.

When interviewed by E! News a few years ago, Melissa said that she was concentrating on Envy and that she wasn't sure that she would continue to sing professionally. Melissa explained, "Never say never, you know? I may get back in the studio one day but for now I'm focusing here."

Melissa And Joe Didn't Want To Watch Season 11

Teresa and Melissa fighting at the beach on RHONJ

Season 11 of RHONJ showed a different side of Melissa and Joe. Ever since they first joined the reality series, fans saw them as a happy couple who was super in love. But Joe felt like he was losing his wife and he didn't feel like she appreciated him that much anymore. Thankfully, they have gotten through this tough time, but these scenes were definitely memorable.

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It's always interesting to hear if reality stars like to watch the shows that they star on. Most of the time, it's probably a fascinating experience, but if there were some huge arguments, it might be hard. According to Us Weekly, it was tough for Melissa and Joe to watch season 11, so they decided not to.

Melissa Shared That She And Joe Had Some Bad Dates

Melissa and Joe Gorga on RHONJ

Fans love following Melissa's life and Melissa's best RHONJ quotes paint a picture of a strong person who cares about her independence. It's also fun hearing what Melissa has to say about her marriage.

Melissa explained that she and Joe had some bad dates when they were first seeing each other. According to Us Weekly, he pretended that he cooked a meal for Melissa when he actually got take-out. And on their second date, Joe actually fell asleep at the restaurant as he had woken up at 5:30 a.m.

Melissa Is Running Envy On Her Own Now

Melissa Gorga from RHONJ standing in her Envy boutique

Fans might not know that Melissa had a partner who she owned Envy with. When writing a blog post for Bravo TV, Melissa shared that they decided to stop working together.

Melissa worked hard and within three weeks, she had ordered more inventory for the store and was doing a great job with the store and the website.

NEXT: 5 Times Fans Supported Melissa On The Real Housewives Of New Jersey (& 5 Times She Went Too Far)