Before “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” became a household phrase, before social media turned every family moment into a viral sensation, and long before their names were synonymous with billion-dollar brands, the Kardashian-Jenners lived a different kind of life. It’s easy to forget that this super-famous family, now dominating headlines and our feeds, had their own origins story, a time when their biggest drama wasn’t playing out on Hulu but in their own Beverly Hills mansion. So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a wild trip down memory lane!
We all know the Kardashians for their glamorous lives, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their ability to turn pretty much anything into gold. But what were they like when the world wasn’t watching their every move? From ambitious matriarchal dreams to unexpected business ventures and surprisingly disciplined upbringings, their pre-fame days were anything but boring. It’s time to uncover the moments and decisions that shaped the family we know today, revealing a fascinating blend of privilege, hard work, and a touch of the unexpected.
Let’s dive deep into the fascinating lives of America’s most famous family before the cameras, the controversies, and the colossal empires truly took hold. You might be surprised by some of the things you discover about Kris, Kim, and the rest of the gang before they became the cultural icons we recognize today.
1. **Kris Jenner’s Driving Ambition and Financial Savviness**It’s no secret that Kris Jenner is the ultimate “momager,” a force of nature who has masterminded her children’s careers into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. But even before the term “momager” was trademarked in 2017, Kris harbored dreams far beyond the traditional role of a housewife. This ambition was a core part of her identity, as revealed in the recent “House of Kardashian” documentary, where Caitlyn Jenner stated, “Kris always wanted to be more than just a housewife.” Kris’s response on her reality show was equally candid: “Shoot me, I wanted to be more than just a housewife. Okay, kill me.”
This fierce desire to build something more wasn’t just talk; it was a fundamental aspect of who she was. She saw opportunities and worked tirelessly to seize them, not just for herself but for her growing family. Her early life and marriage to Robert Kardashian Sr. clearly showed her astute business mind at play, even when she wasn’t the primary financial controller.
Indeed, Kris’s business acumen was instrumental in laying the financial groundwork for the family long before their reality show debuted. She managed the family’s finances and made strategic investments, always with an eye toward future growth. This inherent drive, combined with her natural knack for organization and spotting potential, would become the very foundation upon which the Kardashian-Jenner empire would eventually be built.
She’s been quite open about how she views her role with her kids, telling Forbes, “I’m the one who can help [my kids] identify what it is that they want to do, help them create a business, build an infrastructure and help them focus.” This approach wasn’t something she learned overnight; it was a mindset cultivated over years, starting with her own unyielding ambition to be more than just a domestic figure.
2. **Kris Jenner’s Early “Momager” Role with Caitlyn Jenner**Long before she was shaping the careers of Kim, Kylie, and Kendall, Kris Jenner honed her managerial skills by handling the career of her then-husband, Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner). This was truly her first major foray into managing a public figure, and it was a hands-on, ground-up effort. When Kris entered Caitlyn’s life, Caitlyn was no longer actively competing, having transitioned from athletic competitions to speaking engagements.
Kris recognized the untapped potential, noting that “Bruce didn’t have a press kit, a business card, or even a piece of stationery with his name on it.” With the aid of Robert Kardashian’s former assistant, Kris set out to build Caitlyn’s new career. It was a massive undertaking, but Kris was determined to showcase Caitlyn’s talent and appeal to a broader audience.
She understood the need for effective branding and promotion, even in an era before social media. Kris revealed, “We knew Bruce was good at what he did; we just had to make sure everyone else realized that too.” Through her efforts, Caitlyn’s career transformed, shifting from living paycheck to paycheck to a more financially secure and prosperous life. This early success proved Kris’s ability to identify, nurture, and market talent, foreshadowing her legendary “momager” status.
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3. **The Marriage of Kris and Robert Kardashian Sr.**The patriarch of the Kardashian clan, Robert Kardashian Sr., was a successful lawyer whose life intersected with Kris Jenner’s at a horse racing event when she was in her late teens. Their initial connection occurred while Kris was still engaged to another man, Anthony, presenting her with a dilemma she detailed in her memoir, “Kris Jenner… and all things Kardashian”: “I didn’t know what to do. I was still engaged to Anthony and I didn’t know how to juggle the two.”
Ultimately, Kris chose Robert, leading to a 13-year marriage that produced their four famous children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. Robert gained national attention during the O.J. Simpson trial, a high-profile case that put him in the public eye. However, their life together was about more than just his legal career; it was the foundation of the Kardashian family as we know it today.
During their marriage, Kris was financially dependent on Robert. She candidly shared this in her memoir, stating, “My husband paid the bills. He wrote the checks, he handled the money. I had no money — not one dollar — to my name. He controlled everything.” This dynamic highlights a different era for Kris, before she became the independent financial powerhouse she is today. Robert Kardashian Sr. passed away in 2003 from esophageal cancer, leaving a lasting legacy as “the world’s greatest father, whose first priority was his kids,” as Kris told the Los Angeles Times.
4. **Caitlyn and Kris Jenner’s Infomercial Days**Before the family reality show, Caitlyn and Kris Jenner found a significant break in an unexpected place: infomercials. This opportunity arose through Jack Kirby, who owned a docutainment company. Kirby’s proposition was simple yet impactful: “How would you like Bruce to do an infomercial about sunglasses?” Kris recounted in her memoir. This question opened the door to a new and rather unique career path for the then-married couple.
Soon enough, Caitlyn and Kris were selling a variety of exercise equipment with remarkable enthusiasm. They pitched multi-purpose power toners and striders, claiming these products could burn fat in just 20 minutes. The fit couple also championed power walking as a lifestyle, embodying the active image they were promoting. These infomercials were a testament to their early marketing prowess and willingness to put themselves out there.
Kris, ever the innovator, even took things a step further with a candle promotion that has since become legendary on the internet. In the footage, she declares, “These are ‘wicks of wisdom,’ and it’s the special formulas added to these unique candles that make them so amazing!” She then presented testimonials from individuals whose lives had supposedly been transformed by these unique candles. This early venture into direct marketing was a crucial precursor to the family’s future success in digital marketing, leveraging personality and testimonials to sell products. Kris herself noted the evolution, explaining to Forbes that when their show began, “there was no Instagram, there was no Snapchat, there was no TikTok. There was barely Twitter, and Kim was really the first one who got on Twitter and taught the rest of us.”
5. **The Family’s First Retail Ventures: Dash and Smooch**Long before SKIMS, Good American, and Kylie Cosmetics became billion-dollar brands, the Kardashian-Jenners were already dipping their toes into the retail world. These early businesses were a far cry from their current global empires but represented significant steps in their entrepreneurial journey. The most notable of these was Dash, a boutique opened in Calabasas by the Kardashian girls.
Kris Jenner shared her insights on these early ventures during an interview, revealing, “The girls opened a store in Calabasas called Dash, and it became very successful.” This wasn’t the only retail endeavor; Kris also had a passion project with Kourtney. “Kourtney and I had a children’s store called Smooch. That was always my dream: to have a chain of stores,” she disclosed. These stores were more than just businesses; they were a training ground for the family’s future entrepreneurial pursuits.
The idea of owning a chain of stores was not a new concept for Kris, as it mirrored her own upbringing. She told Interview, “Before we ever had the shows, my mom had a store for 40 years in La Jolla, and I grew up working there.” This familial background instilled in her and her daughters an understanding of retail operations and the value of direct customer engagement. When “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” premiered, these existing businesses provided an immediate marketing platform.
Kris saw the reality show as a golden opportunity to promote their existing ventures, stating, “I thought ‘This will be so fabulous because people will know about our store. It will create an awareness of this Dash brand.'” While Dash eventually closed its doors, with Kim feeling its course had run out by the 13th season of “KUWTK,” these early retail experiences were fundamental in shaping their business acumen and understanding of brand building.
6. **Kim Kardashian’s Privileged But Disciplined Childhood**Kim Kardashian, often perceived as the quintessential spoiled reality star, actually experienced a childhood that was both incredibly privileged and surprisingly disciplined. Despite the infamous “Kim, there’s people that are dying” line from Kourtney about a lost $75,000 earring, Kim’s early life instilled values beyond materialism. “We were really privileged,” Kim admitted in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, a sentiment echoed by Khloé in a conversation with You Magazine.
Khloé painted a vivid picture of their affluent upbringing: “My father was incredibly wealthy. We had a mansion in Beverly Hills and Rolls-Royces.” She continued, detailing the lavish lifestyle: “My parents would have extravagant parties. We had ponies and Ferris wheels. It was a beautiful life.” This certainly sounds like a dream childhood, surrounded by luxury and opportunities that most could only imagine.
However, this privileged environment came with an important caveat: Robert Kardashian Sr., a self-made man, made sure his children understood the value of hard work and earning their own money. The Kardashian siblings, including Rob, were expected to work during their summer breaks. Khloé, for instance, worked as an assistant in Robert’s office and also in a clothing store, gaining practical experience and a sense of responsibility.
Robert’s strictness was clearly demonstrated when 16-year-old Kim was involved in a car crash. As Kim revealed to The Wall Street Journal, they had a prior written agreement: she would be responsible for the costs of repairing any car damages. True to form, Kim had to work diligently to fulfill her end of the bargain. This blend of luxury and tough love undoubtedly shaped Kim’s understanding of personal responsibility and the drive to succeed.
Before the glitz, the glam, and the endless stream of viral moments, the younger members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan also had their fair share of surprising stories and lesser-known escapades. It wasn’t all perfectly posed Instagram grids; these were real kids with real lives, often with hilarious and sometimes jaw-dropping revelations. Get ready to peel back another layer of the Kardashian-Jenner onion, because we’re about to uncover some seriously wild pre-fame tales from Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie.
7. **Kourtney Kardashian’s Mean Streak**While Kourtney Kardashian might seem like the calmest and most Zen of the sisters these days, apparently, that wasn’t always the case! Before her healthy lifestyle and calm demeanor became her signature, Kourtney harbored a bit of a mischievous, and dare we say, mean streak, especially when it came to her younger sister, Kim. The sibling rivalry we’ve seen on screen has deep roots, going all the way back to their childhood.
Kim once spilled the tea to The Wall Street Journal about their childhood role-playing games. Instead of a fair and equal play scenario, Kim found herself constantly at Kourtney’s beck and call. She vividly recalled, “I was tortured as Donna Karan’s assistant.” Kourtney, it seems, took full advantage of her older sister status, making Kim do her bidding without question.
The torment didn’t stop there. Kim revealed that Kourtney would “do things on purpose to me and embarrass me in front of her friends.” Imagine trying to hang out with your older sister, only to be subjected to her playful cruelty! Kim also recounted an incident on “KUWTK” where Kourtney and a friend decided to pelt her with fruit just because she wanted to join in their fun. Talk about a tough crowd!
These early interactions definitely set the stage for the dramatic clashes we’d later witness between the sisters on television. It just goes to show that while their lives have changed dramatically, some sibling dynamics are truly timeless, and Kourtney’s strong personality was definitely present from a very young age. Who knew the oldest Kardashian had such a mischievous side?
8. **Kim Kardashian’s Early Career as a Stylist**Long before she was a beauty mogul, a shapewear queen, and a fashion icon in her own right, Kim Kardashian was diligently working her way up in the fashion world, not as a designer, but as a highly sought-after stylist and closet organizer. Her passion for fashion was clearly nurtured by her ambitious momager, Kris Jenner, who noted in an interview that Kim “was a stylist and a closet-organizer.” This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a serious grind.
Kim quickly made a name for herself, earning the fabulous nickname “Queen of the Closet Scene.” Her client list was anything but ordinary, boasting some of Hollywood’s biggest names at the time, including supermodel Cindy Crawford, tennis superstar Serena Williams, and, perhaps most famously, her childhood friend and fellow socialite, Paris Hilton. It was an impressive roster for someone still finding her footing in the industry.
Her work for Paris Hilton, in particular, was extensive and gave her significant exposure. Kim recounted her duties, explaining she had to “organize and color-coordinate [Paris’ closet], and help her with my styling advice, what she needs to get rid of, what she needs to fill back in, you know, do personal shopping.” It sounds like a full-time job, showcasing Kim’s meticulous attention to detail and innate sense of style.
Kim herself has never shied away from giving credit where credit is due, openly acknowledging the pivotal role Paris Hilton played in her career trajectory. As she told Khloé Kardashian during an episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” referring to Paris, “I really would wanna do anything for her. She literally gave me a career.” It’s a sweet reminder of how interconnected their pre-fame lives were and how one opportunity can truly open doors to another.
9. **The Story Behind Kendall Jenner’s Name**When top model Kendall Jenner was born in 1995, her parents, Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, faced a rather common but surprisingly challenging dilemma: finding the perfect name! In a heartwarming and quite funny revelation during the 17th season finale of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Kim spilled a family secret to Kendall. “Did you know your name was going to be Juliet?” Kim asked, adding, “Juliet Jenner.”
Kendall, it turns out, already had a hunch about another contender, recalling the name “Cameron” being considered. And she was right! Months before Kendall’s arrival, when “Extra” caught up with Caitlyn and Kris, they were sailing smoothly through the pregnancy, but stumped on baby names. Caitlyn exclaimed, “Names, oh my gosh! … We’ve got so many names. We would like the people from ‘Extra’ to write in to ‘Extra’ and find out what great names [to give]. Something… Jenner.” They even hilariously mentioned that boxer George Foreman wanted the baby named after him, which wasn’t entirely surprising given he named five of his own children George!
Kris Jenner, ever the strategist, later offered a peek into her sophisticated naming system during the second season of “The Kardashians” on Hulu. She revealed her affection for the name Noel, which was initially considered for Kim, but ultimately deemed unsuitable because “Koel sounded really weird.” Thus, Kim became Kimberly Noel. As for Kendall, Kris shared, “Kendall was gonna be Kennedy, or Cameron with a K.”
It’s clear that the ‘K’ initial has been a significant tradition in the Kardashian-Jenner family for a long time, even if it meant a little extra brainstorming to make it fit. From Juliet to Cameron, Kendall’s name journey was definitely an interesting one, eventually landing on the unique and now iconic name that graces runways and magazine covers worldwide.
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10. **Teenage Khloé Kardashian’s Rebellious Phase**Raising six children is definitely no walk in the park, and even with a privileged upbringing, the Kardashian children occasionally brought their parents a fair share of headaches. Among them, Khloé Kardashian was apparently the most notorious for her teenage antics and rebellious spirit. It seems her strong-willed personality was evident long before she became the outspoken and hilarious reality star we know and love.
Kris Jenner openly recounted some of Khloé’s wilder teenage years during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” According to Kris, Khloé “would sneak out at night — she was a teenager — and, I don’t think she could even drive yet.” To top it off, Khloé, with true teenage ingenuity, “would stuff the bed so that if we peeked into the room, it looked like her.” This classic move shows just how determined she was to experience a taste of freedom, even if it meant a little deception.
Khloé’s stubbornness and fiery spirit perhaps explain why Kris might have, shall we say, a colorful vocabulary. In a 2014 episode of “Kourtney & Khloé Take the Hamptons,” Khloé, while chatting with Scott Disick, humorously alluded to her mom’s frequent cursing, implying that she often heard it directed at her. She quipped, “I thought my name was [expletive],” highlighting the playful, yet intense, dynamic between mother and daughter.
It’s fascinating to see how these early traits matured into the Khloé we know today – still outspoken and strong, but perhaps a little less prone to stuffing her bed! In stark contrast, Kris also revealed at the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” final reunion that Kendall Jenner was the easiest child to parent, often putting herself to bed at seven, saying, “‘I’m done for the day, mommy!'” Oh, the joys of parenting a large family!
11. **Kylie Jenner’s Childhood Playhouse and Early Red Carpet**Even the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Kylie Jenner, has delightful pre-fame memories that harken back to a simpler time. One particularly touching moment was captured in a 2019 YouTube video when Kris Jenner surprised her granddaughter Stormi Webster with a giant white playhouse. This wasn’t just any playhouse; it was a replica of the very one Kylie had as a child, creating a beautiful full-circle moment for the family.
Kylie’s reaction to the nostalgic gift was incredibly emotional. As she toured the meticulously recreated playhouse, complete with a familiar “Welcome Friends” sign, she exclaimed, “This makes me wanna cry.” The sentiment was so strong that Kris Jenner herself ended up tearing up, telling Kylie, “I want you to have the same memories with your daughter.” It was a genuine glimpse into the emotional bonds and shared histories within the family, showing how cherished these childhood moments truly are.
But the playhouse wasn’t Kylie’s only pre-fame memory that eventually made it into the public eye. Long before her makeup empire and before “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” graced our screens, Kylie was already getting a taste of the spotlight, albeit an innocent one. A charming picture captured in the year 2000 shows the Jenner family attending “The Emperor’s Groove” premiere, a casual red carpet outing.
In the photo, the family is all smiles, and a tiny Kylie, sporting the same dress as Kendall and an additional adorable pink bow, is held securely in Caitlyn’s arms. It’s a sweet, unfiltered moment that reminds us that even America’s most famous family had their beginnings, attending movie premieres as a regular, loving family before their lives became a global phenomenon. It really captures a moment of pure, innocent family fun.
12. **Kim Kardashian’s Secret First Marriage**Before her high-profile relationships, her epic wedding to Kanye West, and her journey into law, Kim Kardashian had a secret first marriage that remained largely under wraps for years. In 1998, a then-teenage Kim crossed paths with music producer Damon Thomas at a recording studio. Thomas later revealed on “Vlad TV” that he initially “didn’t know who she was” when they first met while he was working on 3T. Their paths intertwined again at Michael Jackson’s iconic Neverland residence.
A year after their initial meeting, in 1999, the couple made a spontaneous decision: they ran off to Las Vegas and tied the knot. This wasn’t a grand, televised affair, but a quiet elopement, primarily driven by Kim’s strained relationship with her parents at the time. She admitted in the 15th season of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” that she was in a “wild phase” as a 19-year-old, seeking independence and making her own impulsive choices.
It was during this same “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” episode that Kim dropped a bombshell confession that sent shockwaves through her family and fans alike. Seated at a dining table with Kendall Jenner, who had heard rumors, and Scott Disick, Kim candidly dished out a surprising detail about her wedding day. She casually stated, “I got married on ecstasy … I did ecstasy once and I got married.” This was truly a moment of unfiltered, personal revelation, pulling back the curtain on a side of Kim many never knew existed.
Unsurprisingly, her ex-husband, Damon Thomas, had a different take on the confession. In a later interview with “Vlad TV,” he responded, “I don’t remember that at all … I think it’s unfair to make those kind of blanket statements, because we have kids.” He raised a valid point about the implications of such a public revelation, especially given that, coincidentally, their children now attend the same school. It just goes to show that even the most famous families have their hidden pasts, which can sometimes bubble to the surface in unexpected ways.
Wow, what a journey! From Kris Jenner’s early entrepreneurial spirit to Kourtney’s surprising childhood mischievousness, Kim’s diligent styling career, Khloé’s rebellious teenage years, Kylie’s nostalgic playhouse, and even Kim’s secret Vegas wedding, these stories paint a much richer, more nuanced picture of the Kardashian-Jenners before they became the global icons we recognize today. It’s clear that long before the cameras started rolling, this family was already living lives packed with ambition, drama, and unexpected twists. Their path to fame wasn’t an overnight phenomenon, but a fascinating evolution shaped by unique experiences, strong personalities, and an undeniable drive to make their mark on the world. And honestly, isn’t that just a little bit inspiring? You never know where your journey will lead!
