BASIC: You are originally from Reading, Pennsylvania and moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to initiate your fashion career. Can you share some insight into your upbringing and what led you into the fashion world?
DRAYA: I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer and I knew that I was limited in terms of resources in Pennsylvania. So, I decided to move to Los Angeles to start my business and that’s kind of how it became a thing. I’ve been in L.A. for eight years now.
BASIC: You launched your swimsuit brand Mint Swim in 2011 and expanded your scope to collections, including Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco. Tell us about your decision to refocus your energy and move towards the business world.
DRAYA: I started my fashion lines while doing reality television and once my business began to flourish, I kind of dropped offin terms of acting. I just really wanted to take my lines more seriously. I have opened up a location for Mint Swim that will be opening probably mid-May. Right now, we are doing consistent pop-up shops there, but it will soon be a permanently–opened storefront. We have swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals and similar products like that.
BASIC: Earlier you mentioned the possibility of partaking in more auditions now that you’ve really gained confidence. How has becoming an entrepreneur and launching highly-successful fashion brands changed your mindset as both a woman and actress?
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