Joy Mangano was born in East Meadow, New York, to Rudy and Terry Mangano. This marks the beginning of her life journey, which would later lead to significant entrepreneurial success.

Even as a child, Joy displayed a knack for invention and problem-solving. She reportedly invented a fluorescent flea collar for pets after being bitten by fleas, foreshadowing her later entrepreneurial pursuits. This shows the start of her innovative mind at work.

Joy Mangano graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, New York. This completed her secondary education and prepared her for higher education and future career paths.

Mangano attended Pace University, earning a degree in Business Administration. This educational background provided her with foundational knowledge in business principles, marketing, and management, which proved crucial for her later entrepreneurial ventures. She had to juggle college with being a young mom.