Zulekha Haywood is the daughter of Somali-American supermodel Iman and former NBA player Spencer Haywood. She was born on July 5, 1978, in the United States and became known as the only child from Iman and Spencer Haywood’s marriage.
Unlike her famous parents, Zulekha Haywood chose a career in business instead of modeling or sports. She has worked as an accountant, business analyst, and business professional. Zulekha married Jason Young in 2016, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Lavinia Rose Young, in 2017. She has also shared her long journey with weight struggles and weight-loss surgery.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zulekha Haywood |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1978 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Mother | Iman (Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid) |
| Father | Spencer Haywood |
| Education | Mercy High School; Michigan State University |
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management |
| Profession | Business analyst, accountant, businesswoman |
| Known For | Daughter of Iman and Spencer Haywood |
| Husband | Jason Young |
| Marriage Year | 2016 |
| Child | Lavinia Rose Young (born 2017) |
| Former Workplace | Iman Cosmetics |
| Weight Journey | Underwent weight-loss surgery after long-term struggles |
Zulekha Haywood’s Early Life
Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5, 1978, in the United States. She is the only child of Iman and Spencer Haywood.
Her mother, Iman, is a famous model, actress, and entrepreneur. Her father, Spencer Haywood, is a former professional basketball player and Olympic gold medalist.
Because of her parents’ fame, Zulekha appeared in magazines as a child. In 1979, she appeared with her mother on the anniversary issue of ESSENCE magazine. She also appeared with both parents on the magazine’s cover in 1982.
Zulekha Haywood’s Parents: Iman and Spencer Haywood
Zulekha Haywood’s mother, Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, is better known as Iman. She became one of the world’s most recognized models and later founded Iman Cosmetics.
Her father, Spencer Haywood, had a successful basketball career. He played for teams including the Seattle SuperSonics, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Iman and Spencer Haywood met in 1977 and married in 1978. Their marriage ended in 1987 when Zulekha was nine years old.
Zulekha Haywood’s Childhood
After her parents’ divorce, Haywood was involved in a custody dispute between Iman and Spencer Haywood. The case was settled in 1992 when she was 14 years old.
Following the custody decision, Zulekha lived with her father. She continued her education and later focused on building her own career.
Although she grew up with famous parents, Zulekha Haywood chose a career path outside modeling and sports.
Zulekha Haywood’s Education
Zulekha Haywood attended Mercy High School before continuing her studies at Michigan State University.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management. Her education helped her enter the business field.
Instead of following her parents’ careers, Zulekha Haywood developed skills in management, planning, and business operations.
Zulekha Haywood’s Career
Zulekha Haywood began her career at Iman Cosmetics, her mother’s beauty company. She started as an accountant and gained experience in finance and company operations.
In 2002, she became an accountant manager at Iman Cosmetics. She later worked in roles related to revenue planning, demand planning, and business analysis.
After leaving Iman Cosmetics, Zulekha Haywood worked with other companies. She held positions connected to brand management, inventory analysis, strategic planning, and business development.
Her career has focused on business and management rather than entertainment. Through her work, Zulekha Haywood created her own professional identity outside her parents’ fame.
Zulekha Haywood’s Professional Life Beyond Iman Cosmetics
After working at Iman Cosmetics, Haywood continued to grow in the business field. She worked in different roles where she used her skills in planning, analysis, and management.
She later joined Jay Manuel Beauty as a brand manager and senior business analyst. Her work included studying business needs, improving products, and helping with company plans.
Zulekha Haywood also worked in inventory and sourcing roles at other companies. She gained experience in different areas of business, including customer programs and product planning.
Zulekha Haywood’s Family and Siblings
Zulekha Haywood is the only child of Iman and Spencer Haywood together. However, she has several half-siblings from her parents’ other relationships.
From her father’s side, she has half-sisters named Nikiah, Isis, and Shaakira. Her mother, Iman, later welcomed another daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, with musician David Bowie.
Through Iman’s marriage to David Bowie, Zulekha is also connected to Duncan Jones, Bowie’s son from his previous marriage. Her family includes people from the worlds of fashion, music, and sports.
Zulekha Haywood’s Marriage to Jason Young
Zulekha Haywood married Jason Young in 2016. The couple had a private wedding with close family and friends.
Unlike her famous parents, Zulekha prefers to keep her personal life away from the public eye. She does not often share details about her marriage or daily life.
Her relationship with Jason Young has remained mostly private. Together, they started a family and welcomed their first child.
Zulekha Haywood’s Daughter and Motherhood
Zulekha Haywood and Jason Young welcomed their daughter, Lavinia Rose Young, in 2017. The birth of her daughter became an important moment in her personal life.
Although she comes from a famous family, Zulekha has chosen to give her daughter a more private life. She keeps many family details away from the media.
Motherhood became another important part of Zulekha’s life. Along with her career, she has focused on raising her family.
Zulekha Haywood’s Weight Loss Journey and Health Struggles
Zulekha struggled with her weight from a young age. She has shared that she started trying different diets when she was around eight years old.
Growing up as the daughter of a supermodel, she often felt pressure about her appearance. She also compared herself to her mother’s famous image and her father’s athletic background.
Over the years, Zulekha tried many diets but struggled to keep the weight off. At one point, she weighed around 320 to 330 pounds and faced health problems linked to her weight.
In adulthood, Zulekha decided to have weight-loss surgery. After the procedure, she lost a significant amount of weight and shared her experience publicly.
Where Is Zulekha Haywood Today?
Today, Zulekha Haywood is known for her work in business and for being the daughter of two famous figures. She has built a career based on her own skills and education.
She continues to live a private life with her family. Unlike many celebrity children, she has stayed away from the entertainment industry.
Her story includes family fame, personal challenges, and professional growth. She created her own path while staying connected to her famous family background.
Interesting Facts About Zulekha Haywood
- Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5, 1978.
- She is the daughter of supermodel Iman and basketball legend Spencer Haywood.
- She appeared on ESSENCE magazine covers as a child.
- She studied at Michigan State University.
- She started her career at Iman Cosmetics.
- She married Jason Young in 2016.
- Her daughter, Lavinia Rose Young, was born in 2017.
- She has openly discussed her childhood struggles with weight.
- She underwent weight-loss surgery after years of trying different diets.
- She has chosen a private lifestyle despite her famous family background.
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