Celebrities have long been admired for their talents and achievements in the entertainment industry, but increasingly, they are known for their business acumen. Many of today’s A-listers have stepped out of the spotlight and into the world of entrepreneurship, successfully diversifying their income streams with a range of side hustles. From fashion and beauty lines to tech startups and investment ventures, these celebrities are using their fame as a launching pad for new ventures that help expand their personal brands and increase their financial portfolios.
In this guide, we explore how some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond have turned their passions, talents, and wealth into successful businesses. Their side hustles demonstrate the versatility and ambition that many celebrities are using to shape their futures beyond the entertainment industry.
1. Rihanna: From Pop Star to Business Mogul
Rihanna is one of the most successful examples of a celebrity who turned her fame into a thriving business empire. Known for her chart-topping music, the Barbados-born singer has made a name for herself in multiple industries, most notably in fashion and beauty.
In 2017, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand that revolutionized the beauty industry by offering inclusive products for all skin tones. Fenty Beauty’s wide range of shades and high-quality formulas quickly garnered attention, and it became one of the most successful Daisy Blooms celebrity-driven beauty brands to date. Rihanna’s understanding of her fan base and her ability to connect with diverse communities was a key factor in the brand's success. Fenty Beauty’s inclusive approach to makeup made it a standout in an industry that had long been criticized for lack of representation.
But Rihanna didn’t stop there. She also expanded into the fashion world with her high-end fashion line, Fenty, launched in partnership with luxury brand LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). The line received critical acclaim for its innovative designs and for being one of the first high-fashion brands led by a Black woman. Through her entrepreneurial ventures, Rihanna has redefined what it means to be a celebrity and is now regarded as one of the wealthiest musicians in the world, with an estimated net worth of over $1.7 billion.
2. Jay-Z: The Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Success
Rapper and mogul Jay-Z is another prime example of a celebrity who has built a business empire beyond his music career. Over the years, Jay-Z has expanded his brand by making strategic investments and launching several business ventures, positioning himself as a savvy entrepreneur.
One of Jay-Z’s most notable ventures is his ownership of the streaming service Tidal. Founded in 2014, Tidal offered a higher-quality streaming experience and exclusive content to users. Jay-Z has used his influence to attract other high-profile artists to the platform, including Beyoncé, Madonna, and Rihanna, which helped the service carve out a niche in the highly competitive music-streaming industry.
Additionally, Jay-Z has had a significant impact in the world of alcohol, with his highly successful Armand de Brignac champagne brand, often referred to as “Ace of Spades.” The brand has become a symbol of luxury and success, and in 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake in the brand to LVMH for a reported $640 million, cementing his position as one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world.
But Jay-Z’s investments don’t stop at alcohol and music. He has stakes in the sports industry (with his part-ownership of the Brooklyn Nets), real estate, tech companies, and more. His ability to diversify his income sources and create lasting legacies in multiple industries makes him one of the most accomplished celebrity entrepreneurs of all time.
3. Jessica Alba: The Honest Entrepreneur
While Jessica Alba may be best known for her acting career in films like Fantastic Four and Sin City, she has also made a significant impact as an entrepreneur. In 2011, Alba co-founded The Honest Company, a brand focused on providing natural, eco-friendly products for babies, personal care, and household needs. The Honest Company was created with a mission to provide safe and sustainable products that parents can trust for their families.
The Honest Company quickly became a success, attracting a large customer base that values eco-conscious, non-toxic, and organic products. Alba’s focus on transparency and sustainability resonated with consumers, and the company’s valuation reached $1.7 billion in 2015. In addition to being the face of the company, Alba is deeply involved in its operations and brand development, making her one of the most successful celebrity entrepreneurs in the wellness space.
Alba’s venture into business has proven to be much more than a side hustle—it’s become a significant part of her legacy. She has also written a book about her entrepreneurial journey, The Honest Life, which further solidified her role as a business leader in the wellness industry.
4. Kylie Jenner: The Billionaire Beauty Queen
One of the most high-profile celebrity business ventures is Kylie Jenner’s beauty empire, which skyrocketed to success and helped her attain billionaire status. At just 21 years old, Kylie became the youngest self-made billionaire ever, largely due to the success of her company, Kylie Cosmetics.
Kylie started her beauty business in 2015 with the launch of the now-famous lip kits, which quickly became a sensation. The company capitalized on Kylie’s massive social media following, with the reality TV star using her platform to promote her products directly to her fans. Her ability to leverage her personal brand and build a strong, loyal customer base was instrumental in Kylie Cosmetics’ growth.
In 2019, Kylie sold 51% of her company to Coty Inc. for $600 million, solidifying her position as a major player in the beauty industry. Even after the sale, she continued to be involved with the brand, with Kylie Cosmetics now valued at over $1 billion.
Kylie Jenner’s business savvy, combined with her social media influence, has made her one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in the world. Her venture into the beauty industry shows how a strong personal brand and a dedicated fan base can create a multi-million-dollar empire.
5. Oprah Winfrey: The Queen of Media and Business
Oprah Winfrey is an icon in the entertainment industry, but her business ventures go far beyond television. Over the years, Oprah has successfully expanded her empire into multiple areas, including publishing, wellness, and technology.
One of Oprah’s most lucrative ventures is her partnership with Weight Watchers (WW). Oprah became a spokesperson for the brand in 2015, purchasing a 10% stake in the company and helping to turn it into a more modern, tech-focused wellness brand. Oprah’s involvement with WW has been a major factor in the company’s success, as her endorsement brought millions of new customers to the brand. In fact, Oprah’s influence helped the company’s stock price surge after her announcement of her involvement.
Additionally, Oprah has built a publishing empire with her O, The Oprah Magazine and has leveraged her influence to create a wide range of products, including books, wellness items, and even a line of food products. Oprah’s business ventures have made her one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a fortune exceeding $2.5 billion.
Her business ventures prove that her ability to connect with audiences and understand their needs goes far beyond her role as a media personality. Oprah’s entrepreneurial success is a testament to her enduring influence and versatility.
6. LeBron James: From Basketball to Business Mogul
LeBron James is known for his incredible basketball career, but the NBA superstar has also built a thriving business empire. Beyond endorsements, LeBron has launched a series of successful ventures, from his production company SpringHill Entertainment to his investment in Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain.
SpringHill Entertainment has produced several hit movies and TV shows, including Space Jam: A New Legacy and the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Redeem Team. LeBron’s ability to diversify his portfolio into Hollywood shows his foresight and interest in long-term wealth-building beyond sports.
Additionally, LeBron has invested in several companies, including Ladder, a supplement company co-founded by him, and he’s been involved in real estate, having invested in properties and development projects across the country. LeBron’s off-court ventures have made him one of the wealthiest athletes in history, with an estimated net worth of over $1 billion.
Conclusion
Today’s celebrities are far more than entertainers—they are entrepreneurs who use their platforms and personal brands to build lucrative businesses. From Rihanna’s cosmetics empire to LeBron James’s diversified investments, these A-listers are shaping their financial futures and creating lasting legacies. Their side hustles show that talent and ambition can extend well beyond the stage, screen, or field. Whether it’s through fashion, beauty, media, or technology, these celebrity business ventures demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship and the ability to turn passion into profit.
