Many celebrities have leveraged their fame, influence, and business acumen to build successful enterprises. While Hollywood and the music industry remain their primary fields, numerous stars have stepped into the business world and established multimillion-dollar companies. Here are some celebrities who are making a significant impact in business:
1. Rihanna – Fenty Empire
Rihanna has built an extraordinary business empire with her Fenty brand. Her cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, was praised for its inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades catering to all skin tones. In 2018, she expanded her brand to include Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line emphasizing diversity and body positivity. As a result, Rihanna became the world’s richest female musician, proving her business prowess extends far beyond the stage.
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2. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner revolutionized the beauty industry with Kylie Cosmetics. She launched her brand in 2015 with the famous Lip Kits, which sold out in minutes. The brand's success led to a massive valuation, and in 2019, she sold a 51% stake to Coty Inc. for $600 million. Kylie’s strategic use of social media and personal branding has played a pivotal role in her company’s growth, making her one of the youngest self-made billionaires.
3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson – Teremana Tequila & Under Armour Partnership
Dwayne Johnson has transformed himself from a professional wrestler to a global business mogul. His tequila brand, Teremana, has been a major success, selling millions of cases. He also has a lucrative partnership with Under Armour, launching a highly popular line of fitness apparel and footwear. With a strong personal brand and relentless work ethic, Johnson continues to expand his business empire.
4. Kim Kardashian – SKIMS & KKW Beauty
Kim Kardashian has successfully transitioned from reality TV star to business tycoon. Her shapewear brand, SKIMS, has become a billion-dollar company by redefining bodywear with innovative designs. Additionally, her beauty brand, KKW Beauty, was a major player in the cosmetics industry before she sold a portion of it to Coty Inc. Kim’s business success showcases her ability to capitalize on trends and consumer needs.
5. Jay-Z – Roc Nation & Multiple Investments
Jay-Z has built an expansive business portfolio, proving himself as more than just a rapper. He founded Roc Nation, a talent management and entertainment company, which has grown into a powerhouse. Additionally, he has investments in various ventures, including Tidal, Armand de Brignac champagne, and D’Ussé cognac. His strategic business moves have made him one of the wealthiest figures in hip-hop.
6. Oprah Winfrey – OWN Network & Weight Watchers
Oprah Winfrey is an iconic media mogul with a vast business empire. She founded the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which has become a major force in television. In addition, her investment in Weight Watchers significantly boosted the company’s value. Oprah's influence and business acumen have helped her remain one of the most powerful figures in entertainment and entrepreneurship.
7. Jessica Alba – The Honest Company
Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company in 2011, focusing on eco-friendly and non-toxic household products. The company quickly gained popularity for its commitment to sustainability and transparency. In 2021, it went public, solidifying Alba’s position as a successful entrepreneur. Her dedication to ethical consumerism has made The Honest Company a household name.
8. Serena Williams – Serena Ventures
Tennis legend Serena Williams has taken her competitive spirit into the business world with Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on supporting diverse entrepreneurs. She has invested in numerous startups, particularly those founded by women and people of color. Her commitment to business innovation and financial empowerment is making a lasting impact beyond the tennis court.
9. Ryan Reynolds – Aviation Gin & Mint Mobile
Ryan Reynolds has demonstrated his business acumen with successful ventures like Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile. Aviation Gin became a highly popular spirits brand before being sold to Diageo for $610 million. He also invested in Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly telecom company, which was later acquired by T-Mobile for $1.35 billion. Reynolds' witty marketing and business savvy have cemented his status as a serious entrepreneur.
10. Beyoncé – Ivy Park & Parkwood Entertainment
Beyoncé has built a powerful brand extending beyond music. Her athleisure brand, Ivy Park, in partnership with Adidas, has been highly successful. Additionally, her entertainment company, Parkwood Entertainment, oversees various media and production projects. Beyoncé’s business moves reflect her keen eye for branding and consumer trends.
11. George Clooney – Casamigos Tequila
George Clooney co-founded Casamigos Tequila in 2013 with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. Originally created for personal enjoyment, the brand gained massive popularity and was eventually sold to Diageo for $1 billion. Clooney’s success in the spirits industry highlights how celebrities can leverage their name to create lucrative businesses.
12. Dr. Dre – Beats by Dre
Dr. Dre revolutionized the music and audio industry with Beats by Dre. The high-end headphones brand became a cultural phenomenon and was eventually sold to Apple for $3 billion in 2014. His vision and influence in both music and business have solidified his status as a mogul.
13. Reese Witherspoon – Hello Sunshine
Reese Witherspoon founded Hello Sunshine, a media company focused on female-driven storytelling. The company has produced several successful films and TV shows, including "Big Little Lies" and "The Morning Show." In 2021, Hello Sunshine was sold for approximately $900 million, cementing Witherspoon’s role as a powerful media entrepreneur.
14. Mark Wahlberg – Wahlburgers & Fitness Ventures
Mark Wahlberg has built a diverse business portfolio, including Wahlburgers, a successful restaurant chain co-owned with his brothers. He has also invested in the fitness industry, co-founding F45 Training, a global fitness franchise. His entrepreneurial mindset and work ethic have contributed to his growing business empire.
15. Ellen DeGeneres – ED by Ellen & Real Estate Ventures
Ellen DeGeneres has diversified her career with ventures in fashion, home décor, and real estate. Her lifestyle brand, ED by Ellen, offers a range of apparel and home goods. Additionally, she has earned millions through buying and flipping luxury properties. Ellen’s business ventures demonstrate her ability to create successful brands beyond television.
Conclusion
These celebrities have proven that success in entertainment can translate into thriving businesses. Whether through beauty, fashion, technology, spirits, or venture capital, they have strategically leveraged their influence to build impactful brands. Their entrepreneurial journeys serve as inspiration for aspiring business owners looking to turn their passions into profitable enterprises.