Stars and their Million-Dollar Side Hustles
12th April, 2021
Stars and their Million-Dollar Side Hustles Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
While you may know your favorite stars for their primary careers in showbiz, did you know that quite a few celebrities are also successful business owners? It is never ideal to put all your eggs in one basket. Be it the fleetingness of stardom or another motive, celebrities seem to live by this motto. Actors, musicians, or even athletes, often associated with several brands due to endorsements. Having access to requisite resources and being able to receive excellent personal finance advice, they invest these in projects they feel passionate about. Ranging from liquor companies and restaurants to fashion brands, let us take a look at some side hustles of popular celebrities.
Sarah Jessica Parker Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
01
Sarah Jessica Parker

The beloved Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City is just as passionate about fashion and beauty in her real life as she was in this popular comedy-drama series. Inspired by her iconic character, she launched her first footwear brand SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, which has grown remarkably since its launch in 2014. So far, this luxury shoe company has opened several boutiques in Las Vegas, New York City, and Dubai. Maintaining her personal finances and her monetary portfolio well has allowed her to expand her business further. She has also ventured into creating fragrances under the brand name SJP Beauty.

Robert De Niro Guy Levy/BAFTA/Shutterstock
02
Robert De Niro

Having received numerous accolades for his acting performances, directing ventures, and production projects, Robert De Niro is equally successful in his business ventures. He partnered with Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa in 1994 to start a successful chain of Japanese restaurants called Nobu. Due to his financial prowess, he probably didn’t have to look up home mortgage loans to get into this venture, which now stands at more than 39 restaurants and 8 luxury hotels spread across multiple continents. Moreover, he has invested in several additional restaurants across the country, including New York City’s Locanda Verde and the Tribeca Grill.

Kate Hudson Rob Latour/Shutterstock
03
Kate Hudson

While the fact that she was the daughter of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson definitely led to some added perks, Kate Hudson seems to have done quite well for herself not only in the world of acting but also in business. In 2013, Hudson co-founded and launched her own brand of athleisure and activewear known as Fabletics. After the success of Fabletics, Hudson decided to expand her business portfolio and launched another brand called HappyxNature, which is eco-conscious and focuses on affordable, fashion-centric bohemianism. With her net worth standing at $80 million, today, Kate Hudson can probably give incredible financial advice to young adults.

Jay Z and Beyonce Richard Young/Shutterstock
04
Jay Z and Beyonce

If you look up the term ‘power couple’ online, you would probably see a picture of Jay Z and Beyonce; they have shattered all conventional parameters of success. The music moguls have deftly navigated various contracts and deals, and we’re sure they can start a personal advice column for young adults. Beyonce has shown us how much of a boss babe she can be with her ventures into fashion, including brands like Ivy Park and House of Deréon. Jay Z, on the other hand, has his money involved in properties and investments such as the Roc-A-Fella empire, Def Jam Recordings, and the 40/40 Club in NYC.

George Clooney Massimo Insabato/Shutterstock
05
George Clooney

George Clooney, the handsome silver fox of Hollywood, is an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. With hit commercial films such as Ocean’s Eleven, as well as prestigious awards, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes under his belt, Clooney, has claimed tremendous success in the world of cinema. Aside from show business, Clooney has also done quite well in his other business and has property investments and ventures that make him a lot of money from interest rates. If his tequila company hits certain financial targets in the next 10 years, the founders are set to receive an additional $300 million from the new owners!

Mark Wahlberg Startraks Photo/Shutterstock
06
Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg is an American rapper turned actor who is well known for his work in films like Planet of the Apes, The Fighter, and The Italian Job. He is also an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee. Aside from working his charm on the silver screen, Wahlberg has also invested in several assets and properties by venturing into the world of restaurants. He has started a chain called Wahlburgers with his two brothers, Donnie and Paul. He now owns restaurants across the country in places like Massachusetts, Las Vegas, New York, and even Coney Island.

Kanye West Cindy Barrymore/Shutterstock
07
Kanye West

Kanye West has come a long way after starting his career in the 1990s. A 22-time Grammy winner, he is well-established in the music industry. Gaining meteoric financial success, he has invested in properties and other creative ventures too. Kanye has been incredibly passionate about designing sneaker shoes since forever and in 2009, he turned this passion into a successful business venture by launching his brand Yeezy.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Picture Perfect/Shutterstock
08
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen started their own fashion company known as The Row in 2006. After a year, they announced the launch of a second company called Elizabeth and James. They are both not only known for their incredible fashion sense but also for being two of the most successful women entrepreneurs in the world. These two female icons will definitely know loads about personal finance. No biggie!

Jessica Simpson Cindy Barrymore/Shutterstock
09
Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson has successfully navigated her way in several different fields of the entertainment industry and has also been quite diligent in taking care of her personal finances and investments. After taking a brief hiatus from the public eye, she decided to try her hand at fashion and launched The Jessica Simpson Collection. It offers one the ability to overhaul their entire look, featuring clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and fragrances.

Francis Ford Coppola Emmi Korhonen/Shutterstock
10
Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola is known as one of the greatest American film directors of all time (Remember The Godfather?), but believe it or not that’s not his only achievement. Aside from being phenomenal in the film industry, Coppola has also been involved in the wine industry. His investments have been quite lucrative and we’re sure he’s never run a refinancing risk. (No, of course we’re not jealous).

Sean “Diddy” Combs RMV/Shutterstock
11
Sean “Diddy” Combs

Sean Combs, more commonly known by his stage name P Diddy, has contributed tremendously to the rising popularity of rap music and culture in the music industry. He is also a successful business owner; owning a recording label, a vodka brand, and a clothing and fragrance line. With so many revenue streams and assets under his belt, it is no secret that Combs has his personal finances under tremendous control.

Ashton Kutcher Brian J Ritchie/Shutterstock
12
Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher is an actor who has been practically revered in sitcoms like That ’70s Show as well as in films like What Happens in Vegas. Kutcher is also the co-founder of a venture capital firm called A-Grade Investments, through which he bought stocks in Skype and Uber. We wonder if he’s ever had to heed the Reddit page on personal finances as we’ve had to!

LeBron James Shutterstock
13
LeBron James

One of the greatest NBA players of all time, LeBron James is considered to be the only player in NBA history to win NBA championships with three franchises as Finals MVP. Outside of sports, he is involved in film and restaurant industries. Through careful planning and sound knowledge on insurance policy types regarding ventures (both necessary for business owners), James has almost reached the $1 billion mark in his earnings.

Sophia Vergara Shutterstock
14
Sophia Vergara

Sofia Vergara, known popularly for her character in Modern Family, is a Colombian star and model who is known to be one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. She is the co-founder of Latin World Entertainment, started a Latino-focused digital media company called Raze, AND co-founded a subscription-based underwear company called EBY. The diva seems to be really good at managing her personal finances along with her acting career.

Dr. Dre James Shaw/Shutterstock
15
Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre is an American rapper who started his own record label in 1995. He is now the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and also the CEO and founder of the popular audio products brand called Beats Electronics. With all these investments, we’re certain he could teach a class or two about interest rate calculation and personal finances. All in a day’s work for this mogul!

Heidi Klum David Buchan/Variety/Shutterstock
16
Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum is a popular name in the modeling world. Having worked with massive brands like Victoria’s Secret, she decided to put her experience to good use. Klum has designed a line for Victoria’s Secret, shoes for Birkenstock, and regularly collaborates with a German brand while owning Heidi Klum Intimates. With a net worth of $39.5 million, we would love to pick her brains about investments and personal finances.

Ellen DeGeneres Rob Latour/Shutterstock
17
Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres, who is a global household name, is an American actress, writer, producer and businesswoman. In 2015, DeGeneres launched her own lifestyle company called ED Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen is also quite keen on property investments and has been involved with real estate ventures for some time. She is known to be quite successful in flipping these properties and selling them for a massive profit margin.

Will Smith Mimmo Carriero/​IPA/​Shutterstock
18
Will Smith

Will Smith is an American rapper, actor, and producer, who walked into the industry under the moniker “The Fresh Prince.” Building upon this alias, he began starring in the NBC television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Eventually, after receiving tremendous accolades, he gathered some capital from his investments and started his own production company called Overbrook Entertainment. We just hope he has insurance policies for the venture!

Magic Johnson Amanda Schwab/Starpix/Shutterstock
19
Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is a former NBA champion who has played point guard for the Michigan State Spartans and the Los Angeles Lakers. Eventually, he gained partial ownership in the L.A. Dodgers as well as the L.A. Football Club. He additionally has his own investment company called Magic Johnson Enterprises, which is valued at over $1 billion and vastly improved his personal financial net worth

Oprah Winfrey imageSPACE/Shutterstock
20
Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is an absolute queen who is famous primarily for The Oprah Winfrey Show. She launched her TV channel called OWN in 2011, which is currently worth over $75 million. She had her magazine named O, The Oprah Magazine and has part ownership of Weight Watchers. Another celebrity who’s never had to worry about tax benefits from insurances!

Serena Williams James Gourley/BPI/Shutterstock
21
Serena Williams

Having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena Williams is considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. After having defied all fashion stereotypes in her tennis career, in 2018, Williams launched her own clothing line called Serena, which features dresses, shoes, handbags as well as casual wear. Did she ever need a mortgage calculator? We think not!

Venus Williams Rob Prange/Shutterstock
22
Venus Williams

Just like her sister, Venus Williams has dominated the tennis court since the beginning of her career. Her clothing line, EleVen, mainly creates activewear and comfort items that offer a blend of formal and casual looks. As of this year, Williams has a net worth of $95 million, which is a result of strategic business planning, investments in different ventures, and successful management of personal finances.

Ibtihaj Muhammad Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
23
Ibtihaj Muhammad

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an Olympic-level sabre fencer and bronze medalist, who is also known as the first woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. She started her own fashion line called Louella, which is focused on portraying a progressive and expanded image of Muslim Americans to the world. Young adults should definitely seek inspiration and financial advice from this Olympic-athlete turned businesswoman.

Tony Hawk Willi Schneider/Shutterstock
24
Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk, a professional skateboarder, is extremely popular for his hilarious interactions with fans on Twitter. In 1992, he started his own skateboard manufacturing company called Birdhouse and has also licensed a video game series published by Activision. Tony is additionally involved in several philanthropic endeavors to help build skate parks in underprivileged areas and is most likely well-versed with property laws and investment plans.

Bono Vianney Le Caer/Shutterstock
25
Bono

Bono, the frontman of popular rock band U2, has also done his bit away from the spotlight. Along with bandmate Edge, Bono bought a two-star Dublin-hotel called The Clarence and transformed it into a luxury five-star hotel. (We would welcome a quick guide on interest rate parity please). He has additionally invested in a few equity ventures and has a net worth of $750 million.

Hugh Jackman Matt Baron/Shutterstock
26
Hugh Jackman

Australian actor Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine, holds the Guinness World record for “Longest Career as a Live-action Marvel Superhero.” After returning from a trip to Ethiopia, Jackman was greatly inspired and started his own coffee company called Laughing Man in the year 2011. He has a total net worth of approximately $180 million, which we’re sure is maintained through careful planning and good advice pertaining to personal finances.

Jessica Alba Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup/Shutterstock
27
Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba is definitely a very well-known name in Hollywood and is acclaimed for her performance in hit films like Sin City and Fantastic Four. Having achieved a tremendous amount of success, Alba has also been extremely diligent in terms of her personal finances and business ventures. After experiencing an allergic reaction to a laundry detergent, she was inspired to start The Honest Company, which sells a range of baby products, beauty products, and home-cleaning products made using non-toxic ingredients. The company, which identifies as a wellness brand, has grown tremendously since its launch in 2011 and continues to do so.

David and Victoria Beckham Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
28
David and Victoria Beckham

Beckham Brand Holdings has had a cool turnover of $341.1 million. With his interest in cars and her businesses, they must have the know-how on auto insurance companies as well as property investments. We can only wish to share some of the same wisdom pie! Did you know that Victoria Beckham owns her own fashion line while husband David is the co-owner of Club Internacional de Futbol Miami?

Drew Barrymore Courtesy Empire State/ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock
29
Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is another Hollywood star who had the opportunity to start her career incredibly early. Post firmly establishing herself in the industry, she directed her attention towards fashion. After dealing with various personal finance hoops and probable discussions on interest rate risks, she now owns a clothing line called Dear Drew, a cruelty-free makeup line called Flower Beauty as well as her own production company called Flower Film.

Justin Timberlake Action Press/Shutterstock
30
Justin Timberlake

Before turning a soloist, Timberlake was the lead vocalist in the popular boy-band NSYNC. He has also appeared in several successful films like The Social Network and <Friends With Benefits. Outside showbiz, he is a restaurant owner and also has his own clothing line that debuted at Bloomingdale’s. With this much moolah, he probably will never have to worry about student loan rates for his kids!

Ryan Gosling Rob Latour/​Shutterstock
31
Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling, great actor and all-round good-looker, is known for his roles in The Notebook and La La Land. Gosling founded a production company called Arcana with producer Ken Kao and has produced several remarkable projects, including the Oscar-winning film The Favorite. Through proper capital management and insurances, his net worth currently sits at a comfortable $70 million.

Ryan Reynolds Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
32
Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is known for his remarkable work in films like The Proposal, Deadpool and Deadpool 2. In 2018, he dipped his feet in venture capitalism and bought stakes in Aviation American Gin, Mint Mobile, and co-owns the Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC. With this financial savviness, we’re pretty sure his kids will never face a student loan debt crisis either!

Rihanna Matt Baron/Shutterstock
33
Rihanna

Whether you are a fan of her music or not, Grammy award-winning songstress Rihanna is definitely a name that you have heard of. In 2017, she decided to launch her very own beauty line called Fenty Beauty, which was dedicated to making products for women of all body types and skin tones. Within the first year of its launch, the brand made a revenue of $570 million. (No wait for payday loans online in this case!) After the success of Fenty Beauty, Rihanna launched a fashion line, the Savage X Fenty lingerie collection, as well as the skincare collection called Fenty Skin. Does her day have 36 hours?

Tom Brady Sean Ryan/Ips/Shutterstock
34
Tom Brady

No matter if you are a sports fan or not, you have probably heard of Tom Brady. His online platform called TB12 Sports is dedicated to helping people with health and fitness. Brady and his trainer Alex Guerrero have made exhaustive guides about the former’s diet, lifestyle, and fitness routines. He has also written two books! This is one person who probably knows all about the worth of medical insurances.

Celine Dion Larry Marano/Shutterstock
35
Celine Dion

Celine Dion is one of the powerhouses of the western music industry. Her timeless vocals in songs like My Heart Will Go On, and All by Myself have led to multiple Grammy awards. She has channeled this creative energy into her own fashion line called Nununu, which luckily will never run a refinancing risk like so many other businesses because of her immense net worth!

Gwen Stefani Matt Baron/Shutterstock
36
Gwen Stefani

Aside from being a successful singer-songwriter and a Grammy award winner, the Hollaback Girl singer stepped into the world of entrepreneurship by launching her fashion line L.A.M.B in 2003, which soon expanded into accessories and made her a lot of money. Additionally, Stefani has her own fragrance line. Gwen’s $150 million net worth comes from strategic investments in properties and businesses.

Gwyneth Paltrow Nicole Rivelli/Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock
37
Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is an American actor, writer, model, and entrepreneur. In 2008, she launched Goop as a weekly lifestyle newsletter, which has since expanded into a successful web-based company. The brand is involved in several aspects of life, including fashion, beauty, wellness as well as entertainment. It also has its own print magazine, a podcast, as well as documentary series on Netflix. In all the free time she obviously had, Paltrow has also authored My Father’s Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family and Togetherness. If she is looking for more things to do, she can maybe author a book on personal finances too!

Reese Witherspoon Hulu/​Kobal/​Shutterstock
38
Reese Witherspoon

Known widely for her incredible work in films like Legally Blonde and having won an Oscar for her work in Walk the Line, Reese Witherspoon is more than just an actress in Hollywood. Over the course of her career, she has ventured into several businesses and has built an impressive portfolio of investments, making her knowledgeable about insurance policy types and several other financial terms we wish we knew too! Pacific Standard, a production house co-founded by Witherspoon in 2012, has produced remarkable films such as Gone Girl and Wild. Recently she has stepped into the world of media production.