The Scoop on Celebrities Who Have Been Successful in Business
Before Bruce Jenner was simply known as Kim Kardashian’s step daddy, he was the epitome of celebrities who have become brands. In 1976, Jenner won the gold medal in the decathlon and quickly become one of the most famous athletes of all time. He was smart and immediately began capitalizing on his fame and success and became one of the first celebrity “brands”. Since then it has almost become a way of life for famous folks to find side businesses to build in an attempt to capitalize on their fame for the sake of entrepreneurship.
Will Ferrell
Although funny man Will Ferrell made his breakthrough portraying an awkward cheerleader and an overly happy elf, he has another side many may not know about as one of the creators of FunnyOrDie. Success magazine writes:
“Started in 2007 by Ferrell and Saturday Night Live writer Adam McKay, FunnyOrDie has been so successful, its parent company, Or Die Networks, has spun off other sites using the same business model. These include skateboarder-entrepreneur Tony Hawk’s ShredOrDie.com, and a celebrity chef’s site called EatDrinkOrDie.com.”
A recent estimation of FunnyOrDie put it at $100 million. Not bad for a cheerleading elf.
Gwen Stefani
The No Doubt front lady has made her way in the fashion business with her clothing line, L.A.M.B. The name is actually an acronym from her first solo album entitled, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., and the line is huge among celebrities. According to NY Mag online, the L.A.M.B. line consists of:
-Clothing.
-Shoes.
-Bags.
-Fragrance.
-Watches.
They state the label, created in 2004, is “street-chic” and “lighthearted”. It is a mixture of South American and Asian fashion trends with the funky style we’ve all come to expect from Ms. Stefani. Her fun clothing design approach has inspired many mainstream individuals to start-up their own lines. When it comes to fashion you don’t have to be a celeb, you can get private backers through friends and family, or you can do a search for the best business credit card for small businesses for initial funding. Start small, and before you know it, Gwen and yourself may be sharing runway space at fashion week.
Jay-Z
If you like watching television shows about all areas of entrepreneurship likeShark Tank and How I Made My Millions, then you’d probably appreciate how Jay-Z likes to have his hands in all kinds of ventures. From music, clothing, nightclubs and hotels, to sports teams, Jay-Z has made as much a name for himself as a businessman as he has as a rapper. Recently Jay-Z made the jump from former Brooklyn Nets investor, to founder and owner of Roc Nation Sports management agency. Currently they have a few athletes signed, like Kevin Durant, as they continue to get all of their licensing in order.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith
Will and Jada have made it known from day one of their marriage how important it is to them to work together as spouses and partners toward their goals. This vision has continued as they have grown their family. As parents, Will and Jada have discussed over the years how they want their kids to be prepared for life and how they try to help equip them in the business of entertainment including music, movies, and television. Will has been quoted to say he wants a family dynasty like the Barrymore’s, and the Times Dispatch recently reported that “All three of his [Will’s] children now at least dabble in music and acting.” They’re choosy about the projects, but they have been making a name for themselves as a family entertainment corporation.
You don’t have to be famous to live like a celebrity. Just check the Small Business Administration and get started on building your own brand, and who knows whose elbows you may rub some day!
(Photo: Getty Images)
