Draya Michele is an American media personality, actress, model, and entrepreneur who has an estimated net worth of $600,000 as of 2023.
She first gained popularity as one of the main cast members on the VH1 reality series Basketball Wives: LA. Since then, she has forged a successful career in entertainment and business.
Draya Michele Net Worth
As of 2023, Draya Michele has an estimated net worth of around $600,000. Most of her wealth has come from her lucrative career in the entertainment industry. Starring on a popular reality show like Basketball Wives likely earned her a significant salary per episode.
Draya’s modeling work with major brands like Rocawear and Akademiks and magazine covers and partnerships on Instagram also contribute to her income. Her Mint Swim swimwear and lingerie company generates over $1 million annually.
Early Life and Education
Draya Michele was born Andraya Michele Howard on January 23, 1985, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She had a difficult childhood and upbringing. Her mother was a drug addict, and her father was not consistently present.
Her grandparents essentially raised Draya. Draya left home at a young age and began working jobs, including shoplifting and exotic dancing.
As a teenager, Draya attended Reading High School. However, she did not complete her high school education. Despite her unstable upbringing, Draya was determined to make something of her life.
Career Beginnings
Draya Michele moved to Los Angeles in 2009, initially pursuing a career in modeling. She started booking small jobs posing for magazines like Black Men Magazine and working as a video vixen, appearing in several hip-hop music videos. However, she changed her name from Andraya to Draya as she tried to break into the entertainment industry.
In 2010, Draya got her major career break when she was cast as one of the main cast members on the VH1 reality series Basketball Wives: LA. The show follows a group of women linked to professional basketball players. Draya’s connection was her former relationship with NBA star Gilbert Arenas, with whom she has a child.
When she hit the small screen, Draya became a breakout star. Audiences were immediately drawn to her outspoken, unapologetic persona and how she put her tumultuous relationships front and center. However, she quickly became one of the most popular cast members, known for bringing drama and headlines to the show during her time on it.
Acting and Hosting
The exposure Draya gained from Basketball Wives helped launch her acting career. In 2015, she landed a starring role on the VH1 sitcom The Joneses. She played the character Keira in the first season.
Draya expanded her resume by hosting BET’s music countdown show 106 & Park for some time. She also hosted the post-show fashion coverage for the NAACP Image Awards.
In 2016, Draya starred in her first major movie role, True to the Game, based on the novel by Teri Woods. Her performance as the female lead earned positive reviews. However, she also appeared in movies such as The Perfect Match (2016) and Mint Condition (2019).
Modeling Career
Standing tall at 5’7″, Draya has leveraged her height, stunning looks, and curvy physique into a successful modeling career. She is signed to modeling agency Wilhelmina Models.
Draya has appeared on the covers of publications including Black Men Magazine, Smooth Magazine, King Magazine, Straight Stuntin Magazine, and XXL Eye Candy. However, she also modeled for popular urban fashion brands like Rocawear and Akademiks.
In 2011, Draya named her “Model of the Year” at the 2011 Urban Model Awards. She has over 7 million followers on Instagram, regularly posting professional modeling shots and brand partnerships.
Business Ventures
Draya expanded her resume by launching her swimwear and lingerie company, Mint Swim, in 2015. The brand has been worn by celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Rihanna, and Blac Chyna. Under Draya’s creative direction, Mint Swim brought in over $1 million in revenue within its first year.
However, she also has her jewelry line called Fine Ass Girls. Draya partnered with celebrity jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills to create the customizable diamond jewelry collection.
In 2017, Draya debuted an athleisure clothing line with Good American called Draya by Good American. The size-inclusive collection featured leggings, sports bras, bodysuits, and other workout apparel.
Source of Income
Draya Michele has amassed her net worth through various entertainment, fashion, and business endeavors. One of her first major sources of income was reality television. Starring in the famous VH1 series Basketball Wives: LA from 2010 to 2014 provided financial stability in her early career.
Draya Michele typically earns between $3,000 to $7,000 per episode. Modeling is another lucrative source of income for Draya. She has landed campaigns and magazine covers with major urban brands like Akademiks and Rocawear.
Her striking looks have garnered modeling gigs that pay five-figure paydays. Draya can also leverage her 7 million Instagram followers to earn sponsorship deals with beauty and fashion companies. Social media influencer collaborations can cost thousands of dollars per promotional post.
Personal Life and Relationships
Draya has been linked to several high-profile men over the years. She has a son named Kniko Howard with ex-boyfriend Gilbert Arenas.
From 2011 to 2014, Draya dated rapper Orlando Scandrick. The couple has a son named Jru Scandrick, born in 2012.
In 2015, Draya began a relationship with NFL player Darren McFadden. After two years together, Draya confirmed their breakup in 2017.
Draya likes to keep the details of her love life private. She is single as she focuses on raising her family and expanding her career.
Business Ventures
Draya has carved out a niche for herself in the business world by launching several fashion and lifestyle brands.
Her most successful business endeavor is her swimwear line, Mint Swim. Draya founded Mint Swim in 2015 and serves as the creative director. The brand offers sexy, high-quality bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups and swim accessories.
Mint Swim made waves in the industry by bringing in over $1 million in revenue in its first year. The brand is famous among celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Rihanna, and Blac Chyna.
However, Draya partnered with celebrity jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills in 2016 to create her customizable diamond jewelry collection called Fine Ass Girls. The line allows women to design nameplate necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
Philanthropy
Draya strives to give back to causes close to her heart. She has been involved in philanthropic work to support at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence.
In 2013, Draya participated in a coat drive for inner-city children hosted by hip-hop artist The Game. She helped collect winter coat donations for underprivileged kids.
That same year, she became an ambassador for Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit dedicated to violence prevention and intervention. Draya used her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support for victims.
FAQs on Draya Michele Net Worth
How did Draya Michele get famous?
Draya first gained fame as a controversial cast member on the VH1 reality show Basketball Wives: LA. She was on the show from 2010-2014.
Who has Draya Michele dated?
Draya has been linked romantically to NBA player Gilbert Arenas, NFL player Orlando Scandrick, and NFL player Darren McFadden. She has a son with Arenas and another son with Scandrick.
How did Draya Michele make her money?
Some of Draya’s income sources include reality TV salary, modeling gigs, brand endorsements, her Mint Swim line, acting roles, hosting, and influencer collaborations on Instagram.
What businesses does Draya Michele own?
Draya is the founder and creative director of the swimwear line Mint Swim. She also has her jewelry line called Fine Ass Girls and has collaborated on activewear lines with Good American and her own streetwear brand Candy Girl.
Final Thoughts
Draya Michele serves as an inspiration for transforming difficult circumstances into an empowered life. Despite an unstable childhood and lack of higher education, she utilized her strengths to build a career as a reality star, model, actress, and entrepreneur.
However, Draya is a multi-talented businesswoman with an estimated net worth of $60,000. She earned her fortune through savvy financial investments and determination to succeed on her terms. Though known for controversy early on, she now focuses on setting a positive example as a mother and philanthropist.
