Reality TV stars often capture our attention with their personalities, but many of them have taken their fame even further. Beyond the drama and the cameras, some have built impressive business empires that rival established brands. These savvy entrepreneurs turned their spotlight into lasting success, proving they’re more than just TV faces. From fashion lines to tech startups, they’ve branched into industries that might surprise you. Let’s explore 20 reality stars who went from on-screen talent to thriving business moguls.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian first gained fame on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premiered in 2007. While the show started with family drama and Hollywood parties, Kim used it as a platform to launch her own businesses. Her shapewear brand, Skims, has become a huge success, valued at over a billion dollars. Kim also launched KKW Beauty, a cosmetics line that sold millions in products. Through strategic partnerships and a sharp business acumen, she’s built an empire that goes far beyond reality TV.
Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel was one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of New York City, which began in 2008. Known for her quick wit, she took the opportunity to promote her Skinnygirl cocktail brand, which became an instant hit. In 2011, she sold Skinnygirl to Beam Suntory for an estimated $100 million. Frankel has since expanded Skinnygirl into a lifestyle brand, including products in wellness and fitness. Her business success transformed her into a recognized mogul beyond reality TV.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner grew up on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but her real claim to fame came through her cosmetics line. Launched in 2015, Kylie Cosmetics gained a massive following with her signature lip kits, leading to almost immediate sell-outs. By 2019, she had sold a majority stake to Coty, Inc., in a deal valuing her brand at $1.2 billion. Kylie turned her TV fame into a major beauty brand that helped define modern influencer marketing. Today, she’s recognized as one of the youngest self-made billionaires.
Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad started on Laguna Beach in 2004 and later starred in The Hills. Known for her style, she channeled her TV success into the fashion world with her brand LC Lauren Conrad. The line, which features clothing, accessories, and home decor, became a staple at Kohl’s stores. Conrad also wrote a series of best-selling novels, further solidifying her post-TV career. Through fashion and writing, she built a business that embodies her California-chic style.
NeNe Leakes
NeNe Leakes became a fan favorite on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, joining in 2008. Known for her iconic one-liners, she turned her popularity into multiple ventures, including her own fashion line, the NeNe Leakes Collection. She also opened the boutique Swagg, which offers clothing and accessories reflecting her bold style. Leakes used her TV fame as a springboard into the fashion industry, where she continues to thrive. Her charisma on and off the screen keeps her brand alive and well.
Jessica Simpson
Though Jessica Simpson rose to reality TV fame on Newlyweds in 2003, her fashion empire became her lasting legacy. She launched the Jessica Simpson Collection in 2005, which features clothing, shoes, and accessories. The brand grew to over $1 billion in revenue, making her one of the most successful celebrity entrepreneurs. Simpson’s approachable style and relatable persona helped her build a brand that resonates with everyday women. Her business success far surpassed her initial fame on reality TV.
Chip and Joanna Gaines
Chip and Joanna Gaines became household names on Fixer Upper, which premiered in 2013. Known for their charming farmhouse style, they turned their Magnolia brand into a lifestyle empire. Magnolia includes a network of businesses in home decor, real estate, and even a market in their hometown of Waco, Texas. Their show inspired a wave of DIY home improvement, and their brand continues to grow with new ventures. The Gaineses transformed their passion for home renovation into an influential lifestyle brand.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton was one of the first reality stars with The Simple Life, which debuted in 2003. While the show made her a pop culture icon, Hilton leveraged her fame to build a successful brand. Her empire includes fragrances, skincare, and even a DJ career, with her fragrance line alone generating billions in sales. Hilton has remained a prominent figure in entertainment and business, defining the “famous for being famous” phenomenon. Her savvy business moves make her a lasting figure beyond her reality TV start.
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie starred alongside Paris Hilton on The Simple Life, but went on to build a fashion empire of her own. She launched her House of Harlow 1960 brand, which became known for bohemian-inspired jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Richie’s line quickly gained a celebrity following and became a staple at high-end retailers. Through her style and creative eye, Richie made a lasting mark in the fashion world. Her brand has outlived her initial reality TV fame, appealing to modern fashionistas.
Rob Dyrdek
Rob Dyrdek’s career in reality TV began with Rob & Big in 2006 and continued with *Fantasy Factory*. An accomplished skateboarder, he used his show to promote his own ventures, including the Dyrdek Machine, a business incubator. Through Dyrdek Machine, he has helped launch numerous startups in industries ranging from tech to sports. His strategic approach to business has transformed him from a reality star into a prominent entrepreneur. Dyrdek’s empire is proof of his business acumen beyond skateboarding.
Ramona Singer
Ramona Singer is one of the longest-standing cast members on The Real Housewives of New York City, which debuted in 2008. She used her platform to launch a range of products, including her skincare line, Ageless by Ramona. Known for her strong personality, Singer’s ventures have included jewelry and wine, tapping into the lifestyle her audience enjoys. Ramona’s business efforts reflect her high-energy personality and devotion to her brand. Her longevity on reality TV has helped solidify her entrepreneurial ventures.
Kandi Burruss
Kandi Burruss joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2009, already an accomplished musician and songwriter. Burruss used her fame to launch Bedroom Kandi, a line of intimate products, and later expanded into the restaurant industry with her husband. She owns two Atlanta-based restaurants, Old Lady Gang, known for Southern comfort food. Burruss’s savvy business moves show her talent goes far beyond music. Her diverse ventures make her one of the most successful entrepreneurs from the Housewives franchise.
Lisa Vanderpump
Lisa Vanderpump starred on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which premiered in 2010, before creating her spinoff Vanderpump Rules. She leveraged her TV fame to grow her restaurant empire, with popular LA hotspots like SUR and Pump. Vanderpump’s restaurants have become icons of West Hollywood, with loyal patrons and tourists alike. She’s also developed a successful line of rosé wines and pet products. Her entrepreneurial journey has made her a beloved figure in hospitality.
Kristin Cavallari
Kristin Cavallari started on Laguna Beach and later starred in The Hills, but it was her jewelry line Uncommon James that marked her business success. Launched in 2017, Uncommon James quickly became a hit, featuring minimalist, on-trend jewelry and home goods. Cavallari’s business savvy helped her create a brand known for quality and style. Her reality TV background helped bring attention to her brand, but Uncommon James now stands strong on its own. Cavallari has since expanded the line to new locations and product categories.
Jeff Lewis
Jeff Lewis gained fame on Flipping Out, a Bravo series focused on his career in high-end real estate and home renovation. Known for his perfectionism, Lewis launched Jeff Lewis Design, a successful interior design firm. He’s since branched into home improvement products and partnerships with major brands. His meticulous eye for design attracted a loyal following and secured his business reputation. Lewis turned his TV fame into a design empire, blending celebrity status with professional expertise.
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
Heidi and Spencer became infamous on The Hills for their controversial on-screen drama, yet they leveraged their fame into successful businesses. They launched Pratt Daddy Crystals, selling healing crystals and jewelry, which gained popularity among wellness enthusiasts. The couple also runs a YouTube channel and podcast, creating multiple income streams. Their brand taps into the wellness and lifestyle sectors, appealing to a niche audience. Despite the drama on The Hills, they turned their notoriety into a sustainable business.
Pauly D
DJ Pauly D rose to fame on Jersey Shore, which premiered in 2009, and quickly became one of its most memorable personalities. Known for his humor and energy, he spun his fame into a successful DJ career, performing around the world. Pauly D has held lucrative residencies in Las Vegas, making him one of the most successful DJ exports from reality TV. His business savvy and love for music led to a career that far outshines his reality TV start. Pauly’s hustle transformed him into a music industry success.
Snooki
Another Jersey Shore alum, Snooki took her fame from the show and built a lifestyle brand. She created her own clothing line and launched the Snooki Shop, a boutique in New Jersey featuring her curated styles. Snooki has authored multiple books, expanding her brand beyond TV. Her authenticity and humor have kept her brand alive and thriving long after the show. Snooki turned her vibrant personality into a business that appeals to her loyal fanbase.
Lisa Rinna
Lisa Rinna joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2014, already known as an actress but soon famous for her vibrant personality. She leveraged her reality fame to grow her Lisa Rinna Collection, a line of apparel on QVC. Known for her bold style and energy, her collection became a hit, resonating with viewers looking for fashionable yet affordable clothing. Rinna also launched Rinna Beauty, a cosmetics line focused on lip products. Her dual ventures have kept her relevant both on-screen and off.
Tiffany “New York” Pollard
Tiffany Pollard gained fame on Flavor of Love in 2006 and quickly became a reality TV icon known for her dramatic personality. She used her notoriety to build a public persona, launching her own line of merchandise. Pollard has hosted her own shows, including *Brunch with Tiffany*, a web series interviewing other reality stars. She parlayed her strong personality into a career that resonates with fans of classic reality TV. Tiffany’s brand is an ode to the reality TV era she helped define.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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