The story of DeShanna Marie Minuto is a captivating tale of creative passion meeting celebrity spotlight. While her marriage to globally renowned fitness trainer and media personality Jillian Michaels propelled her into the national consciousness, Minuto's own identity as a talented fashion designer and entrepreneur stands firmly on its own merits.
Who Is DeShanna Marie Minuto?
DeShanna Marie Minuto was born on 1 April 1985 in New York City, USA. An Aries by zodiac sign, she holds Italian-American heritage. Although details of her early family life and childhood remain private, her educational and professional path is well-documented. She is a graduate of Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, New Jersey, class of 2003, where she was also a D1 athlete. She later earned her degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2007 before diving into the competitive New York City design world.
Building a Fashion Empire: The Letterino Brand
Before founding her own label, Minuto honed her skills as a creative director at several agencies. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch Letterino in January 2020, a clothing line that quickly distinguished itself. The brand's specialty is the creation of custom-reconstructed vintage jackets. The concept was born from Minuto's personal projects involving family heirlooms, military jackets, and classic biker gear, transforming them into unique, statement pieces.
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm), the designer has used her platform to showcase Letterino's distinctive aesthetic, blending nostalgia with contemporary style. Her work has not only attracted a loyal clientele but also earned her invitations to high-profile events, including a notable function at the White House.
A Fairytale Romance with Jillian Michaels
Minuto's personal life became a subject of public fascination when she began dating Jillian Michaels in 2018. The couple met on the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya. Their relationship blossomed, leading to an engagement in November 2021, where Michaels presented Minuto with a stunning 7-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by a family friend at H&H Jewels in Miami.
The pair officially married in a Miami courthouse on 11 July 2022. However, their wedding celebrations were uniquely multifaceted. Shortly after the legal ceremony, they eloped for a second time in Namibia, participating in a private ceremony officiated by the chief of the Himba tribe under the stars, surrounded by approximately 100 tribesmen.
Embracing Minuto's Italian roots, the couple held a third, lavish celebration in her favourite country. On 24 June 2023, they hosted a three-day wedding event at the Aman hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Minuto wore a elegant boat-neck mermaid gown by Zuhair Murad, while Michaels opted for a sophisticated black dress with sheer sleeves. Through this union, DeShanna became a stepmother to Michaels' two children: Lukensia, adopted from Haiti in 2012, and Phoenix.
Life in the Spotlight and Lasting Legacy
At 40 years old as of 2025, DeShanna Marie Minuto has seamlessly merged her world of high fashion with her life in the public eye. While her relationship with Jillian Michaels undoubtedly amplified her profile, her success is fundamentally rooted in her vision for Letterino. She represents a modern narrative of an entrepreneur who built a brand from a personal passion, proving that identity can flourish both within and beyond the shadow of a famous partner.
Her journey from the NYC design scene to national attention is a testament to talent, creativity, and the unique personal stories that capture the public's imagination. As Letterino continues to grow, and her life with Michaels and their family evolves, DeShanna Marie Minuto's story remains one of distinctive achievement in both love and business.
