Zulekha Haywood: The Inspiring Journey of Iman’s Daughter

Zulekha Haywood is the daughter of two very famous people — supermodel Iman and NBA legend Spencer Haywood. Most people would think her life has been all glamor and shine because of her parents. But Zulekha’s story is very different — and very real.

She didn’t grow up wanting to be in the spotlight. In fact, she spent many years trying to figure out who she really was, far away from the fame of her parents. She faced many personal struggles, especially with weight and body image, while living under the public eye.

In this article, we’ll take a kind and honest look at Zulekha Haywood’s life — her childhood, her challenges, her career, and her inspiring strength. This is a story of someone who chose to live life on her own terms, no matter how big her parents’ names were.

Zulekha Haywood Quick Bio

Who Is Zulekha Haywood?

Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5, 1978, in the United States. Her mom, Iman, is a world-famous fashion model originally from Somalia. Her dad, Spencer Haywood, is a basketball legend who played for top NBA teams like the Lakers and Knicks.

Even though Zulekha was born into fame, she didn’t follow her parents into modeling or sports. Instead, she chose a more private and peaceful life. She focused on her education and career, building a name for herself in the world of business, not entertainment.

Zulekha is known for being strong, smart, and honest. She’s spoken openly about her personal battles, especially when it comes to her weight and the pressure to “look perfect” in a world full of cameras and beauty standards.

Growing Up with Famous Parents

Can you imagine being the child of a supermodel and a basketball star? It may sound fun, but for Zulekha, it came with a lot of pressure.

As a child, she was always compared to her mother. People expected her to look a certain way — to be slim, beautiful, and stylish like Iman. But Zulekha was just a regular kid, and like many children, she struggled with her weight.

Her parents came from two very different worlds — fashion and sports — but both worlds demanded perfection. Zulekha often felt stuck in the middle, trying to live up to impossible standards.

While some kids wanted toys, she had to think about calories. It wasn’t easy, especially with cameras around. But through all of this, Zulekha stayed true to herself and tried her best to feel happy in her own skin.

Zulekha Haywood’s Childhood Struggles

From a young age, Zulekha battled with body image and confidence. She was put on diets when she was just 8 years old. One of them, called “Basta” — which means “enough” in Italian — was introduced by her mom. Iman would say “Basta” when she thought Zulekha was eating too much.

Her dad, Spencer, had a different method. His diet was called “Eat like a pig, run like a horse.” This meant Zulekha could eat as much as she wanted, but she had to train hard — sometimes for four hours a day.

Even though she lost some weight during these routines, the changes never lasted. Like many people who struggle with weight, she would lose pounds, then gain more back.

Zulekha said that she never had the discipline to keep up with strict diets and heavy workouts. And honestly, most kids wouldn’t. This led to feelings of failure, stress, and sadness — not because she didn’t try, but because the pressure was just too much.

The Custody Battle Between Iman and Spencer

When Zulekha was 9 years old, her parents divorced. That alone can be very hard for a child. But things got even harder when both parents went into a long and painful custody battle over her.

Spencer Haywood said that Iman was not a good mother and claimed she left Zulekha behind to chase her career. Iman, on the other hand, had her own reasons. The fight between them lasted more than six years.

In the end, Spencer got full custody of Zulekha. She was 14 years old at the time. It was a tough time in her life, being caught between two parents who loved her but had very different views.

Even after all the legal battles, Zulekha kept a relationship with both of her parents. Over time, she learned to find peace and balance, even in a complicated family story.

Zulekha Haywood’s Weight Journey

This part of Zulekha’s life touched many people. She spoke honestly about being over 300 pounds at one point in her life. She said she had tried every diet you could think of, but the weight kept coming back.

At some point, she decided that she would accept herself as she was and live life fully — even at a heavier weight. She felt happy and didn’t want to fight with food anymore.

But later, things changed. Zulekha began to feel the health problems that came with obesity. She had knee pain, heel pain, and found it hard to even get out of bed without painkillers.

That’s when she made a big decision. On her 28th birthday, she went through gastric bypass surgery. It was not an easy choice, but it saved her health — and maybe even her life.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

After the surgery, Zulekha’s life changed in many ways. She lost more than 160 pounds — going from about 330 pounds to 165 pounds.

But it wasn’t just about the number on the scale. She finally felt free from the constant fight with her weight. She felt healthier, stronger, and more confident. She could move better, breathe easier, and enjoy life in ways she couldn’t before.

Zulekha shared her story with honesty, not to brag, but to help others who might be going through the same thing. She reminded everyone that weight loss isn’t about being skinny — it’s about feeling good, being healthy, and loving yourself.

Zulekha Haywood’s Education

After finishing high school, Zulekha decided to focus on her studies. She went to Michigan State University and earned a degree in Human Resource Management. While many expected her to go into fashion or entertainment like her mom, she chose a quieter and more professional path.

She started working at Iman Cosmetics, her mother’s beauty company. At first, she worked as an accountant. She didn’t get any special treatment — she worked hard and proved herself. Over time, she got promoted and became Account Manager.

This was just the beginning of Zulekha Haywood’s successful career. She found out that she loved business and planning. She didn’t need the spotlight — she just wanted to build a good life, step by step.

Where Zulekha Haywood Works Today

Zulekha has worked for many well-known companies over the years. She has held roles in brand strategy, inventory analysis, and customer relations. Her job titles have included Business Analyst, Brand Manager, and Demand Analyst.

She has worked at places like:

• Jay Manuel Beauty

• Portu Sunberg

• McShares, Inc. — where she works now

At McShares, she focuses on things like forecasting customer demand and helping the business grow smoothly. She’s very good at numbers, planning, and solving problems.

Even though her parents are famous, Zulekha Haywood built her career on her own. She worked her way up, just like anyone else. She proved that success doesn’t always have to come from fame — it can come from focus, skill, and hard work.

Love, Marriage, and Motherhood

In 2016, Zulekha married her longtime partner Jason Young. They kept their relationship very private. There was no big media coverage or magazine photos — just a small, special ceremony with family and friends.

One year later, in 2017, Zulekha gave birth to her daughter, Lavinia Rose Young. Her father, Spencer Haywood, proudly shared the news on social media. He even tagged celebrities like Oprah and Michael Jordan to celebrate the moment!

Zulekha became a mom, and it changed her life. Even though she still works in business, she always makes time for her daughter. Lavinia is growing up happy and healthy, and Zulekha is proud to raise her with love and care — away from flashing cameras.

Zulekha’s Bond with Her Parents

Even after all the ups and downs, Zulekha Haywood has stayed close to both of her parents. She shares a strong connection with her father, Spencer, who often posts sweet messages and photos of her and Lavinia.

Her relationship with her mother, Iman, also seems to be peaceful now. Iman went on to marry music legend David Bowie, and they had a daughter together named Alexandria Zahra Jones. This makes Alexandria Zulekha’s half-sister.

Through her mother’s marriage to David Bowie, Zulekha also has a stepbrother, Duncan Jones, from Bowie’s first marriage. While they all live very different lives, there is a quiet respect and connection between them.

What Makes Zulekha Haywood Inspiring

So, why is Zulekha Haywood’s story so inspiring?

Because she didn’t take the easy road. She didn’t try to copy her mom’s fame or her dad’s sports legacy. She chose her own way — even when it was hard.

She struggled with weight, went through emotional pain, faced public pressure, and dealt with family drama. But she came out stronger. She told her story honestly, not for attention, but to help others feel less alone.

Zulekha’s story reminds us that it’s okay to be different. You don’t have to be a model, an athlete, or a star. You can be strong, successful, and happy just by being yourself.

Where Is Zulekha Haywood Now?

As of 2025, Zulekha Haywood is living a calm and happy life. She’s a working mom, a smart businesswoman, and someone who values peace over fame.

She lives quietly, away from the media. She doesn’t post much on social media. She just focuses on her family, her health, and her career.

Zulekha shows us that success doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, the most inspiring stories are the quiet ones. And her journey — from a young girl under pressure to a confident woman living her truth — is truly one to remember.

Final Thoughts

Zulekha Haywood may be the daughter of icons, but she is an icon in her own way. Her life is not about fame — it’s about growth, strength, and quiet success.

She has shown that no matter where you come from, you can build your own life. And you can do it with honesty, courage, and heart.

Her story teaches us one powerful message: You don’t need to fit in someone else’s shoes to be proud of your walk.

(FAQs)

Who is Zulekha Haywood’s husband?

Zulekha is married to a man named Jason Young. They kept their relationship super private and quietly got married in 2016. Most people had no idea she was even dating anyone!

How tall is Zulekha Haywood, and how much does she weigh?

She is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 165 pounds now. But here’s the surprising part — she once weighed over 330 pounds before having weight-loss surgery that changed her life.

Is Zulekha Haywood on Instagram?

Nope, she’s not on Instagram or any public social media. In today’s world, that’s rare — especially for someone with super famous parents. She likes to keep her life totally private.

Was David Bowie really her stepdad?

Yes! After her parents split, her mom, Iman, married music legend David Bowie. So Zulekha became his stepdaughter — something many fans don’t know.

What religion does Zulekha follow, and how much is she worth?

Zulekha follows Islam, like her mom, but she doesn’t talk about it publicly. Her net worth is around $4 million, and she earned it all on her own — not from fame, but from working in the business world.