Photo Credit: Chris Paul Thompson
They say lightning never strikes twice. Well it did for VH-1 with the addition of Basketball Wives LA! This hot reality series delivers some of the juiciest stories, coolest ladies, and let’s not forget drama served sizzling hot! Originally expected to be just a franchise of its Miami counterpart, it quickly took on a life of its own. Cast members have come and gone, but one mainstay has captivated us all, and her name is—Draya Michele. Draya is the headlining lady of the show whose own style, sassy attitude, and divine beauty keeps us coming back for more. She has been wrongly labeled a groupie, jump off, and even described as “nothing” in the past; but that is only the gossip of haters. If you want to accurately attribute some terms to this beauty, how about adding mother, businesswoman, fiancé, actress, and all around boss chick!
People often, and ignorantly, assume a beautiful woman has nothing going for herself, but her looks. They also, in turn, assume they slept their way to the top. For Draya neither of these assumptions is accurate, and you should not believe the hype! She has been on her grind for years, making the limelight her tool for success. Basketball Wives LA has just been another avenue to set her on top. “I’m definitely glad to be on the show…it has helped me a great deal as an awesome platform, the exposure, and I’ve met some pretty okay people too…I came into this situation knowing what it was…”
Draya’s digression of how the show has helped her is somewhat surprising, considering how backstabbing and brutal many of the ladies of the show have been to her. Over the last few seasons she seemed to be stuck in defense mode—defending her character, her lifestyle, and even her relationships! Now, at thirty, she has had an epiphany about what is important in life, and what she has to do about the drama stemming from the show. “Honestly, when I turned thirty, a change occurred in me. I’m very no nonsense and I’m keeping it moving. What other people think and feel about me does not matter…all I will say about this season is that I just wasn’t there for the craziness and drama going on…I was definitely myself the entire time. You saw the real Draya. I have no regrets or apologies about this past season.”
Draya was tough as nails this season, really letting the cast know where they stand with her and where she was directing her life. Off camera, in her personal life, things have been a bit nonsensical in her relationship with fiancé, Orlando Scandrick. As you know, the reality star and her NFL player fiancé called off their engagement after less than a month. After a few not so nice things to say to the press from his side, the two have happily managed to reconcile and move forward with their engagement. “We’re not perfect. We have problems just like other couples and I admit we haven’t made the best choices always, but we are working on them and are taking our time with this engagement.”
The “real Draya” is definitely no nonsense nowadays and that extends to her businesses; a swimsuit line, Mint Swim, and her fashion line, Fine Ass Girls. Both have been very successful, reflecting both Draya’s tastes and what her millions of social media followers like. Stars like Zendaya, La La Anthony, Adrienne Bailon, Selena Gomez, and Christina Milian have been spotted wearing them. “My favorite time is poolside so I do love bathing suits and being in the sun…I have a lot of followers so I find myself checking out what they’re into and what they like…it’s all about what the people want and as consumers I want to provide them with something I know they’re really going to enjoy…”
Draya’s swim suits are all alluring and beautiful. Each one appears high quality and accents the wearers nicely, even plus sized customers. “…Making your upscale apparel inclusive of plus sized women is always smart, not just from a money standpoint, but because women come in all shapes and sizes and need to be able to wear what they want and what looks good on them.” The same goes for children as she has further expanded her brand to include a children’s collection, and in the future a men’s line and loungewear! You can check out her clothing line on their respective sites, www.mint-swim.com and http://www.fineassgirls.com!
There honestly does not seem to be anything Draya Michele cannot do. This is a great thing, especially since she has been bitten by the acting bug! Yep, our girl is ready to be movie star. In fact she has already completed one film, Will For Love, starring opposite of Marques Houston. The film centers on a CEO who has to get married to inherit the company and his grandfather’s estate. Our girl plays “Candice Koleto,” the object of his affections. “I really enjoyed doing it [the film] and getting to meet everyone…Its going to be great I really hope you guys like it…acting is something I have always been interested in so it seemed natural that I progressed to it…” Additionally, Draya has two other films, All In (2015) and The Perfect Match (2016).
Draya is definitely the new “it girl” turned Supergirl! It is rare to see someone do so much and be so hands on with her businesses, while holding down a family, and pursuing her dreams of acting. This will to be the best and her seemingly glamorous lifestyle, speak volumes to the millions of people who follow her, unwittingly making her a role model. “I’m more cognizant of how I can influence my younger fans, and the viewers of the show, and I just want them to know my life is not glamorous 24/7. I’d say six out of seven days of the week I’m a regular woman, no makeup, not dressing up, just being comfortable…young girls need to know it is okay to be themselves and that there really is, not to sound cliché, someone who will accept and love you as you are. It starts with you first!” You can catch Draya Michele on Basketball Wives LA, Sundays at 9 PM EST. Join the millions and follow her @DrayaFace on Twitter and @sodraya on Instagram!
