Fame and fortune are often synonymous with the celebrity lifestyle. But behind the red carpets and photo shoots, many stars are quietly building thriving empires in business. While their talents on screen or on stage brought them initial attention, it’s their entrepreneurial ventures that are now securing their financial future.
Here are 10 celebrities who are secretly (or not-so-secretly) running multi-million dollar businesses that may surprise you.
1. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty & Savage X Fenty
Rihanna is not just a global music icon; she’s also a savvy businesswoman. Her cosmetic line, Fenty Beauty, revolutionized the beauty industry by promoting inclusivity with an extensive range of shades. Alongside her music career, her lingerie line Savage X Fenty has achieved remarkable success. By 2021, the value of Fenty Beauty had soared to more than $2.8 billion.
2. Jay-Z – Roc Nation & Armand de Brignac
Jay-Z’s empire spans across music, fashion, and even fine spirits. He owns Roc Nation, an entertainment company that represents musicians and athletes, and is also involved in live events and media ventures. He also made waves in the luxury champagne market with his brand Armand de Brignac, which was valued at over $600 million when LVMH acquired a stake in it. Not to mention, his stake in the streaming platform Tidal adds another layer to his diverse business portfolio.
3. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics catapulted her to billionaire status at a very young age. Selling 51% of her cosmetics brand to Coty in a deal worth $600 million, Kylie has proven that her business acumen is as sharp as her media presence. The brand’s success has made her one of the youngest self-made billionaires, with Kylie Cosmetics valued at over $1 billion.
4. Ashton Kutcher – A-Grade Investments
Ashton Kutcher may be best known for his acting career, but he’s also one of Silicon Valley’s most successful investors. Through his firm A-Grade Investments, Kutcher has put his money into Skype, Spotify, and Airbnb — all of which turned into massive exits. His investment portfolio is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions, making him one of the most successful celebrity investors in tech.
5. Jessica Alba – The Honest Company
Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company, a brand focused on eco-friendly and non-toxic household and personal care products. The company, which went public in 2021, has an estimated valuation of over $1 billion. Alba’s hands-on approach to building a sustainable business has turned her from a Hollywood actress into a highly respected entrepreneur.
6. LeBron James – SpringHill Company & Blaze Pizza
LeBron James is making waves not only in basketball but also in the world of business. His company SpringHill Entertainment produces film and TV shows, while his investment in Blaze Pizza has grown into one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the U.S. LeBron’s business ventures have made him one of the wealthiest athletes on the planet, with his net worth exceeding $1 billion.
7. Ellen DeGeneres – ED Ventures
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her daytime talk show, has diversified into various business ventures. Through ED Ventures, she oversees fashion, furniture, and home décor lines. Her product lines have been incredibly successful, with her ED brand in partnership with major retailers such as Walmart. Ellen’s business interests continue to grow, and she’s far more than just a TV personality now.
8. Oprah Winfrey – OWN & Harpo Productions
Oprah Winfrey’s empire is well-known, but the scale of it might surprise you. She owns OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), which produces popular television programs and series. In addition, her production company Harpo Productions has produced films, TV shows, and documentaries. Oprah’s business ventures, including investments in Weight Watchers and other enterprises, have made her one of the richest women in the world.
9. Gwyneth Paltrow – Goop
Goop, the wellness and lifestyle brand launched by Gwyneth Paltrow, began as a modest newsletter and has evolved into a thriving multi-million dollar enterprise. From luxury skincare products to wellness retreats, Goop has expanded into a global lifestyle brand. In 2021, the company was valued at over $250 million, thanks to its dedicated following and partnerships with high-end retailers.
10. Snoop Dogg – Cannabis Empire
Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper, has built a multi-million dollar empire in the cannabis industry. His brand Leafs By Snoop offers premium cannabis products, while his business ventures in the industry continue to grow. Snoop also invested in Canopy Growth, a cannabis company that has made him a significant player in the legal marijuana market. His diverse portfolio includes everything from media to tech, but cannabis is his true business success.
Conclusion
These celebrities prove that there’s more to fame than just what meets the eye. Whether it’s beauty, tech, food, or wellness, they’ve all turned their passion projects into multi-million dollar enterprises, establishing themselves as savvy entrepreneurs alongside their entertainment careers.
As fans continue to follow their personal and professional lives, these celebrities are rewriting the narrative, showing that with vision and hard work, anyone can create lasting success — even beyond the spotlight.
blakeyeo.com continues to cover the latest in celebrity culture and business moves. Keep an eye out for more insider stories on your favorite stars!
