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?
Esta historia es de la edición BASIC MADISON BEER Cover || IDENTITY Issue 11 de BASIC Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición BASIC MADISON BEER Cover || IDENTITY Issue 11 de BASIC Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Chloe Flower - From Musical Prodigy To Fashion Icon
From Musical Prodigy To Fashion Icon
All Eyes On Madison Beer
Discovered by Justin Bieber in 2012 after singing a cover of “At Last” by Etta James, Madison Beer has amassed a fanbase of over 12M followers across social media platforms and at just 20 years old, she has established a flourishing career as one of the most promising young pop stars.
Universes Collide By Marcel Van Luit
Inspired by wild optimism and enchanted universes that blur the line between make–believe and reality, Marcel Van Luit is a Netherlands–born digital artist who believes anything is possible. Playing on the juxtaposition of dark and light, Luit has created surreal photo manipulations that take viewers through wonderous fairytales that humans can only dream of seeing in the walking world. His work has been exhibited at the Jean Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium, the Cobra Art Gallery at Maison&Objet in Paris, France and more.
Draya Michele Girl Boss
Acclaimed designer and actress, Draya Michele has become a fashion icon, establishing her presence in entertainment, beauty and business. Having launched her adored swimsuit line Mint Swim as well as ready-to-wear collections, including Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco, Michele is a self-made millionaire, with an amassed 7.5+ million followers across social media platforms and garnering the attention of global brands and entertainment companies alike. She is known for roles in feature films and television, including the Lionsgate romantic comedy Perfect Match, True to the Game, Till Death Do Us Part and BET’s We Belong Together.
Dain Yoon Illusions
Dain Yoon has introduced a series of psychedelic portraits that challenge the complexity of the human body and its exquisite features.
Dita Von Teese
Undressing The History of America's Favorite Pin Up by Brooke Butler
Beast Mode
Handsome wildlife expert and lover of all Earth’s creatures, from the adorable to the ferocious, meet Dr. Evan Antin. We caught up with the busy vet at the Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital where you can find him on most days.
Renaissance Worms
Russian marine biologist Alexander Semenov is a unique photographic artist specializing in invertebrate animals.
Dance Revolution
An Interview with #CamerasandDancers creator Jacob Jonas
