MomSkoop
Reality TV has launched countless stars into the spotlight, but some don’t stop at fame.
Many have turned their on-screen success into thriving business empires, proving they’re more than just entertaining personalities.
From makeup moguls to restaurant owners, these reality stars have built brands that generate millions and inspire fans worldwide.
1. Kim Kardashian – SKIMS, KKW Beauty, various ventures
Starting from a reality show about her family, Kim built an empire that few could imagine.
SKIMS, her shapewear and loungewear line, became a billion-dollar company within just a few years.
The brand focuses on inclusive sizing and body positivity, making it accessible to everyone.
Before SKIMS, she launched KKW Beauty, which sold millions in makeup products.
Her business savvy extends beyond beauty and fashion into mobile apps, fragrances, and even legal advocacy.
Kim proved that reality fame could be the starting point for serious entrepreneurship.
Her success comes from understanding her audience and delivering quality products they actually want.
2. Kylie Jenner – Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin
At just 19, Kylie launched Kylie Cosmetics with her famous lip kits, which sold out in seconds.
Her strategy was simple but brilliant: use social media to connect directly with fans and create buzz.
The lip kits addressed her followers’ desire to recreate her signature look.
Within three years, her company was valued at nearly a billion dollars.
She later expanded into skincare with Kylie Skin, offering products for younger consumers.
Her hands-on approach to marketing, especially on Instagram and Snapchat, changed how beauty brands engage customers.
Kylie’s story shows how understanding your audience and leveraging social media can create massive success.
3. Bethenny Frankel – Skinnygirl Cocktails & Lifestyle Brand
Bethenny entered the spotlight on The Real Housewives of New York City with big dreams and bigger ambitions.
She created Skinnygirl Cocktails, offering low-calorie margaritas for health-conscious drinkers.
The brand exploded in popularity, resonating with women who wanted to enjoy cocktails without the guilt.
In 2011, she sold Skinnygirl to a major spirits company for a reported $100 million.
But she didn’t stop there—Bethenny expanded the brand into snacks, shapewear, and other lifestyle products.
Her no-nonsense personality and business acumen made her one of reality TV’s most successful entrepreneurs.
She continues inspiring others to chase their business dreams fearlessly.
4. Lauren Conrad – LC Lauren Conrad fashion line, The Little Market
From her days on Laguna Beach and The Hills, Lauren always had an eye for style.
She channeled that passion into LC Lauren Conrad, a fashion line sold at major retailers nationwide.
Her designs are known for being feminine, affordable, and wearable for everyday life.
Beyond fashion, she co-founded The Little Market, a nonprofit online store supporting female artisans globally.
Lauren also became a bestselling author, writing both fiction and lifestyle books.
Her business approach focuses on authenticity and giving back to communities in need.
She transformed her reality TV platform into a multifaceted lifestyle empire that continues growing.
5. Jessica Simpson – Jessica Simpson Collection
Though she first gained fame as a pop star, Jessica’s reality show with then-husband Nick Lachey introduced her to millions more.
She launched the Jessica Simpson Collection in 2005, starting with shoes and expanding into clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Her brand became a retail powerhouse, generating over a billion dollars annually at its peak.
What made her collection special was its focus on affordable glamour for everyday women.
Jessica remained heavily involved in design decisions, ensuring products reflected her personal style.
Her business success proved she was far more than a reality TV personality.
She built a fashion empire that rivals established designers.
6. Lisa Vanderpump – Multiple restaurants & Vanderpump-branded products
British elegance meets California glamour in everything Lisa touches.
Before reality TV, she and her husband owned restaurants in London, but her appearance on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills amplified her business reach.
She now owns multiple successful establishments including SUR, Pump, and TomTom in Los Angeles.
Her Vanderpump Rules spin-off show further promoted her restaurants while entertaining millions.
Beyond dining, she’s launched Vanderpump Rosé, pet accessories, and home décor lines.
Lisa’s sophisticated brand appeals to those seeking luxury with a touch of British charm.
Her empire continues expanding, proving reality fame can enhance already-solid business foundations.
7. Paris Hilton – Fragrance empire, 11:11 Media
Long before the Kardashians, Paris pioneered the celebrity entrepreneur model.
Her fragrance line has generated over $3 billion in revenue since 2004, with over 25 different scents released worldwide.
She understood early that fans wanted to capture a piece of her glamorous lifestyle.
Recently, she launched 11:11 Media, a company focused on creating content across platforms including podcasts and television.
Paris also invests in tech startups and NFTs, showing she’s ahead of business trends.
Her business strategy combines nostalgia with innovation, keeping her relevant across generations.
She transformed being famous into a legitimate, diversified business portfolio that keeps growing.
8. Kristin Cavallari – Uncommon James jewelry & lifestyle brand
After starring on Laguna Beach and The Hills, Kristin stepped away from Hollywood to focus on family and business.
She founded Uncommon James, a jewelry and lifestyle brand offering elegant, affordable pieces for everyday wear.
The brand quickly gained a devoted following for its timeless designs and quality.
Kristin opened a flagship store in Nashville and expanded into home goods, skincare, and children’s products.
Her reality show, Very Cavallari, documented her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges of balancing business with personal life.
She’s hands-on with every aspect, from design to marketing.
Her brand reflects her personal aesthetic: effortlessly chic and approachable for modern women.
9. NeNe Leakes – Boutique clothing stores & entertainment ventures
With her larger-than-life personality, NeNe became a Real Housewives of Atlanta fan favorite.
She leveraged that fame into opening boutique clothing stores, offering trendy fashion to her devoted fans.
Her stores reflected her bold, glamorous style and attracted customers wanting to dress like the star.
Beyond retail, NeNe pursued acting opportunities on Broadway and television sitcoms.
She also launched clothing lines sold through major retailers, expanding her fashion influence.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shows that reality stars can successfully transition into multiple business ventures simultaneously.
NeNe’s journey demonstrates how personality and persistence can open unexpected doors in business and entertainment.
10. Chrissy Teigen – Cravings cookware/cookbooks brand
Known for her hilarious tweets and appearances on Lip Sync Battle, Chrissy turned her love of cooking into a thriving business.
Her Cravings cookbooks became bestsellers, filled with approachable recipes that home cooks actually want to make.
The books showcase her fun personality and genuine passion for food.
She expanded Cravings into a full lifestyle brand, including cookware, bakeware, and kitchen accessories sold at major retailers.
Her products focus on making cooking enjoyable and accessible, not intimidating.
Chrissy’s authenticity and humor make her brand feel like cooking with a friend.
She proves that sharing genuine passions can translate into successful, relatable business ventures.
11. Nicole Snooki Polizzi – Snooki Shop boutiques & product lines
Jersey Shore made Snooki a household name, and she wisely used that platform to build businesses.
She opened Snooki Shop, an online boutique offering trendy clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
Her fans loved being able to shop her signature bold, fun style.
Snooki also launched product lines including slippers, handbags, and fragrances that reflected her playful personality.
She wrote bestselling books and appeared on multiple reality shows, keeping her brand visible.
Her entrepreneurial journey shows that staying true to yourself attracts loyal customers.
She transformed reality fame into a diverse business portfolio that continues entertaining and serving her fanbase.
12. Richard Branson – Expanded Virgin Group
Already a legendary entrepreneur, Richard’s reality show The Rebel Billionaire introduced his adventurous business philosophy to new audiences.
The show featured contestants competing for a position within his Virgin Group empire.
His appearance on reality TV wasn’t about building fame but sharing his unconventional approach to business.
Virgin Group includes over 400 companies spanning airlines, space travel, hotels, and telecommunications.
Richard’s willingness to take risks and challenge industries inspires entrepreneurs worldwide.
The reality show amplified his influence, especially among younger aspiring business owners.
His story reminds us that even established entrepreneurs can use media to expand their impact and inspire others.
13. Gordon Ramsay – Chef empire, restaurants, product lines
Before reality TV, Gordon was already a Michelin-starred chef, but shows like Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef made him a global icon.
His fiery personality and perfectionism translated into entertainment gold while showcasing his culinary expertise.
He now owns over 35 restaurants worldwide, each maintaining his exacting standards.
Gordon’s empire includes cookbooks, cookware lines, food products, and even a mobile game.
His brand represents excellence, discipline, and passion for cooking.
Reality TV gave him a platform to build a culinary empire that extends far beyond restaurant kitchens.
He shows how expertise combined with media presence creates unstoppable business momentum.
14. Martha Stewart – Martha Stewart Living brands
Martha built her empire long before reality TV, but The Apprentice: Martha Stewart introduced her to a new generation.
Her Martha Stewart Living brand encompasses magazines, television shows, home goods, and food products sold at major retailers.
She created an entire lifestyle category that didn’t exist before her.
Despite setbacks, Martha rebuilt and expanded her empire, showing remarkable resilience.
Her products promise to help everyone create beautiful, organized lives.
Her reality TV appearance kept her relevant and connected her with audiences who grew up watching their parents follow her advice.
She remains the ultimate lifestyle entrepreneur, constantly evolving while maintaining her core brand values.
15. Mike The Situation Sorrentino – Clothing and wellness business ventures
Jersey Shore made The Situation famous for his abs and catchphrases, which he smartly turned into business opportunities.
He launched clothing lines featuring his signature sayings and style, appealing to fans who wanted a piece of the Jersey Shore lifestyle.
His merchandise sold well during the show’s peak popularity.
After personal struggles and a remarkable recovery, Mike shifted focus to wellness and motivational speaking.
He now promotes fitness, sobriety, and positive lifestyle changes through various platforms.
His transformation story resonates with people facing their own challenges.
Mike’s journey shows that reinvention and authenticity can create meaningful business opportunities beyond initial fame.