Celebrity Entrepreneurs: How Stars Are Building Empires Beyond The Camera!

Fun Fact: it doesn't matter how much an actor is paid for their roles or how many records a singer has sold, the majority of their income will always come from businesses they own. For example, iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, known for her epochal roles in Cleopatra, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and many more, made more money in a year of running her perfume business than in her whole film career. Makes you think that artists actually do what they do for love and not for the money.

However, being rich is also nice (some say; I personally don’t know). That’s why a lot of famous models, singers, actors, and public figures start businesses. Celebrities today don’t just lend their names to products, they’re actively involved in the development and management of their brands. They’re CEOs, creative directors, and innovators, with their hands in every aspect of the business. These ventures aren’t just side projects — they are innovative, often industry-disrupting brands that reflect their founders’ values and visions.

So many celebrities and influencers have tried opening clothing or make-up brands, and unfortunately most of them fail. Regardless of how many followers in your fan base you have, you can still fail the launch of your product if you don’t do it with heart. And also if you don’t understand how marketing works. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting and successful celebrity entrepreneurs and their businesses that didn’t flop and became game-changers on the market.

Rihanna

Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, transformed the beauty industry with its focus on inclusivity. With 40+ shades of foundation, the brand addresses the needs of women of all skin tones, especially those often overlooked by mainstream beauty brands. Fenty's success is a testament to Rihanna's vision of creating a product that reflects the diversity of her global fan base. The brand, which earned over $550 million in its first year, is now a cornerstone of the inclusive beauty movement and has made Rihanna one of the wealthiest musicians in the world. Her hands-on involvement and focus on social good have made Fenty more than just a beauty line — it’s a cultural shift

Kim Kardashian

You really need to understand yourself, your branding, and your audience as a celebrity if you want to launch a business, and Kim Kardashian is a pro at it. Kim Kardashian's SKIMS, launched in 2019, took the shapewear market by storm. The brand, which offers inclusive sizing and a wide range of skin-tone shades, redefined the shapewear industry by focusing on comfort and body positivity. She knew the audience loved her for her style and impeccable forms and wanted to be just like her; that's why SKIMS now exists. SKIMS has since expanded into loungewear and intimates, becoming a go-to brand for consumers who want both style and functionality. Kardashian’s savvy business acumen and direct connection with her fanbase have turned SKIMS into a billion-dollar enterprise.

Ryan Reynolds

If we are talking about gurus in the business, this must be Ryan Reynolds. He is one of the most dynamic celebrity entrepreneurs, with a diverse portfolio of businesses that showcase his creativity and business acumen. Perhaps his most well-known venture is Aviation American Gin, in which Reynolds acquired a stake in 2018. Through clever marketing campaigns, often featuring his trademark humor, Reynolds helped turn Aviation Gin into one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry. In 2020, he sold the brand to Diageo for a whopping $610 million while retaining an ongoing role in its promotion. Another example of how good marketing can grow the company. In addition to Aviation Gin, Reynolds is a part-owner of Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless provider. Reynolds bought a stake in the company in 2019 and has since become its public face, known for his humorous and unconventional advertising tactics. Under his ownership, Mint Mobile has grown significantly, offering affordable and flexible wireless plans that cater to cost-conscious consumers. But he does not stop there. With his ingenious business skills, he actually uses his own marketing company to promote brands that he acquires, doubling his income. Maximum Effort, his production and marketing company with a unique approach to storytelling, combined with Reynolds’s wit, has made it a major player in the marketing world. His ventures are notable not just for their financial success but for their innovation in how products are promoted to consumers.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher has chosen something a little unexpected for an actor to monetize on – venture capital firm, A-Grade Investments. Known for his early investments in companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify, Kutcher has built a reputation for spotting promising startups before they hit the mainstream. His tech portfolio has earned him millions, and his active involvement in the companies he backs makes him more than just a passive investor. Kutcher’s success in Silicon Valley has reshaped how celebrities are perceived in the tech world, with his business acumen often being praised as much as his acting career.

These celebrity entrepreneurs have proven that success on the screen can translate to success in business. From tech and tequila to wellness and wireless, their ventures are not just extensions of their fame — they’re innovative, impactful businesses that are changing the game in their respective industries. And if you're thinking about getting famous, maybe also think about a side hustle that you could start...