African-American Actresses Who Are Successful Businesswomen

The landscape of the entertainment industry has shifted significantly as more African-American actresses transition from talent to owners. These women have leveraged their global platforms to establish multimillion-dollar enterprises across the beauty, wellness, and production sectors. By building their own brands, they have secured financial independence and created opportunities for diverse storytelling and inclusive product development. Their entrepreneurial success serves as a blueprint for future generations of artists looking to expand their influence beyond the screen.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey leveraged her success as an actress in films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Beloved’ to build a massive media empire. She founded Harpo Productions, which produced her long-running talk show and various television projects. In 2011, she launched the Oprah Winfrey Network, a cable channel dedicated to lifestyle and inspirational programming. Her business portfolio also includes significant investments in companies such as WeightWatchers. Beyond entertainment, she has established herself as a leading philanthropist and global brand owner.

Rihanna

Rihanna has transitioned from a global music icon to a prominent actress with roles in films like ‘Battleship’ and ‘Ocean’s 8’. Her business acumen is evident in the creation of Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand known for its inclusive range of shades for all skin tones. She also founded Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line focused on body positivity and diversity across all sizes. In addition to beauty and fashion, she launched the luxury skincare line Fenty Skin. Her ventures have made her one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is widely recognized for her leading roles in television series such as ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. In 2019, she founded Pattern Beauty, a haircare brand specifically designed for individuals with curly, coily, and tight-textured hair. The company emphasizes the importance of accessible and high-quality products for the natural hair community. Ross serves as the CEO and handles the creative direction and marketing strategies for the brand. Her business success reflects her long-standing advocacy for self-acceptance and representation.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained critical acclaim for her performances in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and the television drama ‘Empire’. She ventured into the beauty industry by launching TPH by Taraji, a scalp-first haircare line available in major retail stores. The brand focuses on providing professional-grade treatments that can be used at home for various hair types. Henson also established the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which works to provide mental health support in the African-American community. Her business endeavors are often tied to her personal experiences and social advocacy.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae rose to prominence as the creator and star of the hit series ‘Insecure’ and later appeared in films like ‘The Lovebirds’. She founded Hoorae Media, a multi-faceted media company that houses several subsidiaries including Raedio and ColorCreative. Her business model focuses on providing opportunities for underrepresented writers and creators in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she is a co-owner of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, which operates a line of coffee shops and lifestyle spaces. Rae’s entrepreneurial efforts continue to expand into various sectors of production and community development.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her work in ‘Fences’ and the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Alongside her husband, she co-founded JuVee Productions, a company dedicated to producing diverse and inclusive storytelling. The production house has developed projects across film, television, and digital media platforms. JuVee Productions seeks to give voice to marginalized communities and create high-quality content for a global audience. Davis uses her platform to advocate for equal pay and better representation behind the scenes.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is best known for her role in the television series ‘Black-ish’ and her lead performance in ‘Little’. At the age of 14, she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history by founding Genius Productions. The company signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures to develop scripted projects for various platforms. Martin focuses on creating content that features diverse perspectives and resonates with younger generations. Her entrepreneurial achievements have set a new precedent for child actors in the industry.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has maintained a successful acting career with roles in ‘Bring It On’ and the series ‘Being Mary Jane’. She is the founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a haircare line specifically formulated for textured hair. Additionally, she co-founded Bitsy’s, a healthy snack brand aimed at making nutritious food accessible to children. Union also manages several production projects through her company, I’ll Have Another. Her business portfolio reflects a commitment to health, beauty, and authentic storytelling.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry first gained fame starring in the sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’ and later appeared in ‘The Game’. She launched Anser, a supplement brand created to simplify wellness and provide affordable health products for women. She also manages a successful digital presence called ‘Tia Mowry’s Quick Fix’, which has expanded into a lifestyle brand. Mowry has authored several books, including cookbooks and parenting guides, establishing herself as a lifestyle expert. Her business ventures focus on domestic life, health, and family-oriented content.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is an Academy Award winner known for her roles in ‘Monster’s Ball’ and the ‘X-Men’ film series. She founded rē•spin, a digital health and wellness platform that provides resources and products related to fitness and nutrition. The brand offers a curated selection of wellness tools and emphasizes a holistic approach to physical and mental health. Berry also operates her own production company, 606 Films, which produces projects like ‘Bruised’. Her business initiatives often center on longevity and empowerment through healthy living.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has starred in numerous films, including ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Matrix Reloaded’. She is a co-founder of the sustainable personal care brand Hey Humans, which focuses on eco-friendly packaging and affordable pricing. Smith is also the co-creator and host of ‘Red Table Talk’, a digital talk show that became a significant media brand under Westbrook Inc. Westbrook Inc., which she co-founded with her husband, manages diverse entertainment and media ventures. Her business strategies often integrate social awareness with commercial accessibility.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé has appeared in several films, including ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘The Lion King’, while maintaining a dominant music career. She is the founder of Parkwood Entertainment, a management and production company that oversees her creative projects and tours. In 2024, she launched Cécred, a haircare brand inspired by her family background in salon culture. She previously co-founded the athleisure brand Ivy Park, which has seen several successful collaborations with major retailers. Her business ventures consistently focus on artistic control and high production standards.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi rose to fame as a lead actress in the series ‘Black-ish’ and its spin-off ‘Grown-ish’. She co-founded 7th Sun Productions alongside her mother, signing an overall deal with ABC Signature to develop diverse television content. The company focuses on stories that explore themes of history, heritage, and identity. Shahidi has also collaborated with major brands like Adidas for her own clothing and footwear lines. Her business efforts are heavily influenced by her academic background and commitment to social activism.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has had a prolific acting career with roles in ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’. She co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, a production company that has produced a wide range of films and television specials. The company became a major player in Hollywood, securing distribution deals with networks like Netflix and Lifetime. Beyond production, she has served as a spokesperson for major brands and launched her own fragrance lines. Her business success is built on a foundation of diverse talent and strategic industry partnerships.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is widely known for her starring role in the television series ‘Scandal’ and films like ‘Django Unchained’. She founded the production company Simpson Street, which focuses on developing projects that highlight diverse and marginalized voices. The company has produced acclaimed titles such as ‘Confirmation’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. Washington is also a strategic investor and advisor for several tech and wellness startups, including the jewelry brand Aurate. Her entrepreneurial work emphasizes social responsibility and equity within the entertainment landscape.

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