Draya Michele, a well-known entrepreneur, actress, and TV personality, has captured the hearts of many, not just through her business ventures and fame but as a proud mother of three. As someone who’s navigated the world of reality TV, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, Draya has experienced it all. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the lives of her three children, their unique personalities, and how Draya balances family life with her thriving career.
Draya Michele’s Journey as a Mother
Before diving into the lives of Draya Michele’s kids, let’s take a look at the woman herself. Draya is a force to be reckoned with. She is best known for her role on Basketball Wives LA, but her entrepreneurial spirit shines through with her swimsuit line, Mint Swim, and her ongoing influence in fashion and business. Draya has always been candid about her experiences as a mother, showing us that time management and a solid support system are key to balancing a high-profile career and raising children.
Kniko Howard: Draya’s Firstborn Son
Draya welcomed her first son, Kniko Howard, in 2002 when she was just 17 years old. Being a young mom posed its challenges, but with the unwavering support of her mother, Draya embraced motherhood with grace. In an interview with E! News, she opened up about the importance of having a strong support system. Draya credits her mother for instilling the confidence she needed to face the challenges of motherhood head-on.
While Kniko tends to keep a low profile, he has occasionally stepped into the limelight alongside his famous mother. The duo walked the red carpet together at events like the Despicable Me 3 premiere in 2017 and the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2018. In August 2021, Draya proudly shared that Kniko was starting his freshman year at Georgia State University. She posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing how proud she was to see him take this next big step in life.
Key Highlights About Kniko:
- Born: 2002
- School: Georgia State University (as of August 2021)
- Mother’s Influence: Strong role model with a nurturing and supportive family environment
- Public Appearances: Attended events with his mom, but prefers to stay out of the public eye
Jru Scandrick: Draya’s Younger Son
Draya’s second son, Jru Scandrick, was born on April 8, 2016, with her then-fiancé, NFL star Orlando Scandrick. Jru, pronounced “Drew,” was welcomed into the family as a bundle of joy and quickly became the center of attention. Draya shared with PEOPLE that everyone was infatuated with the new baby, including Jru’s older brother Kniko and Scandrick’s twin daughters, Taylor and Tatiana.
Draya had kept her pregnancy a secret for a while, but once Kniko became suspicious of her morning sickness, Draya felt it was time to share the news with him. Jru’s birth was a beautiful addition to their already blended family. Though Draya keeps Jru’s life relatively private on social media, she often shares glimpses of him, showcasing their close bond. In 2020, she referred to him as her “twin,” sharing side-by-side photos of them as toddlers.
Key Highlights About Jru:
- Born: April 8, 2016
- Father: Orlando Scandrick (former NFL player)
- Big Brother: Kniko Howard
- Public Appearances: Appeared in matching Halloween costumes with Draya, showcasing their close mother-son relationship
- Privacy: Draya rarely shares his images on social media, respecting his privacy
Draya Michele’s Newest Addition: Daughter with Jalen Green
Draya Michele’s life took another beautiful turn in May 2024 when she welcomed a baby girl with her partner, Jalen Green, a player for the Houston Rockets. Draya’s daughter, born on May 12, 2024, coincidentally on Mother’s Day, represents a new chapter in Draya’s life.
Draya had shared her pregnancy news earlier that year on International Women’s Day, expressing how overjoyed she was about the new addition to her family. In an Instagram post, Draya spoke to her daughter, sharing that she was excited to speak words to the daughter she never thought she’d have. The couple celebrated the impending arrival of their little girl with a beautiful red-themed baby shower, featuring cherry desserts and candle-lit dinners.
The arrival of Draya’s daughter was especially significant since it came just a couple of years after the passing of her father, which made previous Mother’s Day celebrations bittersweet. Draya described this year’s celebration as life-changing, marking the beginning of new memories with her daughter and family.
Key Highlights About Draya’s Daughter:
- Born: May 12, 2024 (Mother’s Day)
- Father: Jalen Green (Houston Rockets player)
- Baby Shower: A lavish red-themed celebration in April 2024
- Social Media: Draya has shared a few photos of her daughter, with her face often covered for privacy
- Significance: Draya described her daughter’s birth as healing after the loss of her father
Balancing Motherhood with a Career
One of the key themes that Draya Michele consistently discusses in interviews is time management. Being a single mother, a businesswoman, and a public figure requires dedication and the ability to prioritise what matters most. Draya has often mentioned that her mom’s unwavering support made it possible for her to focus on both motherhood and her career.
As a mother of three, Draya’s balance between business and family is an example to others. She works hard to ensure that each of her children feels loved and supported while pursuing her own dreams.
Draya Michele’s Family Dynamics:
- Strong Family Foundation: Draya’s mother played an integral role in shaping her as a mother and entrepreneur.
- Blended Family: Jru has a relationship with his older brother Kniko and his sisters from his father’s previous relationship.
- Business and Family Life: Draya’s entrepreneurial ventures like Mint Swim are balanced with her responsibilities as a mother.
Conclusion
Draya Michele’s three kids—Kniko, Jru, and her daughter with Jalen Green—each have their unique stories that Draya cherishes. Through it all, Draya remains an empowering figure for women and mothers worldwide. She shows us that, with hard work, determination, and a strong support system, balancing family and career is not just possible but rewarding.
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