Introduction: Understanding Draya Michele Beyond Just Her Age
When people type “Draya Michele age” into search engines, they are often looking for a quick answer — and yes, Draya Michele was born on January 23, 1985, which makes her 40 years old as of 2025. But Draya’s story goes far beyond a birth date. She is a multifaceted figure who has built a name for herself as an actress, reality TV personality, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mother.
Over the years, she has navigated personal challenges, public scrutiny, and an evolving entertainment industry with determination and style. Her career spans multiple industries, from starring in hit TV shows to launching successful clothing brands, and her personal journey has inspired millions of followers on social media who admire both her glamour and her resilience.
Draya Michele Wiki bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andraya Michele Howard |
| Famous As | Draya Michele |
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1985 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 40 Years |
| Birthplace | Reading, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American and Italian descent |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Reality TV Personality, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Basketball Wives LA, Mint Swim, Fine Ass Girls, Beige & Coco |
| Years Active | 2011 – Present |
| Education | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $600,000 – $1 Million |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Partner | Jalen Green (NBA Player) |
| Children | 3 (Kniko Howard, Jru Scandrick, Daughter with Jalen Green) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | 5′7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 62 kg (137 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Hobbies | Fashion Designing, Traveling, Fitness, Photography |
| Social Media | Instagram: @drayamichele |
Draya Michele’s Early Life and Background
Childhood in Reading, Pennsylvania
Draya Michele, born Andraya Michele Howard, grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, in a culturally diverse household. Her heritage is a mix of African-American and Italian roots, which has influenced her unique beauty and sense of identity. Life in Reading was not always easy — Draya has spoken about facing the challenges of a modest upbringing and the responsibilities that came her way early in life. By the age of 17, she became a mother to her first son, Kniko Howard, a life-changing moment that would shape her ambitions and priorities. Becoming a teenage mom was not easy, especially while trying to pursue dreams in the entertainment world, but it became a driving force behind her hustle.
Early Interests and First Career Steps
Long before the fame of reality television, Draya’s interest in the entertainment and fashion industries was already strong. She admired music videos, glamour photography, and the world of celebrities, and she aspired to be part of it. In her early 20s, she started working as a model and video vixen, appearing in music videos for famous artists. This exposure gave her valuable experience in front of the camera, built her confidence, and eventually opened doors to bigger opportunities.
The Breakthrough: Draya Michele’s Rise to Fame
Basketball Wives LA
Draya’s major breakthrough came in 2011 when she joined the original cast of VH1’s Basketball Wives LA. Although she wasn’t married to an NBA player, her dating history with public figures in sports and entertainment drew public interest. She quickly became one of the show’s standout personalities, known for her unapologetic confidence, bold style, and witty comebacks.
The show was a double-edged sword for Draya — while it brought her fame, it also exposed her to criticism and drama. Nevertheless, she used the exposure to build her brand and gain new fans. She remained on the show for four seasons before leaving in 2015 to focus on acting and business ventures.
Expanding into Acting
After leaving reality TV, Draya turned her attention to acting. She landed her first leading role in the 2015 TV movie Will to Love, alongside Keshia Knight Pulliam and Marques Houston. The film allowed her to showcase a different side of her talent beyond reality TV drama. She followed it up with roles in The Perfect Match (2016), True to the Game, We Belong Together, The Sound of Christmas, and the action-comedy series L.A.’s Finest. In 2025, she appeared in the film Somnium, proving that her acting career continues to evolve even more than a decade after her TV debut.
Draya Michele as a Businesswoman
Mint Swim: The Swimwear Empire
While many know Draya for her TV appearances, her business success is equally impressive. In 2011, she founded Mint Swim, a swimwear line designed to cater to women of all shapes and sizes. Starting with just $12,000 of her own savings, Draya grew the brand into a multi-million-dollar business worn by celebrities and influencers worldwide. Her understanding of body confidence and her eye for stylish designs made Mint Swim a huge success.
Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco
Following Mint Swim’s popularity, Draya expanded her fashion ventures. In 2013, she launched Fine Ass Girls, a streetwear line inspired by confidence and empowerment. Later, in 2016, she introduced Beige & Coco, a high-end clothing line offering chic, versatile pieces. These brands solidified her status as not just a TV personality, but a serious entrepreneur with a strong sense of branding and marketing.
Draya Michele’s Personal Life
Motherhood and Family
Draya is a proud mother of three children. Her eldest son, Kniko Howard, was born in 2002 and has largely stayed out of the limelight, although Draya occasionally shares glimpses of their close relationship. Her second son, Jru Scandrick, was born in 2016 during her relationship with former NFL player Orlando Scandrick. In May 2024, Draya welcomed her first daughter with NBA star Jalen Green. The birth coincided with Mother’s Day, making it an even more memorable occasion.
Relationships and Public Scrutiny
Draya’s love life has often been the subject of media headlines. She has been linked to celebrities like Chris Brown, The Game, and Gilbert Arenas in the past. Her engagement to Orlando Scandrick was highly publicized before the couple split. In 2023, she began dating Jalen Green, sparking widespread online discussion due to their 17-year age difference. Despite the criticism, Draya has defended their relationship, calling out the ageist remarks and insisting that love is personal and should not be defined by public opinion.
Draya Michele Age and the Meaning Behind It
At 40 years old, Draya Michele is a clear example of how age can be a badge of experience and empowerment rather than a limitation. Many people searching for “Draya Michele age” might expect just a number, but what they find is a woman who has transformed her life through hard work, creativity, and resilience. She has proven that turning 40 doesn’t mean slowing down — instead, it can mean stepping into your most confident and accomplished era.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Draya’s estimated net worth in 2025 is reported to be around $600,000 to $1 million, thanks to her clothing lines, acting roles, brand endorsements, and social media influence. Her business success and television work have allowed her to build financial stability while maintaining a flexible career that fits her lifestyle as a mother and entrepreneur.
Influence, Social Media, and Public Image
With millions of followers on Instagram, Draya Michele’s influence extends beyond TV and fashion. She uses her platform to promote her businesses, showcase her style, share moments with her children, and speak her mind on social issues. While her glamorous images often dominate her feed, her captions and interviews reveal a thoughtful, driven woman who isn’t afraid to address misconceptions about her life.
Conclusion: Draya Michele at 40—More Than Just an Age
The search for “Draya Michele age” might start as a curiosity about a number, but it ends with a discovery of a woman who has navigated fame, motherhood, business, and love with remarkable adaptability.
At 40, Draya stands as a symbol of confidence, success, and perseverance. Whether she’s designing a new clothing collection, taking on an acting role, or enjoying life with her children, Draya Michele proves that every year can be a stepping stone toward greater achievements.
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