12 Celebrities Who Became Powerhouse Businesswomen in Hollywood

The allure of Hollywood isn’t just about movies and music anymore — it’s about moguls. Some of the most recognized celebrities have taken their star power from screens and stages to boardrooms and beauty labs, redefining what it means to be a modern icon. From launching fashion lines to founding billion-dollar beauty brands, these women have used their influence to build thriving businesses. Here’s a closer look at the stars who have added ‘businesswoman’ to their ever-growing résumés.

Shay Mitchell

Known for her work onscreen and her influence off it, Shay Mitchell has established herself as a savvy entrepreneur. She founded BÉIS, a hugely popular travel fashion line, in 2018, which was recently announced to be acquired by luggage juggernaut Samsonite, as reported by People.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner‘s journey from model to businesswoman has been marked by headline-making ventures. She founded 818 Tequila in 2021, and has gained recognition with the brand, earning 16 blind tasting awards across major industry competitions, according to a press release.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon didn’t stop at Oscar-winning performances; she used her platform to create Hello Sunshine, a media company focused on female-centric stories that she cofounded in 2016. The company’s success led to its sale for over $900 million, as reported by Variety.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is a force in both music and business. She launched Rare Beauty in September 2020 with a philanthropic arm, the Rare Impact Fund. The Rare Impact Fund’s mission was to raise $100 million to improve youth mental health services worldwide, per PR Newswire. Gomez’s influence demonstrates her role as an innovative modern mogul.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria has turned her celebrity reach into a flourishing portfolio, from her production company to investments in restaurants and the beauty world. She founded her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment in 2005, but has also focused her attention on activism. She cofounded the nonprofit Eva’s Heroes, which strives to improve the lives of people with intellectual special needs as well as cofounding the Latino Victory Fund to raise Latino voices at every level of government, according to Entrepreneur. Longoria’s business pursuits complement her commitment to social causes, amplifying her impact.

Rihanna

Rihanna rewrote the rulebook with her revolutionary Fenty Beauty brand, which debuted in September 2017. Shortly after its launch, it didn’t take long to get global recognition. With a goal of inclusivity with 40 foundation shades catering to all skin tones, it was a move that named Fenty one of Time magazine’s best inventions of that year, as reported by The Marketing Society. Rihanna’s bold vision and business acumen have made her a billionaire.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow transformed her passion for wellness into Goop, a lifestyle brand she first launched in 2008 as a weekly newsletter originally intended for family and friends and growing it into a global household name, per GwynethPaltrow.com. Continuing her acting career, she’s also penned four New York Times-selling cookbooks and developed popular wellness products.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba made a name for herself in Hollywood before co-founding The Honest Company in 2011, a leader in eco-friendly household and baby products. The consumer goods company went public on the Nasdaq in 2021, raising more than $412 million in its IPO, as reported by CNBC. Alba’s entrepreneurial vision extends far beyond acting, making her a respected figure in the business world.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson blended her love of fitness and wellness with her business smarts to co-launch Fabletics in 2013. The activewear brand skyrocketed to $300 million in annual revenue within its first five years, according to CNBC. She’s also delved into writing and music, diversifying her creative and entrepreneurial portfolios.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is celebrated for her talent and advocacy — but her entrepreneurial spirit shines through as an author and business investor. Her memoir We’re Going to Need More Wine, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, per Audiobooks.com.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is synonymous with reinvention, both as a pop icon and as the founder of Haus Labs, a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand she launched in September 2019. Fashion ABC reported that it was the first major beauty line to debut exclusively on Amazon before relaunching through Sephora. Her commitment to innovation and inclusivity has made her a trendsetter in business as much as in music.

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson‘s fashion brand, The Jessica Simpson Collection, launched in 2005 and grew into a billion-dollar business spanning over 30 product categories including shoes, apparel, and accessories, as reported by Forbes. Her ability to connect with consumers has made her a retail mainstay.