Draya Michele

Draya Michele is an American entrepreneur, fashion designer, actress, and social media personality who built a multimillion-dollar business empire from her swimwear and fashion brands. Born Andraya Michele Howard in Reading, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Philadelphia before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. She first gained public attention as a cast member on the VH1 reality series Basketball Wives LA, which premiered in 2011 and documented the lives of women connected to professional basketball players.

While Basketball Wives LA introduced her to audiences, it was her entrepreneurial ventures that truly built her wealth. In 2011, Michele founded Mint Swim, a swimwear line that became enormously successful, generating millions in revenue and attracting celebrity clientele. The brand was known for its bold designs, inclusive sizing, and social media-driven marketing strategy. Mint Swim was regularly featured in fashion publications and worn by celebrities, establishing Michele as a legitimate figure in the fashion industry. She later launched additional brands including Beige and Coco and Fine Ass Girls.

Michele leveraged her massive social media following to build her business empire. With millions of followers on Instagram, she became one of the most influential fashion and lifestyle figures on the platform. Her ability to combine aspirational content with direct-to-consumer marketing made her a pioneer in the influencer-to-entrepreneur pipeline. She has also appeared in acting roles, including the BET series The Choir Director and various film and television projects.

Beyond fashion and entertainment, Michele has been involved in various business ventures and investments. She has been recognized by business publications for her entrepreneurial achievements and has spoken about the challenges of building a brand as a woman of color. Despite controversies throughout her public life, she has maintained a strong brand and loyal following. Her evolution from reality TV cast member to successful businesswoman has made her an example of how social media influence can be converted into lasting business success.