10 Successful Celebrity Side Hustles That Made Big Money.

Dave P — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 10:14:45 +0000

With the recent news about Ryan Reynold and his Mint Mobile side hustle selling to T-Mobile for an estimated for $1.35 billion. We decided to do a little research and see what other examples of celebrity side hustles we could find that brought in Millions of dollars of extra cash for their owners.

Today, being a successful celebrity is not just about the art of acting, singing or playing sports. Celebrities are expanding their horizons and venturing into the world of business and leveraging their fame by starting their own side hustles.

These ventures not only bring in additional income but also help them build their personal brand and connect with their fans on a deeper level. Let’s take a look at some of the most successful celebrity side hustles that have made big money starting with the most recent Ryan Reynolds success story.

1. Ryan Reynolds and Mint Mobile

Ryan Reynolds’ co-founded Mint Mobile back in 2019. The actor and his partners saw an opportunity to disrupt the mobile phone carrier industry with a new business model. Mint Mobile offers affordable wireless services by eliminating unnecessary costs and commissions, passing on the savings to its customers.

Reynolds used his strong social media presence and quirky sense of humor to promote the brand. He created a series of humorous commercials and engaged with his followers on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. His approach was unconventional but effective, as it helped Mint Mobile stand out in a crowded market.

The company’s success was not immediate, but Reynolds’ and his partners persistence and commitment paid off. In 2020, Mint Mobile reported a 50% increase in subscribers and a revenue of over $160 million. The company’s success can be attributed to its competitive pricing, no-contract plans, and simple, user-friendly mobile app.

Overall, Ryan Reynolds’ foray into entrepreneurship with Mint Mobile is a testament to his creativity, business acumen, and ability to connect with his audience. His success with the company has not only generated significant revenue but also strengthened his personal brand and positioned him as a savvy businessperson in addition to his acting talents.

While the exact percentage of Mint Mobile owned by Ryan Reynolds remains undisclosed, T-Mobile (TMUS) recently announced that it has acquired the company for $1.35 billion, with 61% of the payment in stock and 39% in cash. Reynolds will remain the company’s brand ambassador, representing the company in its marketing efforts for the foreseeable future.

Aside from co-founding Mint Mobile, Ryan Reynolds has had several other successful business ventures. In 2018, he became a co-owner of Aviation Gin, a craft gin company. His involvement in the brand’s marketing campaigns and social media presence has helped to increase its popularity and sales. In 2020, the company was sold for an undisclosed amount, with Reynolds reportedly receiving a significant payout.

Reynolds has also invested in several other startups, including the social media scheduling platform, Later, and the audio entertainment company, Maximum Effort.

2. 50 Cent and Vitamin Water

In 2004, rapper 50 Cent made a strategic investment in Vitamin Water, a relatively unknown beverage brand at the time. He saw the potential for the product and decided to take a chance by investing a portion of his wealth in the company. His investment gave him a minority ownership stake, and he also became a spokesperson for the brand.

50 Cent leveraged his fame and influence to promote Vitamin Water, appearing in commercials and endorsing the product in interviews and appearances. His endorsement resonated with consumers, and the brand gained significant traction in the market.

As the popularity of Vitamin Water grew, so did its value. In 2007, Coca-Cola saw an opportunity to expand its beverage portfolio and acquired Vitamin Water for $4.1 billion. 50 Cent’s minority ownership stake in the company resulted in a substantial payout, reportedly earning him $100 million from the sale.

The success of 50 Cent’s investment in Vitamin Water highlights the power of celebrity influence and strategic business decisions. By investing in a brand that aligned with his personal brand and using his platform to promote it, he was able to generate significant financial returns. Moreover, his involvement in the company helped to elevate his public image and cement his reputation as a savvy businessman.

Since his success with Vitamin Water, 50 Cent has continued to explore other entrepreneurial ventures, including launching his own line of headphones and founding a production company. His success in both the entertainment and business industries is a testament to his drive, creativity, and ability to leverage his celebrity status to achieve his goals.

In addition to his success with Vitamin Water, 50 Cent has had other successful business ventures. He co-founded G-Unit Records and signed successful artists like Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks. He also ventured into the world of fashion by launching his clothing line, G-Unit Clothing Company.

3. Oprah Winfrey and Weight Watchers

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful and influential media personalities in the world, made headlines in 2015 when she invested in Weight Watchers. The company had been struggling financially, and Winfrey saw an opportunity to not only help turn the company around but also to share her own weight loss journey with the world.

Winfrey’s investment gave her a 10% stake in the company, and she also became a spokesperson for the brand. She used her massive platform to promote Weight Watchers, sharing her personal story and progress on social media and in interviews.

The impact of Winfrey’s involvement in Weight Watchers was immediate and significant. The company’s stock increased by 100% in just one day following the announcement of her investment. Her endorsement resonated with consumers, and many people were inspired to join the program and try to lose weight themselves.

Winfrey’s investment also proved to be a wise financial decision. The value of her shares in Weight Watchers skyrocketed, resulting in a profit of $110 million. Her investment not only helped to boost the company’s financial performance but also strengthened her personal brand and reputation as a successful businesswoman.

Overall, Oprah Winfrey’s investment in Weight Watchers highlights the power of celebrity influence and the potential for celebrities to use their platforms to create positive change. Her involvement not only helped to turn around a struggling company but also inspired countless people to take control of their own health and well-being.

Oprah Winfrey has had a number of successful business ventures in addition to her investment in Weight Watchers. She is the founder of Harpo Productions, which produced her long-running talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” as well as a number of other television shows and films. She also launched her own television network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), in 2011. In addition to media, Oprah has also launched a successful book club and magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine.

4. Jessica Alba and The Honest Company

Jessica Alba, the Hollywood actress, founded The Honest Company in 2011, after she became a mother and struggled to find high-quality, non-toxic baby products. The company offers a wide range of natural and eco-friendly household and personal care products, including diapers, skincare, and cleaning supplies.

Alba used her celebrity status to raise awareness about the harmful chemicals found in many household products and to promote her company’s commitment to using safer, more sustainable ingredients. She appeared on talk shows and in magazines, and also used social media to build a following and connect with customers.

Thanks to Alba’s influence and the growing demand for natural and eco-friendly products, The Honest Company quickly became a hit. By 2017, the company was valued at $1 billion, making Alba one of the few female founders to reach “unicorn” status.

In 2021, The Honest Company went public with a valuation of $2.1 billion. Alba continues to serve as the company’s spokesperson and is involved in all aspects of the business, from product development to marketing and sales.

The success of The Honest Company highlights the power of celebrity entrepreneurship and the potential for celebrities to leverage their influence to create successful businesses. By identifying a gap in the market and using her platform to raise awareness and promote her products, Alba was able to build a successful company that is making a positive impact on people’s health and the environment.

5. Jay-Z and Tidal

Jay-Z, one of the most successful rappers and entrepreneurs of all time, made headlines in 2015 when he acquired Tidal, a music streaming service. At the time, the company was struggling to compete with other streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Jay-Z saw an opportunity to rebrand the company and focus on exclusive content and high-quality audio. He leveraged his personal relationships with other musicians to secure exclusive album releases and concerts, which helped to attract new subscribers to the platform.

Under Jay-Z’s leadership, Tidal’s subscriber base increased by 50% in just one year. He also introduced new features like Tidal X, a series of exclusive live concerts and events, and Tidal Rising, a program to promote up-and-coming artists.

Jay-Z’s involvement with Tidal not only helped to boost the company’s financial performance but also strengthened his reputation as a savvy businessman and innovator. He used his influence and connections within the music industry to create a unique and valuable offering for music fans.

His commitment to high-quality content and exclusive experiences helped to differentiate Tidal from other streaming services and attract a loyal following.

6. Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop

Gwyneth Paltrow, the Oscar-winning actress, founded Goop in 2008 as a weekly newsletter featuring lifestyle and wellness advice. The company has since expanded into a full-fledged lifestyle brand that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, skincare, and wellness supplements.

Paltrow’s celebrity status and reputation as a health and wellness enthusiast helped to build a loyal following for Goop. The company’s mission is to “nourish the inner aspect” by providing customers with products that promote healthy living and personal growth.

Goop’s success has not been without controversy, however. The company has faced criticism for making unscientific claims about the benefits of its products, including a $66 jade egg for vaginal health that was later found to be potentially dangerous.

Despite these controversies, Goop has continued to grow and has a current valuation of $250 million. The company is reportedly on track to become profitable, thanks in part to its e-commerce platform, which has been a major driver of revenue growth.

Paltrow’s involvement with Goop again demonstrates the power of celebrity entrepreneurship and the potential for celebrities to use their influence to build successful businesses. By leveraging her own personal brand and expertise in health and wellness, Paltrow was able to create a company that has resonated with millions of customers around the world. While Goop’s success has not been without controversy, it has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the lifestyle and wellness industry.

7. Dr. Dre and Beats by Dre

Dr. Dre, the legendary music producer and rapper, co-founded Beats by Dre in 2008 along with music executive Jimmy Iovine. The company was born out of a desire to create high-quality headphones and speakers that could provide an immersive listening experience for music lovers.

Beats by Dre quickly gained a following among audiophiles and music enthusiasts, thanks in part to its sleek design and superior sound quality. The company’s headphones and speakers became a status symbol among hip-hop artists and celebrities, further boosting the brand’s profile.

In 2014, Apple acquired Beats by Dre for a staggering $3 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Apple’s history. The deal made Dr. Dre one of the wealthiest hip-hop artists, with a net worth of over $800 million.

The success of Beats by Dre is another great example of the power of celebrity branding and the potential for celebrities to leverage their personal brands to build successful businesses. Dr. Dre’s involvement with the company not only helped to build its reputation, but also solidified his status as a music industry icon.

Today, Beats by Dre continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, including the launch of its own music streaming service, Beats Music, in 2014. The company’s success has had a significant impact on the music and technology industries, and serves as a prime example of how celebrities can successfully transition from the world of entertainment to the world of business.

Aside from co-founding Beats by Dre, Dr. Dre has had other business successes throughout his career. He founded the record label Aftermath Entertainment and signed successful artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.

8. Venus Williams and EleVen

Tennis superstar Venus Williams founded EleVen in 2007, a fashion-forward athletic wear company that provides women with stylish and functional clothing options. Williams leveraged her expertise as a professional athlete to create products that cater to the needs of active women while staying on-trend.

EleVen quickly gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts and fashionistas alike, with Williams designing each piece of clothing herself to ensure that it meets her high standards for quality, comfort, and style. The company has since expanded its product offerings to include skincare and haircare products, further solidifying its place as a lifestyle brand for active women.

Williams’ commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle has been a key factor in EleVen’s success. She has used her platform to inspire women of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their passions and embrace their individuality, which has resonated with customers around the world.

With a loyal following and a commitment to innovation and excellence, EleVen has become a powerhouse in the athletic wear industry. Williams’ dedication to her craft and her commitment to empowering women through fashion and fitness have made her a role model and inspiration to many, and EleVen serves as a testament to her vision and hard work.

Aside from EleVen, Venus Williams has also launched her own interior design firm called V Starr Interiors in 2002. The firm has completed several high-profile projects, including the luxury boutique hotel, The Hotel at Midtown in Chicago. Williams has also invested in several startups, including Daily Harvest, a plant-based meal delivery service.

9. Rihanna and Fenty Beauty

Singer and fashion icon Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, a makeup brand that is known for its inclusivity and diversity. Fenty Beauty’s products are designed to cater to a wide range of skin tones, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups in the beauty industry. Rihanna’s commitment to inclusivity has made Fenty Beauty a global success, with the brand generating over $550 million in its first year alone.

Fenty Beauty’s popularity is largely due to its focus on creating a truly inclusive makeup line. The brand’s 50 shades of foundation, in particular, were widely praised for catering to a diverse range of skin tones. This commitment to inclusivity resonates with consumers who are increasingly seeking out brands that reflect their values and beliefs.

Rihanna’s personal involvement in the development of the brand has also been a key factor in its success. The singer is known for her bold and innovative fashion choices, and she has brought this same spirit of creativity and experimentation to Fenty Beauty. The brand’s unique product offerings, such as the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter and the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, have helped to set it apart from competitors and solidify its place as a leader in the beauty industry.

In addition to its focus on inclusivity and innovation, Fenty Beauty has also prioritized sustainability and social responsibility. The brand has made efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, including the use of recyclable packaging and the implementation of sustainable practices in its supply chain.

With its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, Fenty Beauty has become a true trailblazer in the beauty industry. Rihanna’s vision and leadership have created a brand that not only offers high-quality makeup products but also represents a larger movement towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

10. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Project Rock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a larger-than-life personality who has successfully transitioned from a professional wrestler to a Hollywood actor. But his influence goes beyond entertainment, as he has also made his mark in the world of fitness and wellness through his brand, Project Rock.

In 2018, Johnson partnered with sports apparel giant Under Armour to launch Project Rock, a line of fitness apparel and accessories designed to inspire and motivate people to achieve their fitness goals. The brand features everything from t-shirts and tank tops to training shoes and gym bags, all bearing Johnson’s signature “Brahma Bull” logo.

One of the keys to Project Rock’s success is Johnson’s personal involvement in the brand. He has used his massive social media following to promote the brand and its products, sharing motivational posts and workout videos with his millions of followers. Johnson’s authenticity and genuine passion for fitness have resonated with consumers, helping to establish Project Rock as a trusted and respected brand in the fitness community.

In just a few short years, Project Rock has become a major player in the fitness apparel market. In 2019, the brand was estimated to have generated over $1 billion in sales, a remarkable achievement for a relatively new player in the industry. And with Johnson’s continued involvement and dedication to the brand, it’s likely that Project Rock will continue to inspire and motivate people to achieve their fitness goals for years to come.

To Sum Up.

In conclusion, these examples of successful celebrity side hustles demonstrate that having fame and fortune can be a powerful combination for building a successful business. While their celebrity status provides them with a platform to promote their brand and products, their business skills, innovation, and determination are what drive their success.

The ability to leverage their fame and personal brand allows them to connect with their fans on a deeper level and create a loyal customer base. These celebrities have shown that with the right idea, strategy, and hard work, anyone can start a successful business and turn their side hustle into a profitable venture.

But it does help if you already have a dedicated and devoted audience.

The post 10 Successful Celebrity Side Hustles That Made Big Money. first appeared on PocketHustle.com.

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