Zulekha Haywood is the only daughter of supermodel Iman and NBA legend Spencer Haywood, and she has built a successful corporate career while overcoming a highly public weight loss battle.
She was born on July 5, 1978, into a world of fame and glamour that few people ever experience. Her parents divorced when she was just nine years old, leading to a lengthy custody battle that shaped much of her childhood.
Unlike many celebrity children, Zulekha chose a quiet life in the corporate world rather than following in her parents’ footsteps. She has worked for companies like Iman Cosmetics and Koch Industries, and today she lives a private life in Wichita, Kansas. This article tells her complete story, from her famous parents to her personal struggles and her current life.
Zulekha Haywood Biography
| Information | Details |
| Full Name | Zulekha Haywood |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1978 |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Somali and African American) |
| Parents | Iman (mother) and Spencer Haywood (father) |
| Siblings | 5 half-siblings, including Alexandria Zahra Jones |
| Education | Mercy High School, Michigan State University |
| Profession | Business Analyst and Accountant |
| Spouse | Jason Young |
| Children | Lavinia Rose Young (born 2017) |
| Net Worth | About $4 million |
| Current Residence | Wichita, Kansas |
Zulekha Haywood’s Early Life and Parents
Zulekha Haywood was born in 1978 to two of the most famous people in the world: Somali supermodel Iman and NBA star Spencer Haywood.
Her father was a legendary basketball player who played for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Seattle SuperSonics. Her mother, Iman, was one of the most sought-after fashion models of her time and later became a successful businesswoman.
The couple married in 1978, the same year Zulekha was born, but their relationship was far from easy. As a baby, Zulekha appeared on the cover of ESSENCE magazine with her mother, making her first public appearance when she was only a few months old. Her parents separated when she was just five months old, and their marriage officially ended when she was nine.
The Custody Battle: Growing Up Between Iman and Spencer Haywood
After her parents divorced in 1987, Zulekha became the center of a bitter custody battle that lasted more than five years.
Spencer Haywood fought hard for custody and even claimed that Iman was an unfit mother who abandoned their daughter to pursue her own interests. The legal fight finally ended in 1992 with an out-of-court settlement that allowed fourteen-year-old Zulekha to live with her father in Detroit to finish high school.
Her mother received reasonable visitation rights under a schedule that both parents and Zulekha agreed upon. Spencer Haywood said after the settlement, “With the help of God, our arrangement will make a difference in a previously difficult situation.”
Zulekha Haywood’s Education: Mercy High School and University
Zulekha Haywood attended Mercy High School in Detroit, Michigan, and later earned a degree in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University.
Her high school years were spent in Detroit, where she lived with her father after the custody settlement. Mercy High School is a private, all-girls Catholic school located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
After graduating from high school, she pursued her college education at Michigan State University, one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States. Her education gave her the foundation she needed to build a successful career in business and analytics.
Zulekha Haywood’s Career: From Iman Cosmetics to Koch Industries
Zulekha Haywood built a successful corporate career that began at her mother’s cosmetics company and eventually led her to work as a business analyst and strategic sourcing professional.
She started her professional journey at Iman Cosmetics, where she joined as an accountant and was later promoted to account manager. After building her skills at Iman Cosmetics, she moved to Jay Manuel Beauty, where she worked as a brand manager and senior business analyst.
She then joined Taymark Inc. as a buyer and strategic source analyst, and later worked at Portu Sunberg as an inventory analyst. Today, she is known to work at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas, where she continues to build on her more than ten years of experience in sales and demand planning.
Zulekha Haywood’s Weight Loss Journey: 320 Pounds to 180 Pounds
Zulekha Haywood struggled with her weight for most of her life, reaching 330 pounds by age 26 before deciding to take drastic action.
She has said that she was on a diet since she was eight years old, but none of them ever worked. Growing up as the daughter of a supermodel made her feel even more pressure about her body, and she often felt like she could not live up to her mother’s image.
At her heaviest, she weighed 330 pounds and began developing health problems like osteoarthritis and heel spurs that made it painful to even get out of bed. After trying countless diets and exercise programs, she finally decided that gastric bypass surgery was her last resort. Today, her weight has stabilized at around 165 pounds, and she has said that she feels a deep sense of contentment with herself.
Gastric Bypass Surgery: How Zulekha Haywood Transformed Her Life
Zulekha Haywood underwent gastric bypass surgery at age 28, a decision that helped her lose over 150 pounds and completely change her life.
The surgery works by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which limits how much food a person can eat at one time. Before the surgery, Zulekha described feeling like she was trapped in a body that could not keep up with her spirit.
She told Glamour magazine, “I was always happy. At 330 pounds, at 320, at whatever weight I was at, I was always happy.” But the physical pain she experienced at age 26 made her realize that she needed to make a change for her long-term health. After the surgery, she lost a significant amount of weight and has maintained a healthier lifestyle ever since.
Zulekha Haywood’s Husband Jason Young and Daughter Lavinia
Zulekha Haywood is married to Jason Young, and together they have a daughter named Lavinia Rose Young, who was born in August 2017.
Iman shared the happy news on Instagram, writing, “Meet Lavinia Rose Young! My daughter Zulekha & her husband Jason’s baby!” Zulekha has always kept her personal life away from the public eye, so not much is known about her husband or their relationship.
What is clear is that she is a devoted mother and that her family means everything to her. Her daughter Lavinia represents a new generation of the Haywood family and brings joy to everyone around her.
Zulekha Haywood’s Siblings
Zulekha Haywood has five half-siblings from her parents’ other relationships, including the famous Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones.
From her father’s side, she has three sisters named Nikiah, Shaakira, and Isis Haywood, who were born from Spencer Haywood’s other marriages. From her mother’s side, she has a half-sister named Alexandria Zahra Jones, who is the daughter of Iman and the legendary musician David Bowie.
Alexandria, who goes by Lexi, was born in 2000 and is an artist and musician in her own right. Zulekha also has a half-brother named Duncan Jones, who is David Bowie’s son from his first marriage.
Zulekha Haywood’s Net Worth: What We Know
Zulekha Haywood’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, earned through her successful career in business and analytics.
Unlike her famous parents, Zulekha built her wealth through her own hard work in the corporate world. She has over ten years of experience in sales and demand planning, and she is proficient in software programs like SAP, MS NAV, EDI, and Jet Reports.
Her career has taken her through several companies, from Iman Cosmetics to her current role at Koch Industries. While her net worth may not match her parents’ fortunes, she has made her own way and established her financial independence through dedication and skill.
Where Is Zulekha Haywood Now? Current Life in Wichita, Kansas
Zulekha Haywood currently lives a quiet and private life in Wichita, Kansas, where she works and raises her daughter.
Although she was born and raised in New York City, she has chosen to build her adult life in the Midwest, far from the celebrity spotlight. She is known to be social media inactive, with only a LinkedIn account that details her professional experience.
She enjoys playing sports, traveling, and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Her decision to stay out of the public eye shows that she values her privacy and wants to give her daughter a normal childhood.
Zulekha Haywood’s Relationship with Iman and Spencer Haywood Today
Despite the difficult custody battle during her childhood, Zulekha Haywood now maintains a good relationship with both of her parents.
Her father, Spencer Haywood, was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, and he and Zulekha still share a close bond. Her mother, Iman, has also remained an important part of her life, and she was thrilled when Zulekha welcomed her daughter Lavinia in 2017.
Iman shared her joy on social media, calling herself “Nana” and expressing her love for her granddaughter. Time has helped heal the wounds of the past, and Zulekha has found peace with both sides of her family.
Quick Facts: Zulekha Haywood’s Profile Summary
- Full Name: Zulekha Haywood
- Date of Birth: July 5, 1978
- Age: 46 years old
- Place of Birth: United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Somali and African American)
- Parents: Iman and Spencer Haywood
- Siblings: 5 half-siblings, including Alexandria Zahra Jones
- Education: Mercy High School, Michigan State University
- Profession: Business Analyst and Accountant
- Spouse: Jason Young
- Children: Lavinia Rose Young
- Net Worth: Estimated at $4 million
- Current Residence: Wichita, Kansas
Conclusion: The Legacy of Iman’s Daughter
Zulekha Haywood’s story is one of quiet strength, personal transformation, and the courage to build your own path when the world expects you to follow someone else’s.
As the daughter of a supermodel and an NBA legend, she could have easily pursued fame and fortune in the spotlight. Instead, she chose a life of privacy, hard work, and family, building a successful career in the corporate world on her own terms.
Her weight loss journey and her openness about her struggles have inspired many people who face similar challenges. Today, she lives a peaceful life in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and daughter, far from the cameras and the headlines that once surrounded her childhood.
Zulekha Haywood’s legacy is not defined by her famous parents, but by her own resilience, her professional achievements, and the loving family she has created.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Question
Why Is Zulekha Haywood Famous?
Zulekha Haywood is famous mainly because she is the only daughter of supermodel Iman and former NBA star Spencer Haywood. She has also gained attention for building her own corporate career and for openly sharing her weight-loss journey.
Is Zulekha Haywood Iman’s Daughter?
Yes, Zulekha Haywood is Iman’s only daughter with former NBA player Spencer Haywood. She was born in 1978 and grew up between her parents following their divorce and a lengthy custody battle.
What Does Zulekha Haywood Do?
Zulekha Haywood has built a career in business, accounting, analytics, and strategic sourcing. She began working at Iman Cosmetics and later held positions at several companies, including Koch Industries.
Who Is Zulekha Haywood’s Husband?
Zulekha Haywood’s husband is Jason Young. The couple has kept most details about their relationship private and generally stays away from the public spotlight.
Does Zulekha Haywood Have a Daughter?
Yes, Zulekha Haywood has a daughter named Lavinia Rose Young. Lavinia was born in August 2017, and her grandmother Iman publicly shared the news of her birth.
How Old Is Zulekha Haywood?
Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5, 1978. Based on that birth date, she is 48 years old as of September 2026.
