Many of Hollywood’s biggest names have ventured beyond their entertainment careers to establish successful businesses. While their fame provides a significant advantage, enduring success necessitates robust business acumen and unwavering dedication. From actors and musicians to social media influencers, here are 10 celebrities who have built impressive business empires.
1. Courteney Cox – Homecourt
Courteney Cox, best known for her role in Friends, has redefined home care with her brand Homecourt. Focused on luxury household products, Homecourt started with surface cleaners and dish soaps, eventually expanding to hand washes and room sprays. The brand’s unique angle treats home-care products with the same attention typically reserved for personal self-care, offering products in sophisticated scents like Steeped Rose and CeCe, blending cardamom and cedar.
2. Scarlett Johansson – The Outset
Scarlett Johansson launched The Outset, a skincare line rooted in simplicity and effectiveness. Having faced personal struggles with acne, Johansson created products that focus on gentle, fragrance-free formulations. The line includes essentials like hydrating eye cream, firming serum, and antioxidant cleanser, all designed to support healthy skin without overwhelming it with harsh ingredients.
3. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner made waves in the beauty industry with Kylie Cosmetics, launched in 2015. Initially famous for her Lip Kits, the brand expanded to offer a full range of makeup, including long-wear foundations, award-winning concealers, blushes, bronzers, and setting powders. After a brief hiatus in 2021, Kylie Cosmetics returned with revamped vegan and cruelty-free formulas and fresh pink packaging, further solidifying its status in the beauty world.
4. Ryan Reynolds – Aviation American Gin & Wrexham AFC
Actor Ryan Reynolds has proven his business savvy with investments in diverse ventures. He co-owns Aviation American Gin, known for its smooth flavor, and is part-owner of Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club he acquired with Rob McElhenney. Reynolds has also invested in Mint Mobile and remains creatively involved in his marketing company, Maximum Effort, showcasing his talent beyond acting.
5. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin
Rihanna revolutionized the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, known for its inclusive foundation shade range. She later expanded into skincare with Fenty Skin, emphasizing diversity and effortless glow. Fenty’s success set new industry standards, encouraging other brands to embrace inclusivity and broad product offerings.
6. Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Anomaly Hair Care
Priyanka Chopra Jonas introduced Anomaly Hair Care in 2011, focusing on gender-neutral, sustainable hair products. The brand gained rapid popularity for its eco-friendly approach, using packaging made from recycled ocean and landfill waste. Anomaly offers affordable shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, dry shampoos, and masks, appealing to a wide audience seeking clean, effective hair care solutions.
7. Selena Gomez – Rare Beauty
Selena Gomez launched Rare Beauty in 2020 to promote self-acceptance and challenge unrealistic beauty standards. Rare Beauty’s social media presence, especially on TikTok, has been instrumental in its success. The brand’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush went viral for its blendability and natural finish, contributing to over $70 million in sales in 2022. Rare Beauty also emphasizes mental health awareness, aligning with Gomez’s advocacy efforts.
8. Gwyneth Paltrow – Goop
Gwyneth Paltrow founded Goop in 2008 as a wellness newsletter, which quickly evolved into a lifestyle brand offering skincare, supplements, and apparel. Goop thrives on Paltrow’s authentic storytelling and focus on niche, luxurious wellness products. Its exclusivity and high-end offerings have cultivated a dedicated community, particularly among health-conscious women in their 30s with disposable income.
9. Millie Bobby Brown – Florence by Mills
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role in Stranger Things, launched Florence by Mills to cater to Gen Z and beyond. Named after her grandmother and her nickname, the brand focuses on clean, fun beauty products suitable for all ages. Its skincare and makeup collections have resonated with young audiences, emphasizing self-expression and natural beauty.
10. Tom Hanks – Hanx Coffee
Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks ventured into the coffee industry with Hanx Coffee. The brand offers premium, ethically sourced coffee, with profits supporting veterans and military families. Hanks’s focus on social impact adds depth to the brand, appealing to consumers who value both quality and purpose in their purchases.
Bonus: Patti LaBelle – Patti’s Good Life
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle expanded into the food industry with Patti’s Good Life, launched in 2015. Known for its delicious soul food desserts such as sweet potato pies and cobblers, the brand is available in major U.S. grocery stores such as Walmart and Kroger. Her famous sweet potato pie remains a fan favorite for its rich flavor and affordable price.
