Spencer Haywood's Daughter, Zulekha Haywood, Shines in the Spotlight

Zulekha Haywood, born to the renowned supermodel Iman Abdulmajid and basketball star Spencer Haywood, navigated the trials of being raised in the public spotlight and striving to match her parents' esteemed reputation. Overcoming these obstacles, she has flourished as a prosperous businesswoman, accountant, and consultant.

Despite encountering numerous challenges in her life, Zulekha Haywood has skillfully established a thriving career for herself in the business realm. Let’s learn more about Zulekha’s life and the challenges she faced. 

Zulekha Haywood Wiki/Bio 

Zulekha Haywood was born on July 5th, 1978, in the United States. She is the daughter of former NBA player Spencer Haywood and American supermodel Iman Haywood. Initially, her relationship with her mother, Iman, wasn't strong, but over time, they grew closer. 

Zulekha has five siblings, Alexandra Zahra Jones, Duncan Jones, Shaakira Haywood, Isis Haywood, and Courtney Nikkiah Haywood. At the age of 44 in 2023, she had found a stronger connection with her mother, marking a positive shift in their relationship despite their earlier distance.

How Rich is Zulekha Haywood?

Zulekha Haywood has accumulated an estimated net worth of around $4.8 million as of 2024. Her wealth stems from her roles as an industry accountant, a prosperous businesswoman, and her involvement in managing a family business.

Likewise, Iman Abdulmajid Jones, her mother, holds an impressive net worth of $200 million and Spencer Haywood, her father, boasts a net worth of $3 million.

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Zulekha Haywood Career Highlights

Zulekha Haywood, despite her parents' notable careers in basketball and modeling, pursued a different path in the business realm, establishing herself as a successful businesswoman and an expert in entrepreneurship. Her professional journey commenced at Iman Cosmetics, her mother's company, where she began as an accountant and later ascended to the position of account manager.

Transitioning to roles at Jay Manuel Beauty, she served as a brand manager and senior business analyst before moving on to Taymark Inc., where she worked as a buyer and strategic source analyst. Eager to broaden her horizons, Zulekha briefly worked at Portu Sunberg in 2016 as an inventory analyst before moving on from the company. Her impressive career spans over a decade in the domains of professional marketing and analysis, showcasing her dedication and expertise in these fields.

Zulekha Haywood's Husband and Daughter 

Regarding Zulekha Haywood’s personal life, she is married to her longtime partner Jason Young. Despite her privacy preference, she has occasionally shared glimpses of her life with Jason through photographs. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2017, a joyous occasion that Zulekha shared on her Instagram account, offering a glimpse into her family life. 

Her father also expressed his happiness by sharing a lovely picture, portraying his joy at the new addition to the family. While living happily with her husband and daughter, Zulekha keeps the details of her personal life away from the public eye, choosing not to regularly disclose information about her family.

Zulekha Haywood's Relation with Her Mother

Zulekha Haywood's parents parted ways when she was just a few months old, and their legal separation occurred when she was 9 years old. Following the legal separation, Spencer Haywood obtained custody, resulting in Zulekha spending more time with him.

Regarding Zulekha's relationship with her mother, Spencer Haywood expressed that Iman has not been affectionate or nurturing as a mother. He highlighted accusations of emotional abuse directed toward Zulekha, suggesting a strained and troubled dynamic between them.

Zulekha Haywood’s Mother, Iman Abdulmajid

Iman, born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, emerged as a Somali-American model and actress, renowned for her iconic presence in the fashion industry. Noted as a muse to esteemed designers and a favorite subject of prominent photographers, she made her mark with her distinctive features and grace. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Iman established Iman Cosmetics, a makeup line focusing on diverse shades for women. 

Her business acumen thrived, transforming the brand into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Additionally, she ventured into fashion with her Global Chic collection on the Home Shopping Network. Her versatile career encompassed acting roles in films and TV, alongside hosting fashion-oriented television shows. Iman's philanthropic contributions are significant, supporting causes like CARE, Keep a Child Alive, Children's Defense Fund, and efforts to end the conflict minerals trade. 

Personal life-wise, Iman was married to David Bowie until his passing in 2016, and they shared a daughter named Alexandria Zahra Jones. Her remarkable journey in modeling, business, acting, and philanthropy solidifies her legacy as an influential figure in multiple realms.

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Zulekha Haywood’s Father, Spencer Haywood

Spencer Haywood, born on April 22, 1949, in Silver City, Mississippi, overcame poverty to become a legendary basketball figure. Excelling at Pershing High School in Detroit, he later showcased his skills at Trinidad State Junior College and the University of Detroit. Haywood's basketball prowess led him to the 1968 U.S. Olympic team, winning gold and setting records.

His professional journey started with the ABA's Denver Rockets, earning Rookie of the Year and MVP in his debut season. Challenging NBA eligibility rules, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics, eventually winning a landmark Supreme Court case allowing early entry into the league. He thrived in the NBA, achieving All-NBA honors and All-Star appearances with the SuperSonics and later playing for several other teams.

Despite success, Haywood faced personal challenges, including addiction issues that affected his career. After a stint in Italy, he returned to the NBA before retiring. His impact was recognized with jersey retirement by the SuperSonics in 2007, cementing his legacy in basketball history.

Zulekha Haywood Health Issues 

Zulekha Haywood faced challenges growing up as the daughter of a supermodel, particularly due to her struggle with being overweight, reaching 330 pounds. Her childhood was marked by efforts to shed extra weight, following the Basta Diet plan while enduring her mother's pressure to get in shape.

At 28, due to health concerns associated with her weight, she sought help from a specialized bariatric surgeon. Opting for a gastric bypass in 2008, Zulekha underwent a transformative procedure that significantly improved her confidence, overall health, and fitness. Since then, she has remained dedicated to her health journey, continuously striving for improvement and betterment.

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