In today’s world, the boundaries between entertainment and entrepreneurship have blurred, with more celebrities venturing into the business world and creating massive empires. These stars are no longer just entertainers or athletes—they have become influential business moguls, using their fame, creativity, and social media presence to build billion-dollar brands. Some of these celebrity-founded companies have changed the way we think about business, fashion, beauty, and technology, while others have inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. Here are some of the most successful celebrities who’ve transformed their names into billion-dollar brands.
1. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty
Rihanna’s business journey is a shining example of how celebrity power can be harnessed to create an inclusive and successful brand. In 2017, the Barbadian pop star launched Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, a cosmetics brand that made an immediate splash in the beauty industry. What set Fenty Beauty apart from its competitors was its commitment to diversity. Rihanna created a line of foundations in 40 shades (and later expanded to 50) to cater to a wide range of skin tones, something many established beauty brands had overlooked.
Fenty Beauty’s launch was a game-changer in the cosmetics world, and its success skyrocketed immediately. The brand made over $100 million in its first 40 days and has become a permanent fixture in beauty stores worldwide. In 2021, Rihanna’s beauty brand was valued at $2.8 billion, making her one of the richest self-made women in America, according to Forbes. She has since expanded her business empire with Fenty Skin, a skincare line, and a luxury fashion brand, Fenty, under the LVMH umbrella.
Rihanna’s business acumen and deep understanding of the industry have played a significant role in her success. By prioritizing inclusivity and representation in beauty, she has captured the attention of millions of consumers who felt previously underrepresented. Fenty Beauty is now one of the most celebrated celebrity-driven brands in history, and Rihanna has become a powerful force in the beauty industry.
2. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner, a member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, is one of the most recognizable figures in the celebrity business world. In 2015, she launched Kylie Cosmetics, a beauty brand that started with a line of lip kits. Jenner’s massive social media following played a crucial role in her success—she had millions of Instagram followers who were eager to emulate her style and beauty. Within a few years, Kylie Cosmetics became one of the most popular makeup brands in the world.
By 2019, Kylie Cosmetics had a valuation of $1.2 billion, and Jenner sold a 51% stake in the company to Coty for $600 million, a deal that valued the company at around $1.2 billion. Despite the controversies surrounding the valuation of her business and her status as the “youngest self-made billionaire” (a title she later lost), there is no denying that Kylie Jenner has created a beauty empire.
Kylie Cosmetics’ success can be attributed to the effective use of social media marketing and the star’s ability to create a brand that appealed to her demographic: young, trendy, and beauty-conscious consumers. She has expanded her brand beyond lip kits, launching eyeshadows, blushes, and even skincare products. With her entrepreneurial spirit, Kylie has paved the way for other social media-savvy influencers to launch their own businesses.
Jameliz – A Rising Entrepreneur
One notable name gaining traction in the celebrity entrepreneur world is Jameliz. As a multifaceted business mogul, Jameliz has made waves in various industries, from fashion to tech. With an innovative approach to blending celebrity culture and business, Jameliz has created an empire by launching brands that resonate with a broad audience. By leveraging their personal brand, they’ve tapped into the growing demand for unique, high-quality products that appeal to the modern consumer.
Jameliz’s rise to prominence showcases how celebrities can leverage their influence to not only entertain but to revolutionize industries and create billion-dollar businesses. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to quality, Jameliz is shaping up to be one of the next major celebrity-driven billion-dollar brands.
3. Jay-Z – Roc Nation & D’Ussé
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, is more than just a rapper—he’s a seasoned businessman with several billion-dollar ventures under his belt. One of his most successful ventures is Roc Nation, the entertainment agency he founded in 2008. Roc Nation provides services in talent management, sports representation, music production, and publishing. The company works with a range of high-profile clients, including Rihanna, Meek Mill, and the NFL.
In 2018, Jay-Z’s net worth was estimated at $900 million, and it was projected to reach $1 billion with his business ventures. His investment in D’Ussé, a brand of cognac, also contributed to his growing wealth. Along with his business partner, Bacardi, Jay-Z co-owns the premium cognac, which has become a favorite in luxury spirits. In 2020, it was reported that his stake in D’Ussé was worth over $100 million.
Jay-Z’s empire also includes investments in real estate, art, fashion, and tech companies. One of his notable business moves was his involvement in the Tidal music streaming service, which he bought in 2015. Though Tidal has faced its share of challenges, it remains a key part of Jay-Z’s portfolio. His diverse business interests have earned him a reputation as one of the most successful celebrity entrepreneurs.
4. Jessica Alba – The Honest Company
Jessica Alba made the leap from Hollywood star to business mogul when she co-founded The Honest Company in 2011. The company was born out of her desire to provide natural, non-toxic household and baby products to consumers who were increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals in everyday items. Starting with baby diapers and wipes, The Honest Company expanded into a wide range of products, including skincare, cleaning supplies, and vitamins.
The Honest Company became a huge success, and by 2015, it was valued at over $1 billion, making Alba a prominent figure in the world of celebrity entrepreneurship. Despite challenges in the company’s early years—such as a class-action lawsuit over misleading advertising—the Honest Company has maintained its presence in the market. It has expanded its offerings into beauty and wellness, staying true to its original mission of offering clean and eco-friendly products.
Alba’s hands-on involvement in The Honest Company’s development, along with her commitment to creating a socially responsible business, has helped her brand maintain consumer trust and loyalty. The company’s IPO in 2021 further solidified its status as a major player in the health and wellness sector.
5. Oprah Winfrey – OWN & O, The Oprah Magazine
Oprah Winfrey is often hailed as the queen of media, but her business ventures go far beyond television. Over the years, Oprah has built an empire that includes television networks, books, product endorsements, and more. One of her most notable business achievements is the creation of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), a cable channel launched in 2011. OWN has become a dominant force in the media world, producing a wide range of content, including talk shows, documentaries, and drama series. Oprah’s influence has helped OWN grow its viewership and reach new audiences.
Oprah also built a successful publishing empire through O, The Oprah Magazine, which became one of the most popular lifestyle magazines in the U.S. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from health and wellness to self-improvement, and has a loyal following. Oprah’s brand has expanded into retail as well, with product lines that include everything from home goods to fitness accessories.
Through her media empire, Oprah has consistently demonstrated her ability to leverage her influence to create long-lasting, lucrative businesses. Her strategic partnerships and savvy investments have helped her maintain her position as one of the wealthiest women in entertainment.
6. Kendall Jenner – 818 Tequila
Kendall Jenner, another member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, has also ventured into the alcohol industry with her tequila brand, 818 Tequila. Launched in 2021, 818 Tequila has quickly made a name for itself in the luxury spirits market. Kendall’s involvement in the brand is both a personal passion and a business opportunity. Her marketing of 818 Tequila has been successful, thanks in part to her massive social media following and her already established brand presence.
818 Tequila has received praise for its commitment to sustainability, with the brand emphasizing eco-friendly production practices and promoting social responsibility. In a short period, it has become one of the fastest-growing tequila brands, drawing attention from both critics and consumers alike.
Kendall’s move into the spirits business is a natural extension of her growing influence in the lifestyle and fashion industries. With 818 Tequila, she has proven that celebrity brands can thrive in the competitive world of luxury alcohol.
7. Ellen DeGeneres – ED Lifestyle & ED Brands
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her long-running talk show, has built a lifestyle brand that encompasses everything from home goods to apparel. Launched in 2015, the ED Lifestyle brand was designed to reflect Ellen’s signature style: laid-back, fun, and accessible. The brand includes a line of furniture, home décor, and accessories, and is sold through major retailers such as Walmart.
In addition to her home goods line, Ellen has expanded into fashion and wellness products, including clothing and skincare items. While the ED brand’s growth has been slower compared to some of the other celebrity brands, Ellen’s loyal fanbase has helped sustain her businesses in the long run.
Ellen’s transition from comedian to entrepreneur shows how celebrity influence can help shape a wide range of industries, from retail to entertainment.
Conclusion
The success of these celebrities is a testament to the power of personal branding and the potential for celebrities to build influential and lucrative businesses. Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Jay-Z, Jessica Alba, Oprah Winfrey, Kendall Jenner, and Ellen DeGeneres have all leveraged their fame and creativity to build billion-dollar empires that extend far beyond their entertainment careers. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and shows that, with the right combination of talent, business savvy, and passion, anyone can turn their celebrity status into a lasting legacy.