In the age of digitization and mass celebrity, it's nice to see a good number of famous people striving for more than fame for fame's sake. Not that many of them aren't already delivering standout performances in entertainment genres such as movies, T.V., and music.
A surprising number of celebrities who have already achieved phenomenal success go on to launch their own companies. In many cases, these endeavors are backed not only by an entrepreneurial spirit and the pursuit of increasing their already sizable wealth but also by a genuine passion for the businesses and products they turn out.
Here are 23 examples of celebrity entrepreneurs who run their own companies.
Table of Contents
Kim Kardashian - Skims and more
Jaden Smith - JUST Water
Kelly Clarkson - Kelly Clarkson Home
Jessica Alba - The Honest Company
Drew Barrymore - Flower Beauty and more
Kate Hudson - Fabletics
Kylie Jenner - Kylie Cosmetics and more
Reese Witherspoon - Draper James
Khloe Kardashian - Good American
Jonathan Van Ness - JVN
Sarah Jessica Parker - SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
Alicia Keys - Keys Soulcare
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - The Row
Jessica Simpson - Jessica Simpson Collection
George Clooney - Casamigos
Kendall Jenner - 818 Tequila and more
Drake - Virginia Black Whiskey
Ryan Reynolds: Aviation Gin and more
Blake Lively - Betty Buzz
Victoria Beckham - Victoria Beckham Beauty and more
Jennifer Lopez - JLo Beauty and more
Kristen Bell - Happy Dance
Gwyneth Paltrow - Goop
- Kim Kardashian - Skims and more
Virtually everyone on the planet knows the Kardashian name, and Kim is arguably the most famous in the family. Famous for controversially commenting on women's reluctance to work hard, Kim and her self-purported 'work ethic' certainly seem to be paying off. The billionaire Kardashian owns the shapewear brand Skims, as well as SKNN by Kim (formerly KKW Beauty and KKW Fragrance)
- Jaden Smith - JUST Water
Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith's famous son, Jaden Smith, saw a plastic bottle floating by while learning to surf at the age of ten and could never shake the impact it had on him. In his quest to make a difference in the earth's plight against plastic pollution, Smith embarked on launching a mountain spring water business that centers around sustainability, both in resourcing ingredients and packaging. From plain, fresh, sustainably sourced water, to Coconut Mint Bubbles, JUST Water features a refreshing range of waters that never compromise on eco-friendliness.
- Kelly Clarkson - Kelly Clarkson Home
American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has a passion for furniture design, offering a range of elegant pieces via her brand, Kelly Clarkson Home. The furniture designs have timeless charm while also appealing to the more contemporary consumer and are available to shop via Wayfair.
- Jessica Alba - The Honest Company
The Honest Company launched back in 2011, backed by Jessica Alba's passionate intention to create safe baby products that are also effective at what they claim to do. From there, the range has broadened to include skincare and beauty products, all still with a firm focus on safe and natural ingredients.
- Drew Barrymore - Flower Beauty and more
Hollywood royalty Drew Barrymore has a distinctive, eclectic style that many of her fans adore, which is one of the reasons that her Flower Beauty cosmetics brand and home, furniture, and decor range Flower Home (available at Walmart) are such a raving success.
- Kate Hudson - Fabletics
Goldie Hawn's famous daughter, actress Kate Hudson owns a personalized fitness apparel company, Fabletics, offering a range of activewear items for both women and men. Launched in 2013, the brand includes leggings, shorts, bras, and a range of cold-weather solutions for staying active in comfort and style.
- Kylie Jenner - Kylie Cosmetics and more
The baby of the Jenner/Kardashian clan took the world of cosmetics by storm, beginning with lip kits and growing from there into a beauty empire, making Kris and Bruce Jenner's youngest daughter a billionaire, just like her big sister Kim. Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin are both available through Ulta Beauty. These products are also all vegan!
- Reese Witherspoon - Draper James
America's sweetheart, actress Reese Witherspoon, is a force to be reckoned with both in the world of movie-making and the clothing business. Her classic clothing brand, Draper James, is inspired by preppy styles with a dash of Southern influence. The range launched in 2015 and is named after her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon.
- Khloe Kardashian - Good American
Another Kardashian who's launched a mega-successful brand is Khloé Kardashian, with her company Good American focusing on making flattering jeans that fit comfortably and are accessible to all (sizes range from U.S. 00 to 24). The brand has gone on to expand its range into swimwear, shoes, activewear, and everyday basics.
- Jonathan Van Ness - JVN
One of the loveable hosts of the hit T.V. makeover series, 'Queer Eye', Jonathan Van Ness, launched the hair care collection JVN, which features hydrating hair creams, nourishing oil shine drops, and more. Van Ness is a former hairdresser, making this range a perfect addition to his brand. JVN is available at Sephora.
- Sarah Jessica Parker - SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker
'Sex and the City' actress Sarah Jessica Parker is no stranger to fabulous shoes, with her character, Carrie Bradshaw, being famously addicted to buying more than she could afford at times. So, it's little surprise that Parker has her own line of super-chic footwear, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, available at Bloomingdales.
- Alicia Keys - Keys Soulcare
This Grammy-winning soulstress famously stopped wearing make-up a few years ago, and she hasn't looked back, with a glowing radiance that effortlessly helps to sell her SoulCare brand of skin and self-care products. Also available through Ulta Beauty
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - The Row
These famous twins began their celebrity journey on the hit T.V. series XXX, but as soon as they were old enough, they embarked on a career in fashion and have certainly made their mark. The Olsen line, The Row, features chic and luxurious apparel and is stocked at a range of high-end retailers, such as Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, and Neiman Marcus.
- Jessica Simpson - Jessica Simpson Collection
Jessica Simpson may be known for her ditzy moments, but this celebrity-turned-designer has created a billion-dollar fashion empire and is laughing all the way to the bank. Simpson's shoe line is available through DSW, while she's also got in on the action of branding a range of accessories, clothing, home decor, and more.
- George Clooney - Casamigos
In cahoots with friends (including Cindy Crawford's hubby, Rande Gerber), actor George Clooney launched the tequila company Casamigos in 2013. Working with a master distiller in Mexico, Casamigos is an award-winning spirit that was supposedly never originally intended to be sold to the public, but lucky for us, it now is.
- Kendall Jenner - 818 Tequila and more
Another Jenner with a business mind and a taste for tequila is supermodel Kendall Jenner. Kylie Jenner'solder sister launched 818 Tequila in 2021, and it reportedly sold out at lightning speed. Jenner is also a partner in Moon Oral Care, with her own signature teeth whitening pen a big seller.
- Drake - Virginia Black Whiskey
Rapper Drake is another celebrity getting in on the alcoholic beverage action. His Virginia Black Whiskey is a decadent American Whiskey, claiming to offer up a smooth and buttery taste, with hints of popcorn and maple syrup.
- Ryan Reynolds: Aviation Gin and more
Comedic actor Ryan Reynolds is yet another A-list celeb in the business of making spirits, with his Aviation Gin described as a 'pure medley of botanical flavor.' Additionally, Reynolds' unlimited talk and text phone venture Mint Mobile now also offers premium wireless services at bargain prices.
- Blake Lively - Betty Buzz
Reynold's beautiful and uber-talented wife, actress Blake Lively is giving her hubby a run for his money in the beverage business, launching her own range of mixers. The perfect complementary business to Aviation Gin, Betty Buzz mixers are a range of premium, non-alcoholic sparkling mixers - delicious on their own or as a mixer to use with your fav spirit. The Reynolds power couple has got your party covered.
- Victoria Beckham - Victoria Beckham Beauty and more
Back to all things fashion and beauty, this spice girl took girl-power to the next level, bagging a millionaire footballer hubby and following on to launch her luxury Victoria Beckham clothing line (available at Neiman Marcus) in 2008. Beckham then brought out her Victoria Beckham Beauty range in 2019.
- Jennifer Lopez - JLo Beauty and more
To many, Jennifer Lopez is the epitome of seemingly eternal youth. Now in her fifties, Lopez continues to maintain youthful radiance to an irritating level of perfection, but thanks to her business prowess, we can all use beauty products backed by Jenny from the Block.
JLo Beauty features a range of hydrating, olive oil-infused skincare products, and they are available through Sephora.
- Kristen Bell - Happy Dance
'The Good Place' actress Kristen Bell launched a rather different skincare solution back in 2020. Her premium skincare range, Happy Dance, features CBD (a chemical found in marijuana) in its ingredients. Offering a range of soothing, de-stressing products, Happy Dance markets itself as a Premium head-to-toe CBD Skincare range. If the effects are as cheerful as the packaging, she must be onto a winner.
- Gwyneth Paltrow - Goop
Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow is the brains behind the multi-million dollar brand GOOP. Starting as a humble weekly newsletter back in 2008, GOOP is now a mainstream, modern lifestyle brand covering wellness, beauty, fashion, and more. Some of Paltrow's GOOP-related escapades (such as raving about vaginal steaming) have divided consumers at times; nevertheless, GOOP continues to thrive, notably taking the actress's attention away from the big screen.
Words That Inspire Celebrity Entrepreneurs
Behind many of these entrepreneurial journeys lies motivation sparked by a strong vision and determination. Celebrity founders often cite personal mantras and motivational sayings that guide their business moves. If you are looking for a spark to fuel your own entrepreneurial journey, exploring some insightful business quotes from successful personalities, celebrity or otherwise, can offer valuable perspective and encouragement.
Final thoughts
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Far more celebrities than we can mention have launched themselves into business pursuits outside the areas in which they initially gained fame.
Once you've made a name for yourself, it makes sense to monetize that fame further by broadening what you stamp your branding on, but some go one step further and become founders and CEOs of their own businesses. Perhaps, too, it takes an entrepreneurial mindset to shoot for your dreams, and this quality is one that many famous people innately have in common.
