Celebs Who Built Successful Businesses Outside Entertainment

Many entertainers leverage their fame to launch ventures that eventually eclipse their original careers in value and impact. These individuals move beyond endorsement deals to become founders and active entrepreneurs in industries ranging from cosmetics to spirits. They utilize their personal brands to secure initial interest before proving the quality of their products to the broader market. The following list highlights celebrities who successfully transitioned into the business world with impressive results.

Rihanna

The Barbadian singer revolutionized the cosmetics industry with the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017. Her brand prioritized inclusivity by offering forty foundation shades upon release to cater to a diverse range of skin tones. She expanded her empire with Savage X Fenty to disrupt the lingerie market through body-positive marketing and accessible sizing. Forbes officially declared her a billionaire largely due to the immense valuation of these companies.

George Clooney

This Academy Award winner co-founded Casamigos Tequila with his friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. The trio originally intended the spirit solely for their personal consumption during vacations in Mexico. Their product gained such popularity that they eventually released it to the public to manage the supply chain. Diageo purchased the company in 2017 for a deal valued at up to one billion dollars.

Jessica Alba

The actress founded The Honest Company after struggling to find safe and non-toxic baby products for her own children. She built the brand on a promise of transparency regarding ingredients in household and personal care items. The company expanded rapidly from diapers and wipes to a full range of beauty and cleaning supplies. The Honest Company went public in 2021 with an initial public offering that valued the business at over one billion dollars.

Ryan Reynolds

The ‘Deadpool’ star developed a unique investment strategy by acquiring stakes in companies and using his marketing agency to boost their profiles. He bought an ownership interest in Aviation American Gin and served as its creative director before its lucrative sale to Diageo. He also acquired a significant stake in Mint Mobile and frequently appeared in viral advertisements for the budget carrier. T-Mobile announced plans to acquire Mint Mobile in a deal worth up to nearly one and a half billion dollars.

Dr. Dre

The legendary hip-hop producer co-founded Beats Electronics with music executive Jimmy Iovine in 2006. They identified a gap in the market for premium headphones that emphasized heavy bass and sleek design. The brand became ubiquitous in music videos and sports events through clever product placement strategies. Apple acquired the company in 2014 for three billion dollars and solidified Dre as a major business mogul.

Reese Witherspoon

The actress launched the clothing and lifestyle brand Draper James to honor her Southern heritage. She subsequently founded the media company Hello Sunshine to tell female-driven stories across various platforms. Her production house created hit series like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Morning Show’ by adapting popular novels. Candle Media acquired a majority stake in Hello Sunshine in 2021 at a valuation of nine hundred million dollars.

Kylie Jenner

The reality television star leveraged her massive social media following to launch Kylie Cosmetics with her signature lip kits. Her direct-to-consumer model allowed for low overhead and instant sell-outs of new product drops. She expanded the line into skincare and baby products to capture a wider demographic of consumers. Coty Inc. bought a majority stake in her company in 2019 for six hundred million dollars.

Jay-Z

The hip-hop icon founded Roc Nation as a full-service entertainment agency representing top athletes and artists. He also expanded his portfolio into the luxury champagne market with the acquisition of Armand de Brignac. His diverse investments include a stake in Uber and his own streaming service named Tidal. LVMH later purchased a fifty percent stake in his champagne brand to expand its global distribution.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The actress started Goop as a simple weekly newsletter offering lifestyle advice from her kitchen table. It evolved into a massive e-commerce and wellness brand that sells fashion and beauty products. The company is known for its controversial yet highly publicized wellness summits and unique product launches. Goop continues to expand its footprint with pop-up shops and a series on Netflix.

Kate Hudson

The actress co-founded Fabletics to offer high-quality activewear at an accessible price point through a subscription model. She recognized a need for stylish workout gear that bridged the gap between luxury brands and discount retailers. The company utilizes data from its members to predict trends and manage inventory efficiently. Fabletics has since expanded into retail stores and launched a line of men’s athletic wear.

Ashton Kutcher

The ‘That ’70s Show’ actor became one of the most successful venture capitalists in Hollywood through his firm A-Grade Investments. He made early and strategic bets on technology startups like Uber and Airbnb before they became household names. His investment portfolio also includes successful exits with companies like Skype and Spotify. He frequently advises other celebrities on how to navigate the tech investment landscape.

Robert De Niro

The legendary actor partnered with chef Nobu Matsuhisa to establish the global luxury restaurant and hotel chain Nobu. What began as a single restaurant in New York City expanded into a hospitality empire with locations worldwide. The brand represents high-end Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and attracts a consistent celebrity clientele. De Niro remains actively involved in the expansion and creative direction of the hospitality group.

Mark Wahlberg

The actor founded the burger chain Wahlburgers alongside his brothers Paul and Donnie. The business gained national attention through a reality television series that chronicled the expansion of the franchise. He also co-founded the performance water brand Aquahydrate and the nutritional supplement company Performance Inspired. His investment firm actively supports fitness franchise F45 Training and the clothing brand Municipal.

Selena Gomez

The singer and actress launched Rare Beauty with a mission to break down unrealistic standards of perfection. The brand dedicates a portion of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund to support mental health services in underserved communities. Her products received widespread acclaim for their inclusive shade ranges and easy application. Rare Beauty quickly became one of the top-performing celebrity makeup brands in the world.

Dwayne Johnson

The wrestling icon and actor launched Teremana Tequila to create a high-quality spirit accessible to the masses. He visited the distillery in Mexico frequently to refine the production process and marketing strategy. The brand broke records for the fastest-growing tequila in history during its initial launch year. He also co-founded ZOA Energy to compete in the growing healthy energy drink market.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The ‘Sex and the City’ star launched her footwear line SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker to reflect her character’s love for fashion. She partnered with George Malkemus of Manolo Blahnik to ensure the shoes met high standards of Italian craftsmanship. The collection eventually expanded to include handbags and accessories sold in her own boutiques. She personally visits her stores to help customers try on shoes and gather direct feedback.

Magic Johnson

The NBA Hall of Famer established Magic Johnson Enterprises to bring high-quality retail and services to urban communities. He facilitated the opening of Starbucks locations and movie theaters in underserved neighborhoods across America. His investment firm holds significant stakes in sports teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Sparks. He proved that investing in diverse communities is both socially responsible and financially lucrative.

LeBron James

The basketball superstar co-founded The SpringHill Company to empower athletes and creators to own their stories. He also invested early in the fast-casual pizza chain Blaze Pizza and served as a brand ambassador. His initial investment in the pizza franchise grew exponentially as the company expanded across the country. He continues to build a diverse portfolio that includes ownership stakes in Fenway Sports Group.

Serena Williams

The tennis champion founded Serena Ventures to invest in companies that embrace diverse leadership and innovative ideas. Her firm has invested in over sixty startups with a focus on female and minority founders. She launched her own clothing line and jewelry collection to engage directly with her fanbase. Williams uses her business platform to advocate for financial independence among women and athletes.

Kevin Hart

The comedian merged his various entertainment entities to form the media company HartBeat. He secured a one hundred million dollar investment from private equity firm Abry Partners to fuel its growth. Hart also launched his own tequila brand called Gran Coramino in partnership with 11th Generation Tequila Producer Juan Domingo Beckmann. He continues to expand his plant-based fast-food concept Hart House in California.

50 Cent

The rapper negotiated a minority stake in Vitaminwater in exchange for being the face of their Formula 50 beverage. Coca-Cola purchased the parent company Glacéau in 2007 for over four billion dollars. This deal resulted in a massive payout for the artist that far exceeded his music royalties. He continues to operate successful businesses in the spirits industry with Sire Spirits and Le Chemin du Roi champagne.

Victoria Beckham

The former Spice Girl launched her eponymous fashion label to widespread critical acclaim in the luxury market. Her brand focuses on modern femininity with a range of ready-to-wear clothing and high-end accessories. She later introduced Victoria Beckham Beauty to offer clean and sustainable makeup and skincare products. The business operates flagship stores in London and maintains a strong online retail presence.

Jennifer Aniston

The ‘Friends’ star launched the haircare brand LolaVie to offer products that use naturally-derived ingredients. She serves as the founder and actively participates in product development and marketing creative. The brand emphasizes plant-based alternatives to harsh chemicals often found in hair treatments. LolaVie has won multiple beauty awards for its detangler and glossing products.

Millie Bobby Brown

The ‘Stranger Things’ actress created Florence by Mills to provide clean beauty products for Generation Z consumers. She developed the brand to bridge the gap between expensive adult makeup and low-quality kids’ brands. The line features skincare and color cosmetics infused with vitamins and botanicals. She recently expanded the brand into the fashion industry with a clothing collection on About You.

Kathy Ireland

The supermodel built a licensing empire through Kathy Ireland Worldwide that spans thousands of products. She markets everything from furniture and flooring to jewelry and bridal gowns under her name. Her company generates billions of dollars in retail sales annually through exclusive partnerships. She is widely considered one of the most successful moguls to transition from modeling to business.

Sammy Hagar

The rock musician founded the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas as a place to play music and relax. He began producing his own house tequila which eventually attracted the attention of global distributors. The Gruppo Campari acquired the majority of the tequila brand in a deal worth eighty million dollars. Hagar later replicated this success by launching Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum.

Dan Aykroyd

The ‘Ghostbusters’ actor co-founded Crystal Head Vodka and designed its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. He wanted to create an additive-free spirit and sourced water from Newfoundland Canada for production. The brand won numerous awards for taste and packaging design at international spirits competitions. Aykroyd travels extensively to promote the vodka and sign bottles for customers.

Pharrell Williams

The musician launched the skincare brand Humanrace to offer all-gender products with a focus on wellness. He also co-founded the streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club and the footwear brand Ice Cream. His business ventures often intersect with his role as a creative director for major fashion houses. He utilizes sustainable packaging and refillable systems to reduce environmental impact.

Snoop Dogg

The rapper acquired the brand Death Row Records to take ownership of the label that launched his career. He entered the wine industry with Snoop Cali Red through a partnership with 19 Crimes. He also launched Broadus Foods to create a family-owned food product company featuring breakfast staples. His diverse portfolio includes a pet accessory line and a gluten-free cereal called Snoop Loopz.

Lenny Kravitz

The rock star founded Kravitz Design to provide interior design services for hotels and luxury residences. His firm has collaborated with major brands like Swarovski and Leica on exclusive product designs. He emphasizes a soulful and organic aesthetic that mirrors his personal style. The company also handles branding and graphic design for various commercial clients.

Scarlett Johansson

The actress co-founded The Outset as a clean skincare brand focused on gentle ingredients for sensitive skin. She stepped away from traditional endorsement deals to build her own company from the ground up. The line simplifies daily routines with a minimalist approach to cleansing and moisturizing. She actively promotes the brand through social media tutorials and educational content.

Brad Pitt

The actor launched the genderless skincare line Le Domaine using antioxidants derived from grapes. He developed the products in partnership with the Perrin family who are renowned vintners in France. The brand utilizes upcycled ingredients from their vineyard to promote sustainability in luxury beauty. He also owns the production company Plan B Entertainment which has produced Best Picture winners.

Travis Barker

The drummer founded Barker Wellness to offer vegan and cannabinoid-infused products for physical recovery. His line includes tinctures and balms designed to help with sleep and muscle relief for active individuals. He expanded the business to include skincare products specifically formulated for tattoos. The brand reflects his personal lifestyle of health consciousness and rigorous touring schedules.

Halsey

The singer launched About-Face to encourage self-expression through high-pigment and long-wearing makeup. Her brand focuses on multidimensional colors and artistic application rather than natural looks. She serves as the chief creative officer and develops the formulas herself. About-Face is sold in major retailers like Ulta Beauty and targets a creative demographic.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

The actress founded Anomaly Haircare to bring sustainable and high-performance products to the mass market. She focused on reducing plastic waste by using bottles made from one hundred percent trash. The brand is sold exclusively at Target and offers affordable prices for all hair types. Her mission is to democratize clean beauty without sacrificing quality or environmental responsibility.

Lady Gaga

The pop superstar launched Haus Labs to celebrate artistry and innovation in the cosmetics space. The brand originally sold exclusively on Amazon before rebranding and moving into Sephora stores. She emphasizes the use of clean ingredients and patent-pending complexes in her formulas. Haus Labs is known for its highly pigmented paints and foundation that mimics natural skin.

Cindy Crawford

The supermodel co-created Meaningful Beauty with French anti-aging specialist Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh. The skincare line utilizes an antioxidant extracted from rare melons grown in the south of France. She has maintained the brand’s relevance for over a decade through direct-to-consumer marketing. The company remains a top player in the celebrity skincare market with loyal customers.

Sting

The musician and his wife Trudie Styler transformed a dilapidated Italian estate into the thriving Il Palagio winery. They produce a variety of organic wines and olive oils that are sold globally. The estate also serves as a farm shop and a luxury vacation rental for guests. Sting frequently uses the location to record music and host private events.

Drake

The Canadian rapper founded OVO as a lifestyle brand that includes clothing and a record label. The company operates flagship retail stores in major cities like Toronto and London and New York. He collaborates with major entities like the Toronto Raptors and Nike for exclusive collections. OVO has become a recognizable streetwear symbol distinct from his musical output.

Seth Rogen

The comedian co-founded Houseplant to sell premium cannabis and design-forward home goods. He creates vintage-inspired ashtrays and lighters that double as home decor pieces. The brand reflects his passion for pottery and his desire to destigmatize cannabis use. Houseplant sells its products in the United States and Canada through select dispensaries and online.

Drew Barrymore

The actress launched Flower Beauty to offer prestige-quality makeup at drugstore prices. She avoids paying for advertising and instead reinvests those funds into product formulation and packaging. The brand is sold exclusively at major retailers and covers face and eye and lip categories. Barrymore also expanded the Flower umbrella to include home decor and eyewear lines.

Francis Ford Coppola

The celebrated director used the profits from ‘The Godfather’ to purchase a vineyard in Napa Valley. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery has since become a massive tourist destination with a resort-style swimming pool. He produces a wide range of wines that appeal to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. The winery was eventually sold to Delicato Family Wines in a major industry deal.

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