Beginner’s Guide to Lori Harvey

Lori Harvey is an American model, entrepreneur, actress, and socialite born on January 13, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee. She is best known as the adoptive daughter of comedian and TV host Steve Harvey, and has built her own name in fashion and business entirely on her own terms. As a prominent figure in the Los Angeles lifestyle scene, she embodies the blend of wellness and glamour that we celebrate at Edible L.A.

Here's a quick snapshot of who she is:

She started as a competitive equestrian with Olympic dreams, then pivoted to modeling after an injury. Today she runs two product brands, walks major runways, and has taken on acting roles in TV productions like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.

She is genuinely more than a celebrity daughter. Over the past decade, she has carved out a real identity in fashion, wellness, and entrepreneurship, often seen supporting the local L.A. culture we love.

To understand the rise of Lori Harvey, we have to look at the foundation of her upbringing. While she was born in Memphis, Tennessee, she spent much of her youth in Atlanta, Georgia, before eventually becoming a fixture in the Los Angeles social and culinary scene.

Her mother, Marjorie Harvey (formerly Marjorie Bridges), is a fashion icon in her own right. In 2007, Marjorie married the legendary comedian and "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey. Steve subsequently adopted Marjorie's three children—Lori, Morgan, and Jason—giving them the Harvey name and a seat at the table of one of entertainment's most blended family dynamics.

Growing up in the Harvey household meant being part of a massive, supportive unit. Lori Harvey is the youngest of seven children in this blended group. Her siblings include Wynton Harvey, as well as Brandi Harvey and Karli Harvey (Steve's twin daughters from his first marriage), and Broderick Jr.

One question that often surfaces in public discourse is the biological father identity of Lori. While research suggests her biological father is reportedly a man named Donnell Woods, Lori has always been very clear that Steve Harvey is her father in every way that counts. The family is incredibly tight-knit, often seen vacationing together or supporting one another's business launches here in Southern California, frequently dining at the city's most exclusive farm-to-table eateries in Beverly Hills.

Lori's early life wasn't just about red carpets, though. She was a focused athlete. She spent her teen years as a competitive equestrian, spending hours at the stables and traveling for competitions. This discipline would later serve as the backbone for her "boss" mentality in business.

Many people see Lori Harvey on a billboard and assume she always wanted to be a model. However, her first love was actually horseback riding. We've learned through various interviews that Lori was an accomplished equestrian with serious Olympic aspirations. She wasn't just riding for fun; she was competing at a high level and even moved to Florida during her college years to train more intensely.

Unfortunately, the equestrian career end came abruptly in 2015. During a competition, Lori suffered a severe back injury (including a broken medial meniscus) that made it impossible for her to continue competing at an Olympic level. For a young woman who had spent her life in the saddle, this was a devastating pivot.

But as we say in Los Angeles, when one door closes, a runway opens.

In 2015, at the age of 18, Lori Harvey officially transitioned into modeling. Despite being 5'3"—which is considered "short" by traditional high-fashion standards—her striking features and social influence made her an immediate standout. She initially signed with LA Models and Select Model Management, proving that her presence was more important than the industry's height requirements. This transition also marked her deeper immersion into the L.A. wellness culture, where she maintains her athlete's physique through the fresh, seasonal nutrition the city is known for.

Since her 2015 debut, Lori Harvey has become a powerhouse in the fashion world. Her career took a massive leap forward in July 2022 when she signed with IMG Models and WME (William Morris Endeavor). These are the heavy hitters of the talent world, and signing with them signaled that Lori was moving from "social media influencer" to "global brand."

Her portfolio is a "who's who" of luxury fashion. She has starred in major campaigns for:

Lori has also become a staple in the L.A. creative scene, lending her star power to some of the biggest names in the industry. She appeared in the viral video for Normani's "Motivation" in 2019 and more recently starred in Usher's "Glu" video in 2023, which served as Usher's directorial debut.

Beyond the camera lens, Lori Harvey is making waves in the Hollywood acting world. She recently appeared in the Peacock limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024), starring alongside heavyweights like Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Hart. She is also slated for roles in series like Reasonable Doubt, proving that she is serious about expanding her repertoire into scripted television.

One of the most significant milestones in her career was her Dolce & Gabbana runway debut. In 2017, she walked for the brand's Spring/Summer collection during Milan Fashion Week. This was a "scion" show, featuring the children of famous celebrities, but Lori's walk and poise earned her a recurring spot with the brand.

She has since been a regular fixture at Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, often sitting front row at Chanel or walking for top-tier designers. In 2024, she achieved another modeling dream by making her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 60th anniversary issue. This appearance was particularly special because she was able to showcase her own business ventures on one of the world's most famous platforms.

While modeling paid the bills, Lori Harvey always had the heart of a mogul. She grew up watching Steve Harvey build an empire, and she was determined to do the same. Her focus has primarily been on the beauty and fashion sectors, where she has identified gaps in the market based on her own personal needs.

One of the driving forces behind her first brand was her personal struggle with rosacea. Having sensitive skin while constantly wearing heavy makeup for modeling gigs led her to develop a skincare routine that actually worked. This personal mission turned into SKN by LH, which launched in 2021 and quickly became a favorite for those navigating the dry Southern California climate.

Following the success of skincare, she dived into swimwear with Yevrah Swim in 2023. The name "Yevrah" is actually "Harvey" spelled backwards—a clever nod to her family legacy while creating a brand that stands on its own.

The SKN by LH launch was a masterclass in modern marketing. Lori introduced a five-step system designed to be easy for the average person to follow. It included a cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. The initial run sold out almost immediately, proving that her followers weren't just fans of her look—they trusted her expertise.

Her swimwear brand, Yevrah Swim, took a different approach. Launched in August 2023, the collection was inspired by her frequent travels to Europe and the coastal elegance of Malibu and Santa Monica. She wanted to capture a sense of "90s glamour"—think high-cut legs and bold silhouettes. The line was sold exclusively through Revolve, a major win for a new brand born out of the L.A. fashion circuit.

Lori also collaborated with Naked Wardrobe for a line of loungewear, further cementing her status as a "millennial trailblazer." She doesn't just put her name on things; she is involved in the design, the testing, and the rollout.

It is impossible to discuss Lori Harvey without mentioning her highly publicized dating life. Because she is often seen at the trendiest restaurants in Beverly Hills and Hollywood with some of the most famous men in the world, she has become a frequent topic of conversation on social media.

Her relationship history includes several notable names:

Steve Harvey has been very vocal about his daughter's dating life. On The Pivot podcast, he jokingly shared his "ex" rule: if you are Lori's ex, you are his ex too. He has made it clear that while he finds it "hard" to see her life play out in the tabloids, he respects her intelligence and her ability to navigate the industry.

However, life hasn't been without its hurdles. In October 2019, Lori was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Beverly Hills. She reportedly hit a parked car and attempted to leave the scene. This led to a legal case where she was charged with two misdemeanors. In December 2020, she was sentenced to two years of probation. Since then, she has kept a relatively clean legal record, focusing entirely on her career and brands, and continuing to be a positive influence in the Los Angeles community.

Lori Harvey is 5 feet 3 inches (1.59 m) tall. While this is shorter than the average runway model, she has successfully broken barriers in the fashion industry, working with major brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino.

Her skincare brand is called SKN by LH. Launched in 2021, it features a 5-step system specifically formulated for people with sensitive skin and rosacea, inspired by Lori’s own skin journey.

Lori is the daughter of Marjorie Harvey. She was adopted by her stepfather, comedian and TV host Steve Harvey, in 2007. Her biological father is reportedly Donnell Woods.

At Edible L.A., we are all about celebrating the vibrant, multifaceted culture of Los Angeles. While our primary focus is usually on the seasonal harvests and the incredible chefs in our local neighborhoods, we also recognize the lifestyle icons who shape the city's energy. Lori Harvey is a prime example of an L.A. resident who has taken her family legacy and transformed it into a modern, self-made empire.

Whether she’s grabbing a healthy bite in Beverly Hills or launching a new swimwear line in Hollywood, Lori represents a generation of entrepreneurs who value wellness, aesthetics, and hard work. Much like the local food culture we support, Lori’s brands emphasize quality and personal story.

If you’re looking to live a more balanced, "L.A." lifestyle, we recommend starting with what you put on your plate. Check out our More info about seasonal produce to find out what’s fresh in Southern California right now. Just like Lori Harvey found her success by focusing on what worked for her skin and her body, you can find your own wellness by eating with the seasons!