Summary
Many celebrities are quietly building million-dollar businesses through their own brands — and you might not even know it. From Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which revolutionized inclusive makeup, to Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin, sold in a deal worth up to $610 million, stars are cashing in far beyond entertainment.Kim Kardashian’s Skims, Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre, and George Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila have all achieved billion-dollar success. Meanwhile, Jessica Alba’s Honest Company, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty, and Pharrell’s Humanrace prove that celeb brands can be both ethical and profitable.
When you think of celebrities, you likely picture red carpets, luxury cars, and blockbuster movies. But did you know many of them are quietly building business empires behind the scenes? That’s right — your favorite stars aren’t just making money from acting, singing, or sports. They’re launching and owning brands that are raking in millions, often without most fans even knowing.
Let’s pull back the curtain and explore some of the most surprising celebrity-owned brands that are making big bucks — and how these stars are cashing in outside the spotlight.
Fenty Beauty – Rihanna
Let’s start with a powerhouse. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is no longer just a celebrity side hustle — it’s a global beauty empire.
Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty revolutionized the makeup industry with its inclusive foundation shades for all skin tones. By 2021, the brand had surpassed $550 million in revenue, making Rihanna one of the richest female entertainers in the world.
The secret? Offering quality products that work for everyone — and doing it with authenticity.
Skims – Kim Kardashian
While the Kardashian name is almost always in the headlines, many people underestimate just how massive Skims has become.
Founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims offers shapewear, loungewear, and underwear for all body types. In just a few years, the brand hit billion-dollar valuation status, driven by smart marketing, social media influence, and genuine consumer demand.
Kim leveraged her fame — but it’s the product quality and inclusive sizing that kept people coming back.
Aviation American Gin – Ryan Reynolds
Here’s one that might surprise you: Ryan Reynolds isn’t just Deadpool — he’s also a marketing genius.
He bought into Aviation American Gin in 2018 and became the face and voice behind its clever, viral campaigns. In 2020, Reynolds sold the brand to Diageo in a deal reportedly worth up to $610 million. Not bad for a passion project, right?
His comedic flair and smart branding turned a quiet craft spirit into a household name.
Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company
Actress Jessica Alba launched The Honest Company in 2011 to offer eco-friendly, toxin-free products for babies and households. What started as a niche product line exploded into a public company with revenues topping $300 million annually.
With a successful IPO in 2021, Alba proved that sustainability and wellness sell big — especially when backed by someone who genuinely believes in it.
George Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila
Want a real rags-to-riches story? George Clooney, along with friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, started Casamigos Tequila just for fun — literally, it was meant for their own personal use.
But when the quality caught on, they took it to market. In 2017, they sold Casamigos to Diageo for a whopping $1 billion. Yes, billion with a “B.”
Who knew tequila could be this profitable?
Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre
Before Apple bought it, Beats by Dre was just a passion project by legendary rapper and producer Dr. Dre and music mogul Jimmy Iovine. Their goal? To make high-quality headphones with style and bass-heavy sound.
Well, they did that — and a lot more. In 2014, Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion, making it one of the biggest celebrity-led business deals in history.
Dre wasn’t just a music icon — he became a tech mogul.
Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James
Southern charm meets modern fashion in Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James — a lifestyle brand that offers clothing, home goods, and accessories with a Southern twist.
Though not as massive as Skims or Fenty, the brand has been steadily growing with a loyal customer base and has collaborated with major retailers like Kohl’s.
It’s proof that you can blend personality, passion, and fashion — and find business success.
Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty
Actress Drew Barrymore launched Flower Beauty in 2013 with a mission to deliver high-quality cosmetics at drugstore prices.
Unlike many celeb lines, Flower Beauty is budget-friendly, cruelty-free, and widely accessible. The brand has found strong retail partnerships in the U.S. and abroad, and earns tens of millions annually.
Her cheerful, relatable branding makes Flower Beauty stand out in a crowded market.
Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart teamed up with Mexican tequila maker Juan Domingo Beckmann to launch Gran Coramino in 2022. While it’s still new, the brand has quickly gained attention and shelf space, thanks to Hart’s marketing and fanbase.
It’s another example of a celeb pairing passion with business sense — and the tequila market continues to be wildly profitable.
Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace
Pharrell, known for his music and timeless skin, launched Humanrace — a skincare brand focused on holistic wellness and sustainability.
While it may not be as widely known as Fenty or Honest Co., Humanrace is already making millions in skincare, tapping into the rising demand for gender-neutral, inclusive beauty routines.
It’s skincare that sings — with a little help from Pharrell’s futuristic touch.
Conclusion
From tequila to shapewear, skincare to tech gadgets, celebrities are proving they’re more than just pretty faces. They’re entrepreneurs, innovators, and savvy investors, turning side projects into full-blown empires.
What’s especially fascinating is that many of these brands aren’t just co-signed by stars — they’re genuinely well-made, thoughtfully marketed, and built to last. So next time you swipe on lip gloss or sip on tequila, don’t be surprised if there’s a celebrity behind it — and a multimillion-dollar empire too.
Also Read : Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody: How Real Love, Laughter, and TikTok Made Them
FAQs
1. Which celebrity-owned brand is the most profitable?
Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dre, sold to Apple for $3 billion, remains one of the most profitable celebrity-owned businesses.
2. Did Ryan Reynolds really sell his gin company for $610 million?
Yes! Aviation American Gin was sold to Diageo in 2020 for a deal reportedly worth up to $610 million.
3. Is Kim Kardashian’s Skims worth a billion dollars?
Yes, as of 2024, Skims is valued at over $4 billion, cementing its place in the fashion industry.
4. Are these celebrity products actually good quality?
Many celebrity brands, like Fenty Beauty and The Honest Company, have been praised for quality and innovation — not just celebrity hype.
5. Are all celebrity brands successful?
No, some fail due to poor management or lack of authenticity. But the ones on this list are proven winners making serious money.
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