Celebrity Business Moves to Watch in 2025
- Shalena
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
In recent years, celebrities have increasingly leveraged their fame and influence to build successful business ventures across various industries. As we move into 2025, several celebrity entrepreneurs are making significant strides, setting trends, and redefining success beyond the entertainment sphere.
Here are some notable business moves to watch:
1. Selena Gomez: Expanding the Rare Beauty Empire
Selena Gomez's cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, has seen remarkable growth since its launch in 2020. By 2024, the brand was valued at $2 billion, with Gomez's net worth reaching an estimated $1.3 billion, largely due to Rare Beauty's success. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and mental health initiatives, resonating with a diverse consumer base. As Rare Beauty continues to expand globally, its innovative products and authentic marketing strategies make it a key player in the beauty industry.
2. Beyoncé: Diversifying with Cécred Hair Care
In February 2024, Beyoncé launched Cécred, a hair care line designed for various hair textures. Demonstrating her commitment to community empowerment, she established an annual $500,000 grant in collaboration with BeyGood to support cosmetology students and professional hairstylists. This venture not only broadens Beyoncé's business portfolio but also reinforces her influence in the beauty sector.
3. KSI and MrBeast: Collaborating on Lunchly
YouTubers KSI and MrBeast have joined forces to create Lunchly, a line of kids' lunch kits introduced in September 2024. Marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional options, Lunchly includes products from their existing brands, Prime and Feastables. This collaboration exemplifies how digital influencers can successfully venture into the food industry, leveraging their online presence to promote new products.
4. Bridgit Mendler: Leading in Space Technology
Former Disney star Bridgit Mendler co-founded Northwood Space in 2023, a satellite data startup based in El Segundo, California. Serving as CEO, Mendler aims to mass-produce satellite ground stations, with the company securing $6.3 million in initial funding from prominent investors. Her transition from entertainment to aerospace highlights the diverse entrepreneurial paths celebrities are exploring.
5. Meghan Markle: Launching American Riviera Orchard
In March 2024, Meghan Markle announced her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, starting with limited-edition jam jars. The brand's trademark suggests plans to expand into a wide range of products, including yoga mats and nut butters. Markle's venture into the lifestyle sector reflects a growing trend of celebrities creating brands that align with their personal values and interests.
6. Jake Paul: Expanding His Business Portfolio
Social media personality and professional boxer Jake Paul has diversified his ventures beyond the ring. In addition to founding Most Valuable Promotions and the sports betting startup Betr, Paul launched a grooming line called W. His multifaceted approach to business showcases how celebrities can capitalize on their personal brands to enter various industries.
7. Ariana Madix: Entering the Culinary Scene
Reality TV star Ariana Madix expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by opening Something About Her, a sandwich shop and wine bar, in May 2024. The establishment received positive reviews and high demand upon opening, highlighting the potential for celebrities to succeed in the food and beverage industry.
8. Kim Kardashian: Leading in Fashion and Beauty
Kim Kardashian continues to make significant strides in the fashion and beauty industries with her brands Skims, KKW Beauty, and KKW Fragrance. Her ability to leverage her personal brand into successful business ventures serves as a model for celebrity entrepreneurship.
As we progress through 2025, these entrepreneurial moves are worth watching for their potential to set new trends and redefine success beyond traditional entertainment roles.
Black entrepreneurs continue to make significant strides across various industries, leveraging their influence and business acumen to create impactful ventures. Here are some notable developments:
1. Snoop Dogg: Diversifying Investments
Snoop Dogg has built a diverse investment portfolio, emphasizing early involvement in emerging markets. His ventures span technology, cannabis, media, and consumer goods, with significant stakes in companies that align with his expertise and interests. Snoop's strategy includes obtaining equity stakes and capitalizing on emerging trends, reflecting a deliberate approach to creating a sustainable and impactful wealth portfolio.
2. Idris Elba: Expanding into Production and Media
Idris Elba has expanded his influence beyond acting by launching production companies and securing significant deals. In June 2024, he introduced 22Summers, a new production company, and in August 2024, he received approval to establish a film studio in Zanzibar, aiming to boost the local film industry. These ventures underscore Elba's commitment to creating diverse content and opportunities within the media landscape.
3. Tracee Ellis Ross: Celebrating Pattern Beauty's Milestone
Tracee Ellis Ross, an influential actress and entrepreneur, reflects on her busy career and the growth of her hair-care brand, Pattern Beauty, as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. Ross's journey with her curls and the lack of suitable products inspired her to create Pattern Beauty. Initially pitched in 2008, the brand faced numerous hurdles but persisted through Ross's dedication. Pattern Beauty now offers over 76 products and is sold in major retailers, promoting inclusivity and donating to nonprofits for women of color. Ross balances her acting career with her role as CEO, highlighting her work on the series "Black-ish" and her ambition to work on meaningful projects through her production company, Joy Mill Entertainment. At 51, Ross embraces her maturity and seeks to continue blending her passions with purposeful work, including her upcoming travel series, "Tracee Travels." Ross's story is one of perseverance, authenticity, and continuous growth.
4. Serena Williams: Championing Venture Capital
Serena Williams has transitioned from her illustrious tennis career to a formidable presence in venture capital. Through Serena Ventures, she has invested in over 85 companies, with a focus on underrepresented founders. Her portfolio includes innovative companies like Parfait, Impossible Foods, and Noom, with 14 of these businesses reaching valuations of $1 billion or more. Williams' strategic investments reflect her commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the business world.
5. Floyd Mayweather: Expanding Real Estate Ventures
Floyd Mayweather has significantly expanded his property empire by purchasing a set of New York apartments for over £300 million. At the age of 47, Mayweather has secured a £309 million ($402 million) deal for a portfolio of 1,000 affordable housing units located in Upper Manhattan. The seller is Josh Gotlib of Black Spruce Management, and this acquisition is considered one of the largest property deals of the year. With a personal history rooted in poverty, Mayweather emphasized the importance of affordable housing, recalling his own struggles growing up. This move adds to Mayweather's extensive assets, which include multiple commercial skyscrapers, gyms, a NASCAR team, a skate park facility, and a foundation supporting various community services.
These examples highlight the diverse and impactful ways Black entrepreneurs are shaping industries and creating opportunities, reflecting a commitment to innovation, community empowerment, and economic growth.
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