Any reality television lover knows all there is to know about Draya Michele. Born Jan. 23,  1985, Michele is a model, reality TV star, actress, fashion designer and social media entrepreneur. She’s made a lasting name for herself in the industry.

After gaining the world’s attention in 2011 on VH1’s “Basketball Wives LA,” Michele leveraged her fame to build a sustainable brand. She’s launched swimwear and apparel, while curating millions of followers. Whether it’s modeling, acting roles or sharing intimate parts of her life, Michele’s multi-faceted career is rooted in hustle. Here’s a deeper look at her glamorous life and the net worth she’s accumulated since her rise to fame.

Draya  Michele Before Fame

Before she invited the cameras into her every day life, Draya  Michele was a teenager in Reading, Pennsylvania. She had her first son, Kniko Howard, in 2002 at age 17, but she didn’t let early motherhood stop her from hustling. She juggled parenthood with ambition, working as a stylist and model while raising her child. Wanting to build a socialite presence, she attended local events, using her bold sense of style and work ethic to stand out. She eventually caught the attention of Chris Brown, whom she had a brief romantic relationship with in 2010. They lasted about nine months, dating between his stints with Rihanna. Michele has openly stated that they broke up due to “too much fighting and too many differences.” However, their relationship was big enough to launch her into fame.

How Did Draya  Michele Become Famous?

In 2011, Michelle joined the cast of “Basketball Wives LA,” which became a defining role in her career. At the time, she was linked to athletes, like Kenyon Martin and DeShawn Stevenson. As a fiery cast member, she became a breakout star in the show’s first four seasons. Her storylines explored the most intimate details of her romantic relationships, personal drama, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Although she left the series in 2015, the exposure helped turn her into a household name.

Reality TV

On “Basketball Wives LA,” Michele quickly became known for her style and unfiltered mouth. The show gave her a platform to promote her fashion lines and build a lucrative social media presence. After leaving the show, she continued appearing on other reality projects, including “Real Husbands of Hollywood.”

Business Endeavors

Wanting to build a sustainable financial portfolio for her children, Michele became a savvy entrepreneur with multiple ventures. In 2011, she launched Mint Swim. This swimwear line is sleek and body-positive designs, landing at major retailers, like PacSun. She only continued to build in the fashion industry, launching Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco. She has also collaborated with other brands, like PrettyLittleThing and superdown. 

Taking her talents to the big screen, she also appeared in films like “The Perfect Match” and “The Sound of Christmas.” She also was in shows, like “L.A.’s Finest.” Putting on a new hat, she served as an executive producer on Zeus Network’s “Doses of Draya.”

As a big personality who has never hesitated to let the world in, she’s garnered nearly 10 million followers across social media platforms. She earns an estimated $665,000 to $912,000 annually through brand partnerships and sponsored content. Banking off her role as a mother, she has also recently announced an investment in Sereniby, a wellness tech company with a focus on nursery air purifiers. 

What Is Draya  Michele’s Net Worth?

With so many lucrative streams of income, it only makes sense that Draya Michele boasts an impressive net worth. Sources vary, but estimates fall between $600,000 to $1 million across all possible revenue streams. As an ambitious woman hungry to make the most out of the fame she’s built for herself, this number certainly denotes success. She embodies the modern media mogul, turning reality TV fame into a fashion, content, entrepreneurship and investment empire. Moving between swimwear design to scripted roles, she’s a testament to what happens when a woman is willing to realize her dreams.

Are Draya  and  Jalen  Green Still Together?

Michele has always banked on stirring drama and her newest relationship is no different. She and NBA star Jalen Green began dating in August 2023 and have remained together despite the scrutiny over their 17-year age gap. Green publicly defended the relationship during the 2025 NBA playoffs. “Leave my girl out of it,” he said, solidifying the fact that he was on her team no matter what. On her 40th birthday, he posted a loving tribute, calling his lover “the realest on my side.” Though backlash continues to spew, the couple remains publicly solid.

Who Is the Father of Draya  Michele’s Children?

Michele frequently speaks to motherhood being her utmost priority. She is a mother of three children, who she shares with three men. The identity of first child’s father, Kniko Howard, remains publicly undisclosed. However, she shares her second child, Jru Scandrick, with former NFL cornerback and her ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick. On Mother’s Day 2024, Michele gave birth to her daughter with Jalen Green.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Draya’s nationality? Draya Michele is of African American and Italian descent.

How old was Draya Michele when she had her first child? Draya Michele welcomed Kniko Howard in 2002, when she was 17 years old. He is the same age as her current partner, Jalen Green.