Zulekha Haywood is a businesswoman, certified business analyst and accountant based in America, and most famously the daughter of legendary supermodel Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid and NBA Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood.
The daughter of one of the most glamorous family names in American celebrity culture, she has chosen to shun the limelight, constructing a low profile, high-achieving career in multinational corporations, the beauty business and corporate analytics. Her life is that of perseverance, personal will, and personal change that has motivated thousands.
Zulekha Haywood, Brief Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Zulekha Haywood |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1978 |
| Age (2026) | 47 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American / Somali descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Mother | Iman (supermodel, entrepreneur) |
| Father | Spencer Haywood (Olympic gold medalist, NBA player) |
| Husband | Jason Young (married 2016) |
| Daughter | Lavinia Rose Young (born August 14, 2017) |
| Education | Michigan State University, BA Human Resource Management |
| High School | Mercy High School |
| Profession | Business Analyst, Demand Analyst, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | ~$4 million |
| Current Location | Wichita, Kansas, USA / Salina |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
Who Is Zulekha Haywood?
Zulekha Haywood is not an idol. She does not play sports. She is not chasing the limelight. And that is the very thing that makes her outstanding.
She is a licensed business analyst and entrepreneur who took close to 15 years to rise up the corporate ladder, silently, systematically and according to her own way. Her mother was on the covers of Vogue, and her father was in the NBA Finals, but Zulekha preferred boardrooms to runways.
Her experience covers working at Iman Cosmetics, Jay Manuel Beauty, Portu Sunberg, Taymark Inc, and McShares Inc. She currently works as a Customer Relationship Specialist and Demand Analyst with McShares Inc in Salina, Kansas.
Childhood and Early Life
Zulekha Haywood was born on the 5th of July, 1978, in New York, USA. She was raised with both awe-inspiring privilege and awe-inspiring pressure at once.
At the young age of one, she was already featured in Essence magazine with her mother. That 1979 cover photo was among many early appearances in the media. Most babies do not feature in national magazines, but Zulekha was never going to lead an ordinary life.
Growing up with a Somali-American supermodel mother and an Olympic gold medalist basketball player father was glamorous on the outside. However, in the background it came with huge expectations and constant publicity.
Her Famous Parents, Iman and Spencer Haywood
Zulekha’s story starts with understanding her background.
Born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu, Somalia, Iman is one of the most famed supermodels ever. She was discovered in 1975 and walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Versace and Thierry Mugler. In addition to her modeling, she also created Iman Cosmetics in 1994, which was among the first large cosmetic lines to be based on the needs of women of color. In 1992, she married rock legend David Bowie, and remained married to him until his death in January 2016.
Spencer Haywood is a retired professional NBA basketball player and Olympic Gold Medalist from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He has played with the Seattle SuperSonics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Bullets, and New Orleans Jazz. He also stands credited with legally contesting the NBA anti-hardship rule, a precedent case that paved the way for underclassmen to be drafted.
In 1978, Iman and Spencer got married and had a daughter, Zulekha. They were married for about ten years and divorced in 1987.
The Custody Battle
At the age of 9, Zulekha witnessed her parents divorce. A hard and lengthy custody battle followed.
The court battle took years. In 1992, at the age of 14, the court awarded Spencer Haywood full custody of Zulekha. She moved to Detroit and resided with her father. It was also reported during this time that Spencer made remarks indicating that Iman had not been a mothering figure.
This was one of the defining moments of Zulekha’s life. It is a burden that few people can fathom, having their family torn apart in front of the world with two incredibly famous parents. But she survived it, and that strength would be a pillar she leaned on throughout her life.
Siblings and Blended Family
Zulekha belongs to a big, blended family with famous connections on both sides.
From her father Spencer Haywood, she has half-sisters Nikiah Haywood, Isis Haywood, Shaakira Haywood, Linda Haywood and Courtney Haywood.
From her mother Iman, through her marriage with David Bowie, she has a half-sister Alexandria Zahra Jones, born in 2000. From David Bowie’s previous marriage to Angie Bowie, she also has a stepbrother, Duncan Jones, the filmmaker.
Zulekha has an extended family that includes a rock legend, a world-famous filmmaker, and several children from various celebrity relationships. Through all of this, she has never lost her focus and remained private.
Education: Building Her Own Foundation
Zulekha attended Mercy High School and later joined Michigan State University in East Lansing, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management.
This was a conscious and deliberate decision. No fashion schools. No sports management courses tied to her parents’ world. She chose a practical, career-oriented degree that would give her real skills in the business world.
Her education gave her the foundation to succeed, and succeed she did.
Career: 15 Years of Corporate Success
There is a quiet success story hidden within this celebrity family history that most people overlook.
Iman Cosmetics (2002–2014)
In 2002, she started working with her mother at Iman Cosmetics in New York City. She did not walk in as a VIP. She began as an Executive Assistant Office Manager and learned the business from the ground up.
Her career at Iman Cosmetics progressed steadily:
- 2002–2004: Executive Assistant / Office Manager
- 2005: Account Manager, handling accounts for Walmart, Target, CVS, HSN and Walgreens
- 2007: Planning and Procurement Manager
- 2014: Left to seek new opportunities after 12+ years
Jay Manuel Beauty (2014–2016)
Zulekha worked at Jay Manuel Beauty as a Brand Manager and Senior Business Analyst. Her duties included analyzing business requirements, growth potential, and product placement.
Portu Sunberg (2016)
She then moved to Portu Sundberg as an Inventory Analyst, working on customer program development. She remained there for about eight months.
Taymark Inc and McShares Inc
She has also worked at Taymark Inc as a buyer and strategic sourcing analyst. She currently works at McShares Inc as a Customer Relationship Specialist and Demand Analyst in Salina, Kansas.
Throughout her career, Zulekha also developed skills as a content writer and editor in advertising departments, an aspect of her career that is rarely mentioned in other sources.
Read more: Mike Wolfe Passion Project: How America’s Favorite Picker Is Saving Small Towns in 2026
The Weight Loss Story: Real Courage
Perhaps the strongest and most relatable part of Zulekha Haywood’s story is her struggle with weight, and the way she managed to overcome it.
Childhood Weight Struggles
Zulekha began dieting when she was only 8 years old. Consider that: a primary school-age child was already on weight management programs, with two of the most physically celebrated people in the world as her parents.
Her father Spencer tried the “Eat Like a Pig, Run Like a Horse” approach. One summer she spent four hours a day at tennis camp, where the heat was scorching and the food was watermelon and lemon ices. She lost 30 pounds and went back to school feeling great.
She gained the weight back by Christmas, plus another 20 pounds.
Life Over 300 Pounds
At her heaviest, Zulekha weighed more than 320 pounds. Rather than feeling shame, she made a courageous decision to accept herself. She felt free in her body, inspired by her aunt Dia who came to family reunions in studded catsuits and stilettos.
However, over time the health effects became severe. Her energy, her confidence and her quality of life were all being affected by her weight.
Gastric Band Surgery on Her 28th Birthday
In 2006, on her 28th birthday, Zulekha decided to have gastric band surgery. It was not a vanity decision, it was a health decision.
The surgery was a turning point. She lost over 150 pounds. More importantly, she found a new source of energy, self-esteem and confidence that helped her finish her studies and launch a very successful corporate career.
It is not about fitting into a mold. It is about taking charge of your own health, in your own way.
Marriage and Daughter: Her Own Story
Zulekha Haywood has kept her personal life very private. Here is what is known.
She had been dating Jason Young for several years before making the relationship public. The couple married in a small ceremony in 2016, with no media attention and no red carpets.
They have a daughter, Lavinia Rose Young, born on August 14, 2017. The birth announcement was actually made by Iman herself on Facebook, with the caption:
“Meet Lavinia Rose Young! The newborn baby girl of my daughter Zulekha and her husband Jason. Nana loves you!”
Jason Young is a businessman and restaurateur. The family now lives in Kansas, well away from the public eye.
Zulekha Haywood’s Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Zulekha Haywood has an estimated net worth of around $4 million.
| Source | Details |
| Corporate Career | Over 15 years in business analysis, procurement and brand management |
| Iman Cosmetics | Twelve years in various senior positions |
| Jay Manuel Beauty | Senior Brand Manager and Analyst |
| McShares Inc (current) | Demand Analyst and Customer Relationship Specialist |
| Entrepreneurial Ventures | Various consulting and business roles |
This is an entirely self-made net worth. It was not built through a silver spoon or celebrity influence, but through hard work, professional development and decades of steady corporate performance.
The Relationship Between Zulekha Haywood and Her Mother Iman
The relationship between Zulekha and her mother Iman has been complicated.
During the custody case, Spencer Haywood claimed that Iman was not a caring mother. That public characterization was hurtful and caused friction in their relationship for years.
However, relationships evolve. Given that Iman publicly announced the birth of Lavinia Rose Young on her Facebook page, calling herself “Nana,” it is clear that by 2017 the mother-daughter bond had largely healed. She has also reportedly shared photos of her granddaughter on social media.
Iman was deeply affected by the death of David Bowie in January 2016. It appears that loss may have strengthened family ties.
Zulekha Haywood’s First Media Appearance
Something most articles fail to mention: Zulekha Haywood’s first public appearance was on the cover of Essence magazine in 1979, the 9th Anniversary issue, where she appeared alongside her mother Iman as a one-year-old baby. A couple of years later, she was featured in Essence again with both parents.
This makes her one of the youngest celebrity children to appear on a major national magazine cover in the fashion industry, before she could even talk.
Where Does Zulekha Haywood Live in 2026?
In 2026, Zulekha Haywood is living a grounded and purpose-driven life in the American Midwest.
She is employed at McShares Inc in Salina, Kansas. She is raising her daughter Lavinia Rose Young alongside her husband Jason Young. She has no social media presence, continues working as a demand analyst and customer relationship specialist, and remains completely off the celebrity radar.
Being born into one of the most photographed families in the world, choosing privacy is a radical and powerful thing. Zulekha has done exactly that, and built a real, working life in the process.
Why Zulekha Haywood Is So Inspiring
The life of Zulekha Haywood is a story that deserves far more attention than it has received.
She was put on a diet at age 8. Her famous parents divorced in front of the world. She grew up in the shadow of two of the most aesthetically celebrated people on earth. And not once did she try to become them.
Instead, she built something of her own: a 15-year corporate career, a self-made net worth, a private marriage, a daughter she is raising away from cameras, and a body she made peace with on her own terms and at her own pace.
This is not a celebrity story. It is a human story. And it is a truly inspiring one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Zulekha Haywood?
Zulekha Haywood is an American businesswoman, accountant and business analyst. She is the daughter of supermodel Iman and former NBA star Spencer Haywood. She has built a successful 15+ year corporate career entirely on her own.
How old is Zulekha Haywood in 2026?
Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5, 1978. In 2026, she will be 47 years old. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Who is Zulekha Haywood’s husband?
Zulekha Haywood is married to Jason Young, wed in 2016. He is a businessman and restaurateur. The couple keeps their relationship very private.
Does Zulekha Haywood have children?
Yes. She has a daughter, Lavinia Rose Young, born on August 14, 2017. Iman announced the birth on Facebook, referring to herself as “Nana.”
What is Zulekha Haywood’s net worth?
As of 2026, her net worth is estimated at around $4 million. It has been built through years of experience in business analysis, brand management and corporate planning, not through inheritance from her celebrity parents.
What is Zulekha Haywood’s weight loss story?
Zulekha struggled with her weight from childhood. At her heaviest she weighed over 320 pounds. In 2006, on her 28th birthday, she had gastric band surgery and lost over 150 pounds. She is now an advocate for making health choices on your own terms.
Where does Zulekha Haywood live?
In 2026, Zulekha Haywood lived in the Salina/Wichita, Kansas area, where she worked at McShares Inc as a Demand Analyst and Customer Relationship Specialist.
Does Zulekha Haywood have Instagram or social media?
No. Zulekha Haywood is not active on Instagram, Twitter or any other social media platform. She lives a completely private life.
Who are Zulekha Haywood’s siblings?
She has several half-siblings, including Nikiah, Isis, Shaakira, Linda and Courtney Haywood on her father’s side, Alexandria Zahra Jones (daughter of Iman and David Bowie) on her mother’s side, and Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie from a previous marriage) as a stepbrother.
Where did Zulekha Haywood go to college?
Zulekha Haywood graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management. She previously attended Mercy High School.
