“I always wanted to build something that was mine and create opportunities for myself.” — Draya Michele
Draya Michele is an American actress, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and media personality best known for starring on VH1’s Basketball Wives LA and for building the successful swimwear brand Mint Swim. Rising to fame through reality television, she transformed her public profile into a thriving business empire that includes fashion, beauty, and lifestyle ventures. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Michele has appeared in numerous films and television productions, establishing herself as a multifaceted figure in entertainment.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andraya Michele Howard |
| Professional Name | Draya Michele |
| Birthdate | January 23, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Reading, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American and Italian ancestry |
| Religion | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Hair | Black |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | Reading Senior High School |
| Profession | Actress, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Media Personality |
| Employer | Mint Swim, Beige & Coco |
| Residence | United States |
| Years Active | 2011–Present |
| Known For | Basketball Wives LA, Mint Swim |
| Net Worth | Estimated Multi-Million Dollar Fortune |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius ♒ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Mother: Valeria Diaz.
- Father: Not publicly disclosed.
- Siblings: Information not publicly available.
- Children: Three children.
- Partner: Has been publicly linked with several professional athletes, including NBA player Jalen Green.
Early Life & Education
Draya was born Andraya Michele Howard in Reading, Pennsylvania, where she spent much of her early life. From a young age, she was drawn to fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Rather than pursuing a traditional academic route, she focused on modeling and opportunities in the entertainment industry, determined to build a career for herself.
Career Journey
Draya Michele first gained public attention through modeling, appearing in music videos for major artists including Jay-Z, Usher, and Kanye West. Her growing visibility led to magazine features and opportunities within the entertainment industry.
Michele breakthrough came in 2011 when she joined the cast of Basketball Wives LA, becoming one of the reality show’s most talked-about personalities. Her outspoken nature, fashion sense, and personal story made her a standout cast member, and she remained on the series until 2015.
While many reality TV stars struggled to maintain relevance after leaving television, Michele successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. In 2011, she launched Mint Swim, a swimwear company that quickly became a popular fashion brand. She later expanded her business portfolio with Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco, targeting different segments of the clothing market.
Alongside her business ventures, Michele continued acting, appearing in projects including The Perfect Match, True to the Game, Will to Love, L.A.’s Finest, and several television movies and dramas.
Major Works
- Basketball Wives LA (2011–2015)
- Mint Swim
- Fine Ass Girls
- Beige & Coco
- The Perfect Match (2016)
- True to the Game (2017)
- L.A.’s Finest (2020)
Awards & Recognition
- Built one of the most recognizable celebrity-owned swimwear brands.
- Successfully transitioned from reality television to entrepreneurship.
- Established herself as a notable fashion entrepreneur and businesswoman.
Public Persona & Style
Draya Michele is known for:
- Fashion-forward style
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Luxury swimwear designs
- Reality television fame
- Social media influence
- Bold and confident personality
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Outside of business and entertainment, Michele enjoys fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, and family life. She frequently uses social media to promote her brands and share lifestyle content with her large audience. Her success story often serves as an example of leveraging reality television fame into long-term business opportunities.
Physical Appearance
Michele is known for her glamorous appearance, standing approximately 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) tall with black hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive fashion-forward aesthetic.
Salary & Net Worth
Draya has accumulated significant wealth through acting, modeling, brand endorsements, fashion entrepreneurship, social media partnerships, and her successful clothing businesses. Multiple entertainment industry sources estimate her net worth in the multi-million-dollar range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Draya Michele?
Draya Michele is an American actress, entrepreneur, fashion designer, and former reality television star.
What is Draya Michele famous for?
She is best known for Basketball Wives LA and founding the swimwear brand Mint Swim.
What is Mint Swim?
Mint Swim is Draya Michele’s fashion swimwear brand launched in 2011.
Where is Draya Michele from?
She is from Reading, Pennsylvania, United States.
Related Figures
Legacy
Draya Michele’s legacy is defined by her successful transformation from reality television personality to respected entrepreneur. Through Mint Swim and her other fashion ventures, she demonstrated how celebrity influence can be converted into a sustainable business brand. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking to build independent businesses in fashion and entertainment.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Born in Reading, Pennsylvania |
| 2011 | Joined Basketball Wives LA |
| 2011 | Launched Mint Swim |
| 2013 | Launched Fine Ass Girls fashion line |
| 2015 | Departed Basketball Wives LA |
| 2016 | Launched Beige & Coco |
| 2016 | Appeared in The Perfect Match |
| 2020 | Appeared in L.A.’s Finest |
| 2024 | Welcomed daughter with Jalen Green |
| Present | Active entrepreneur, actress, and fashion designer |
Interesting Facts
- Her real name is Andraya Michele Howard.
- She founded Mint Swim in 2011.
- She starred on Basketball Wives LA for four seasons.
- She has launched multiple fashion brands beyond swimwear.
- She successfully transitioned from reality TV into entrepreneurship and acting.
Sources
- Wikipedia Profile
- Factio Magazine Profile
- The Famous People Biography
- The City Celeb Biography
Social Media Pages