Vanja Grbic’s Ethnicity Revealed: Heartbreaking Past Explored in 90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days Season 7

90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days introduced audiences to Vanja Grbic, whose poignant life story reveals her journey of resilience and self-discovery. At 42 years old, Vanja, a talented individual residing in Orlando, Florida, embarked on this reality TV adventure during the seventh season of the popular franchise. Initially presenting herself as a vibrant and carefree person, Vanja’s multifaceted career included working four jobs, which encompassed her passions for belly dancing and creating delicious vegan treats. Her quest for love led her to Croatia, where she met her Tinder match, Božo Vrdoljak, for the first time.

Despite owning her home and car, Vanja’s confidence faltered when it came to her personal relationships. Eleven years ago, she experienced heartbreak when her fiancé, the man she believed to be “the one, ”betrayed her trust by leading a double life. Overcoming this emotional turmoil proved challenging. Eight months prior to filming, Vanja took a solo journey back to her roots, reconnecting with her homeland and culture across Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia. It was during her time in Split that she encountered the seemingly perfect basketball player, Božo.

Vanja’s Early Life in Bosnia

Vanja’s Eastern European Heritage

Vanja Grbic in a montage with somber expressions

Side by side images of Vanja Grbic looking upset

Reflecting on her childhood in Bosnia, Vanja describes it as initially “magical.” However, her life took a drastic turn when she was just 10 years old, coinciding with the breakup of her country and the onset of war. During a visit to her grandparents, Vanja and her family witnessed the horrifying spectacle of missiles exploding as they attempted to flee home, leading them to be stranded at her grandmother’s house. This traumatic event marked a turning point in her life.

Relocation to Florida

Vanja’s Life in Orlando, Florida

Montage of 90 Day Fiancé's Vanja Grbic — Custom image by Cesar García

For an entire year, Vanja’s family endured extreme hardships, lacking electricity and running water. They resorted to boiling flour and onions, which they referred to as “black soup, ” a meager sustenance that became their only food for months amid constant bombings. The intensity of their daily reality was so severe that Vanja faced life-threatening situations on multiple occasions. The harrowing memories of taking shelter in basements during air raids, listening to bombs drop around her, have left an indelible mark on her exisistence.

“To have to go through that level of stress and trauma as a child it is absolutely devastating.”

Reconnecting with Her Roots When Meeting Božo

Looking Forward: Will Vanja Seek Love in Croatia Again?

Vanja Grbic & Božo Vrdoljak embracing at the airport

While the war in Croatia differed in devastation, Božo’s family, like countless others from the former Yugoslavia, bore its scars. Vanja and Božo shared an understanding of their pasts, which profoundly shaped their identities. As they navigated their relationship, Vanja remained proud of their survival and the strength they demonstrated. She approached her romance with Božo earnestly, but her heart ultimately suffered yet another blow, unfolding dramatically on 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days.

90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC, providing audiences with more captivating stories from the world of love across borders.

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