Draya Michele: From Aspiring Aesthetician to Entrepreneur
Reality star and entrepreneur Draya Michele. (Photo: Getty Images)
To see Draya Michele, you have to turn on VH1’s Basketball Wives LA or follow her on Instagram – but if you go that route, you will only be able to catch her Instagram shots during the weekdays. “My profile is private over the weekend while the show is on, because I don’t really care to see everyone’s comments about the show,” she says. “I don’t want my Instagram page associated with the show.” The show is a spin-off of the program Basketball Wives. Both series follow women who are, or were, once romantically involved to professional basketball payers. Another notable name from the show is Shaunie O’Neal (formerly married to Shaq). Draya is currently dating to Dallas Cowboy Orlando Scandrick. The reason for privacy? The show can get a little dramatic, and Michele doesn’t want comments on her photos. It’s also because the 30-year-old isn’t just a reality star, she’s also an entrepreneur who owns two fashion lines: Fine Ass Girls and Mint Swim. The latter was recently showcased during Los Angeles Swim Week at the London Hotel in West Hollywood.
Michele found the inspiration to start her companies through her fans. “It was my fan base from reality TV,” says the designer. “I started to notice I had a lot of followers, and I just wanted to give back something.” Mint Swim is comprised of sexy, stylish, modern bathing suits. Fine Ass Girls apparel includes dresses, fitness tanks, swimwear, coats and more. Michele has grown both brands by listening to ideas and comments from her target audience; for example, Mint Swim is expanding its designs to plus-sizes and a children’s line. “I got a lot of requests for plus-size swim suits. “I wanted them to be really sexy and chic,” says Michele.
In addition to her combined 3.7 social media followers, some famous faces are fans of Mint Swim as well. The first star to sport a suit was La La Anthony, during a photo shoot. “I immediately got in my car and drove over there. She loved it. That was cool.” Singers Zendaya and Selena Gomez are also fans. “Wearing it is the biggest compliment they could give me,” Michele says. Michele’s future involves growing her companies, with plans to expand into men’s wear next year as well as more casual loungewear.
Her life as a fashion designer and reality star is a far cry from the career she initially aspired to—being an aesthetician. She even went to school for it. “It’s always another trait I have under my belt.” Noting that, had she stuck with it, “I would have opened up my own salon by now!” Her own beauty regimen involves using a Clarisonic, night creams and Caudalie Beauty Elixir. “I don’t care how much it costs!” she admits, regarding great products.
Looks aside, Michele feels the most self-assured when she hears the sound of her own voice. While chatting with Michele, she sounds sure of herself. The former Hooters employee seems focused, and ambitious but not full of herself. “I feel the most confident when I am talking, as myself. It could be in front of 100,000 people. It doesn’t necessarily have to be filmed, but just my voice projected over a microphone. I’m not a liar. I’m really sure of what I’m saying,” she says. “So, there’s no fear in that. I can give speeches at any given time!”
Ironically enough, she hasn’t always been so bold. “In high school I was shy, but once I got out of high school, I stepped out of my shell,” she says. “If you’re telling the truth, there’s nothing to be insecure about,” she advises for those looking for a boost. “Once you start telling the truth about things, you’re confident about everything.”
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