15. Top 10 Celebrity-Owned Businesses You Didn’t Know About
Celebrities aren’t just collecting paychecks — they’re quietly building empires behind the scenes. And some of their business ventures? You’d never guess they were involved.
In this video, we’re counting down the top 10 celebrity-owned businesses you didn’t know about — from low-key tech startups to unexpected food brands and fashion lines flying under the radar.
Before we pull back the curtain, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you don’t miss any behind-the-scenes moves from the rich and famous. Let’s get into it.
10. Jessica Alba - The Honest Company
Jessica Alba transformed from actress to CEO when she launched The Honest Company in 2012. After becoming a mother, Alba was shocked to learn about the harmful chemicals in everyday baby products. She co-founded The Honest Company, focusing on safe, non-toxic household and baby products. The company was valued at $1.7 billion at its peak and went public in 2021. From diapers to cleaning products, The Honest Company has become a trusted brand for millions of families. What started as a mother's concern has become a multi-billion dollar business empire.
9. 50 Cent - Effen Vodka and Vitaminwater
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has proven he's as smart with business as he is with music. His investment in Vitaminwater's parent company, Glacéau, for a small equity stake turned into a $100 million payout when Coca-Cola bought the company in 2007. But that's not all – 50 Cent also became a brand ambassador and investor in Effen Vodka. He strategically promoted the brand on social media and in music videos, helping to boost sales significantly. His business acumen has made him one of hip-hop's most successful entrepreneurs.
8. Reese Witherspoon - Hello Sunshine
Reese Witherspoon saw a gap in female-focused entertainment and created Hello Sunshine to fill it. The production company focuses on female-driven stories and has produced hit shows like "Big Little Lies" and "The Morning Show." But the real success came when media giant Blackstone purchased Hello Sunshine for $900 million in 2021. Witherspoon's vision of supporting women's stories has created a business empire that extends beyond just movies and TV. She's also invested in over 20 companies through her venture capital efforts.
7. Jay-Z - Roc Nation and Tidal
Jay-Z has built a business empire that spans music, sports, and technology. His entertainment company, Roc Nation, manages top artists and athletes while his music streaming service, Tidal, was acquired by Twitter's founder Jack Dorsey for $297 million in 2021. Jay-Z's business portfolio also includes investments in everything from ride-sharing apps to music equipment. His strategy of diversifying across different industries has made him one of the first hip-hop billionaires. From music to media to technology, Jay-Z has proven that artistic talent and business acumen can create massive wealth.
6. Gwyneth Paltrow - Goop
Gwyneth Paltrow started Goop as a simple lifestyle newsletter in 2008, but it has evolved into a controversial yet profitable wellness empire. The company sells everything from expensive candles to wellness products, generating over $250 million in revenue. Despite facing criticism for some of its health claims, Goop has built a loyal following of customers willing to pay premium prices for lifestyle products. Paltrow has successfully monetized her personal brand and lifestyle philosophy, turning weekly newsletter into a multi-million dollar business.
5. Rihanna - Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty
Rihanna revolutionized the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty, which launched with 40 foundation shades, setting a new standard for inclusivity. The brand was valued at $2.8 billion in 2021, with Rihanna owning 50% of the company. She also created Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand that promotes body positivity and inclusivity. Together, these brands have made Rihanna one of the richest female musicians in the world. Her business empire is worth more than her music career, proving that celebrity brands can be incredibly lucrative when done right.
4. Justin Timberlake - 901 Tequila and Miraval Studios
Justin Timberlake co-owns 901 Tequila, named after his Memphis area code, which has become a successful premium tequila brand. But his most interesting business venture is Miraval Studios, a recording studio in France that he owns with his wife. The studio has hosted artists like Pink, Sade, and AC/DC, generating millions in revenue. Timberlake also co-owns Memphis-based restaurant chain Destino and has invested in various other ventures. His diverse business portfolio shows that he's thinking beyond just music and film.
3. Ryan Reynolds - Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile
Ryan Reynolds has mastered the art of using his wit and charm to build businesses. He purchased Aviation Gin in 2018 and used his trademark humor in marketing campaigns that made the brand wildly popular. In 2020, he sold Aviation Gin for $610 million to Diageo. Reynolds also owns part of Mint Mobile, a wireless company that he promotes through hilarious commercials. His approach to business is unique – he uses his personality and humor to create authentic connections with customers, making his brands incredibly successful.
2. Kylie Jenner - Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Jenner transformed her personal insecurity about her lips into a hugely successful business empire called Kylie Cosmetics. She launched the brand in 2015, starting with a simple product: lip kits, which included a lip liner and matching liquid lipstick. Using social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, Kylie built a huge and dedicated following by sharing behind-the-scenes looks, makeup tips, and personal moments, which helped her connect directly with fans. This strong connection created massive excitement and demand for her products. Because of this smart use of social media and her personal brand, Kylie Cosmetics quickly grew in value. In 2020, the company was valued at $1.2 billion when Kylie sold 51% of her business to the beauty giant Coty for $600 million. This incredible success made Kylie Jenner one of the youngest self-made billionaires ever, showing how personal branding and social media can turn a small idea into a massive fortune.
1. George Clooney - Nespresso Partnership and Casamigos Tequila
George Clooney may be best known for his acting chops, but he’s also a savvy businessman with some seriously lucrative ventures. One of his most famous partnerships is with Nespresso, the premium coffee brand. Clooney became the face of Nespresso’s global advertising campaigns for years, helping the brand skyrocket in popularity worldwide. While he didn’t found the company, his association added immense value, making Nespresso a household name among coffee lovers.
But Clooney’s biggest business coup came with Casamigos Tequila, which he co-founded in 2013 with friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. What started as a private tequila made for personal use quickly turned into a billion-dollar brand. In 2017, Diageo purchased Casamigos for a staggering $1 billion, with potential to rise to $1.4 billion based on performance. Clooney’s laid-back charisma and high-profile endorsements helped turn Casamigos into one of the fastest-growing luxury tequila brands in the world. Beyond acting, Clooney has proven he’s a shrewd entrepreneur who knows how to build lasting business success.
And that’s the list — 10 surprising celebrity-owned businesses you probably had no idea existed. Whether it’s passion, profit, or just smart branding, these stars are making serious moves off-camera.
If one of these shocked you, smash that like button, tell us which celeb surprised you most, and subscribe for more hidden gems from Hollywood’s business elite.
And don’t forget to ring that bell — the next celeb mogul might be someone you least expect.
Until next time, keep watching the fame… and following the money.
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