It’s easy to forget the entertainment industry is actually a business. And a tough business at that. Yes, these celebs have excelled at looking good in front of the camera, but they’re also immensely savvy business men and women, who are upping their success with some incredibly successful side hustles.
From tequila to workout clothes to boxed water and restaurants, nothing is off-limits as these A-listers continue their mission of global domination.
Heck, for some of these celebs, the side hustle has turned into an empire that is even more successful than their entertainment careers.
If this slideshow isn’t enough to get you off the couch and working to achieve your dreams then your dream must be to stay on the couch because these celebs are downright inspiring.
Jaden Smith: Just Water
Smith, with the backing of his famous parents, Will and Jada, is bringing out water in an environmentally friendly container. Turns out, Smith has always had a vision for a sustainable water bottle, “When I was 11, I told everyone I wanted to make a really sustainable water bottle for humanity,” Smith told New York Magazine.
Gwyneth Paltrow: Goop
Paltrow has received a lot of criticism for her lifestyle brand, Goop, since she started the company back in 2008. That hasn’t stopped her from amassing 1 million unique followers to her site each month.
George Clooney: Casamigos Tequila
Apparently, Clooney accidentally started a $1 billion business when he decided to partner with Rande Gerber to make tequila, but that is exactly the selling price Clooney and Gerber cut with Diageo in the summer of 2017. Now that’s what I call a happy accident.
Jessica Alba: The Honest Company
Alba’s company initially focused on selling eco-friendly diapers and baby wipes. It now boasts over 100 products and has a valuation of $1.7 billion as of 2015.
Drake: Virginia Black Whiskey
Drake debuted his Virginia Black Whiskey back in 2016 to record-breaking sales. Not only does the whiskey get the social media boost for having Drake’s name attached, but apparently, it’s also actually pretty tasty.
Jessica Simpson: Jessica Simpson Collection
Simpson may have started her career as a singer and the ditzy blonde on The Newlyweds, but the same can’t be said anymore. Now, she is the head of a billion-dollar empire with her self-named fashion brand.
Ashton Kutcher: A-Grade Investments
If you had asked most people back in the days of Dude, Where’s My Car? where Kutcher would end up in 17 years, they would not have told you he would be a leading tech entrepreneur. Color us all surprised, because Kutcher is a downright solid businessman. His A-Grade Investments company managed to turn a $30 million investment into $250 million. Yeah, I’d trust him with my money.
Whoopi Goldberg: Whoopi & Maya
Whoopi Goldberg is using marijuana to help women with their menstruation. The line, launched in 2016, offers body balm, bath soaks, tinctures and, of course, edibles to provide relief.
Kate Hudson: Fabletics
Kate Hudson started her affordable subscription-model athletic wear line back in 2013, and it has since exploded. CNBC reports the company has a $250 million revenue run rate, and it’s only growing. With 21 million Twitter followers and 18 retail stores, Hudson’s reign as the queen of athletic wear has only just begun.
Gwen Stefani: L.A.M.B
Stefani launched her clothing company, L.A.M.B., in 2003 and now has a $90 million annual revenue.
Robert De Niro: Nobu Restaurants
As someone who has had the pleasure of dining at Nobu, let me tell you, it’s worth the hype. De Niro served as one of the original investors in the restaurant chain. Since then, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has built a restaurant empire 31 locations strong with De Niro at his side.
Kevin Costner: Ocean Therapy Solutions
After getting angry over the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989, Costner partnered up with his scientist brother to create a machine that separates oil and water in large quantities. The centrifuge can process up to 200 gallons per minute. BP contracted 32 of the centrifuges in 2010 and used them to help clean up the Gulf.
Paul Newman: Newman’s Own
Newman founded the food company Newman’s Own, which today can be found in most local grocery stores. Newman used the profits from the company for charity, and the company has since donated $495 million to thousands of nonprofit organizations.
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