In the world of entertainment, Black celebrities have not only made a significant impact through their performances on screen but have also ventured into the business world to create successful enterprises. These celebrities have used their platforms to address the needs of people of color and promote diversity in various industries. As we celebrate Black Business Month, it is essential to recognize the contributions of these talented individuals who have gone beyond their roles in entertainment to make a positive difference in the world.
One such celebrity is Tracee Ellis Ross, known for her role in the hit sitcom “black-ish” and as the daughter of the legendary Diana Ross. In late 2019, Ross founded Pattern Beauty, a haircare brand specifically designed for textured, curly hair. Starting with just four employees and seven products, Pattern Beauty has now expanded to over 50 products and 10 retail partners, including Sephora and Ulta Beauty. Ross’s focus on celebrating natural hair and creating standout products has resonated with consumers, making Pattern Beauty a success in the beauty industry.
Another notable figure is Kevin Hart, a renowned comedian and actor, who founded Laugh Out Loud Productions in 2007 to create and distribute comedy content. Hart’s production company has partnered with various platforms to diversify global comedy and provide opportunities for emerging comedians. In addition to his entertainment ventures, Hart ventured into the alcohol industry in 2022 by launching Gran Coramino, a tequila brand that supports diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Gabrielle Union, an actress known for her roles in films and TV shows, noticed a gap in the market for hair products catering to textured hair. In response, she launched Flawless by Gabrielle Union in 2017, offering a range of products for textured hair using naturally derived ingredients. Union’s commitment to creating products that cater to underrepresented communities led her to establish Proudly, a skincare brand for children with melanated skin, in collaboration with her husband Dwyane Wade.
Snoop Dogg, a Grammy-nominated artist, has leveraged his persona as a weed enthusiast to create successful cannabis-based businesses. Merry Jane, a digital platform founded by Snoop Dogg, aims to normalize discussions about the business and politics of the cannabis industry. Additionally, Snoop Dogg’s brand Leafs by Snoop offers high-quality cannabis products, making him the first celebrity to brand and market legal marijuana products.
Serena Williams, a Grand Slam winner and retired tennis player, transitioned into the business world with Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies with underrepresented founders. Williams has invested in over 85 companies, with a focus on supporting women, people of color, and underrepresented communities. Her portfolio includes companies like Parfait, Impossible Foods, and Noom, with several businesses reaching Unicorn status.
Jay-Z, a renowned rapper and entrepreneur, founded Roc Nation in 2008, a multi-faceted entertainment company that supports artists, athletes, and music distribution. Jay-Z also acquired full ownership of Armand de Brignac, becoming the first rapper to own a champagne label. His business ventures have not only shaped the entertainment industry but have also paved the way for other artists to explore entrepreneurship.
Oprah Winfrey, a trailblazing media mogul, established OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in 2011, a television network that features original programming aimed at empowering and inspiring viewers. Winfrey’s network has been a platform for diverse voices and stories, reflecting her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in media. With a successful career spanning TV, film, and publishing, Winfrey has become a prominent figure in the business world.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a former professional wrestler turned actor, has expanded his influence into business with ventures like the United Football League and ZOA Energy Drink. However, his most significant project is Teremana Tequila, a brand that quickly gained popularity for its premium quality and smooth flavor. Despite launching during the pandemic, Teremana Tequila has seen remarkable success, solidifying Johnson’s position as a successful entrepreneur.
Patti LaBelle, known as the “Godmother of Soul,” has combined her passion for cooking with her music career to create Patti’s Good Life, a food brand offering a range of products from hot sauces to frozen meals. LaBelle’s brand has seen significant success, grossing nearly $200 million in sales through partnerships with major retailers like Target and Walmart. With plans to expand into the breakfast market, Patti’s Good Life continues to thrive in the food industry.
Dr. Dre, a seven-time Grammy winner and music producer, revolutionized the audio industry with Beats by Dre, a premium headphone brand that dominated the market and was later acquired by Apple. Dr. Dre’s vision of bringing studio-quality sound to headphones resonated with consumers, making Beats a household name in the audio industry. His success with Beats by Dre solidified his reputation as a savvy businessman in addition to his music career.
Rihanna, a chart-topping artist, made a significant impact on the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty, a makeup brand that offers a diverse range of products for all skin tones. Rihanna’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in beauty has set a new standard for the industry. In addition to Fenty Beauty, Rihanna expanded her business ventures to include Savage x Fenty, a lingerie brand designed to empower men and women to feel confident and sexy.
Lenny Kravitz, a singer-songwriter known for his music and unique style, has also found success in the world of interior design with Kravitz Design Inc. His design firm has worked on various projects, including hotels and residences, showcasing Kravitz’s talent for creating stylish and inviting spaces. Kravitz’s foray into interior design has allowed him to express his creativity beyond music and connect with clients looking for a unique aesthetic.
Berry Gordy Jr., a music industry entrepreneur, founded Motown Records in 1960, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry and creating a platform for Black artists to thrive. Motown Records produced chart-topping hits and launched the careers of legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye. Gordy’s vision of making music a universal language has left a lasting impact on the music industry.
Shonda Rhimes, an award-winning television creator and producer, founded Shondaland in 2005, a global media company known for producing hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton. Rhimes’ commitment to diversity and inclusion in her storytelling has set her apart in the entertainment industry. Shondaland has expanded to include shondaland.com, a platform for empowering women, and Shonda Audio, offering scripted and unscripted podcasts.
Tyler Perry, a successful playwright and filmmaker, founded Tyler Perry Studios in 2005, becoming the first African-American to own a major film production studio. Perry’s films and TV shows have provided opportunities for actors and filmmakers of color, showcasing diverse stories and voices. His commitment to representation and empowerment has made Tyler Perry Studios a hub for creativity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
These empowering Black celebrities have used their influence and talent to create successful businesses that cater to diverse audiences and promote inclusivity in various industries. From beauty and fashion to entertainment and venture capital, these celebrities have shown that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for positive change. As we celebrate Black Business Month, let us continue to support and uplift Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world.
