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- 10 Celebrity Side Hustles That Paid Off Big (wealthgang.com)
Many celebrities have successfully transformed their fame into thriving business ventures, often earning more from these side projects than from their primary careers in entertainment. From luxury tequila brands to groundbreaking beauty lines, these ventures demonstrate how star power can be leveraged into substantial entrepreneurial success. Here’s a look at ten celebrities who have turned their influence into impressive ownership stakes.
1. George Clooney – Casamigos Tequila
Co-founded as a private passion project with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, Casamigos quickly grew in popularity. In 2017, the brand was acquired by Diageo for up to $1 billion, establishing Clooney not only as a Hollywood legend but also as a savvy business figure who turned casual socializing into a global spirits empire.
2. Mark Wahlberg – F45 Training
Wahlberg’s business interests extend beyond acting. Alongside expanding the family restaurant chain Wahlburgers worldwide, he was an early investor in F45 Training, a fitness franchise that went public in 2021 with a valuation near $1 billion.
His focus on both food and fitness highlights how celebrity influence can drive lifestyle brands.
3. Robert De Niro – Nobu Restaurants
Partnering with chef Nobu Matsuhisa, De Niro co-created Nobu, a luxury restaurant brand that has expanded into hotels and resorts globally. With over 50 locations and a valuation exceeding $500 million, Nobu showcases how De Niro’s appreciation for fine dining translated into a major hospitality empire.
4. Rihanna – Fenty Beauty
Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty revolutionized the cosmetics industry with its inclusive range of shades. The brand rapidly became a cultural phenomenon and is now valued at $2.8 billion, making Rihanna wealthier than her music career alone and cementing her status as a beauty and fashion icon.
5. Ashton Kutcher – Tech Investments
Known for his sharp instincts, Kutcher founded A-Grade Investments, backing tech giants like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify. His investment portfolio, worth hundreds of millions, demonstrates his acumen in spotting promising startups as effectively as he delivers comedic performances.
6. Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
Buffett transformed his relaxed “Parrothead” persona into an expansive lifestyle brand encompassing restaurants, hotels, casinos, and retirement communities. Valued at over $600 million, Margaritaville illustrates how a single song and laid-back vibe evolved into a multi-decade business success.
7. Venus Williams – V Starr Interiors
Applying her competitive spirit to design, Venus Williams founded V Starr Interiors, a luxury interior design firm working on both commercial and residential projects, including hotels and high-profile spaces. Her design talent parallels her excellence on the tennis court.
8. Serena Williams – Serena Ventures
Williams launched Serena Ventures to invest in startups focused on innovation and inclusivity, with investments spanning fitness technology to healthcare companies like Tonal and Zipline. Her venture capital success complements her athletic dominance.
9. Daymond John – FUBU Clothing
Before becoming a star investor on “Shark Tank,” John built FUBU (“For Us, By Us”) from streetwear hats sold in Queens to a fashion powerhouse generating over $6 billion in sales. His journey turned urban apparel into mainstream culture and established him as a prominent entrepreneur.
10. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Teremana Tequila
Johnson extended his charisma into Teremana Tequila, branded as “the people’s tequila.” What began as a personal passion project rapidly became one of the fastest-growing tequila brands worldwide, driven by his extensive fan base and genuine marketing approach.
These examples underscore the power of celebrity influence when combined with strategic ownership, resulting in diverse and lucrative business empires beyond the screen or stage.
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