6 Celebs Who Made It Big In The World Of Business

There is almost always an underlining debate going on about whether a said celebrity deserves the accolades they have received for their acting or singing chops. And while we common folk keep brewing over that, some of these celebrities use their fame and fortune and become business tycoons.

Let’s check out a few Canadian and American stars who have not only made it big on the screens but also made a name for themselves as entrepreneurs:

1.    Keanu Reeves
Arch Motorcycle Company

Canadian actor Keanu Reeves built his custom bike enterprise Arch Motorcycle Company in 2011, in partnership with motorcycle builder Gard Hollinger. The business idea came to the Matrix star’s mind after he fell in love with a Harley-Davidson bike Hollinger customized for him.

Reeves’ modified vehicle went on to inspire Arch Motorcycle Company’s first two-wheeler, KRGT-1, which hit the markets in September 2014.

2.    Jessica Alba
The Honest Company

Actor Jessica Alba turned into an entrepreneur after she co-founded household and childcare products startup The Honest Company in 201. Alba was largely inspired to start a non-toxic line of products for babies after having her first child in 2008.

After three years of background work, the Fantastic Four star launched the company in partnership with co-founders Brian Lee, Christopher Gavigan and Sean Kane with all of 17 products. The brand now sells more than 100 different products.  

3.    Ryan Reynolds
Aviation American Gin

Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds dipped his toe in the business world when he bought a stake in Aviation American Gin in February 2018. He had said in an interview back then that he plans to be more than just an owner and actually be involved in the product's creative direction.

The Deadpool actor went on to buy an ownership stake in telecom company Mint Mobile in November 2019 and joined the Board of Directors at online dating service provider Match Group in July 2020. He also took over the Wrexham Association Football Club in a partnership with actor Rob McElhenney in September last year.

4.    Gwyneth Paltrow
Goop

Despite its controversial posts and products like coffee enema device and vaginal steaming, actor Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle company Goop has become an established brand.

What started off as a weekly newsletter back in 2008 has now ballooned into an e-commerce giant. At one point, Paltrow came under direct attack from Canadian-American gynecologist Dr Jen Gunter for giving “dangerous advice” to her followers. But as fans continue to chase the product, Goop reportedly stands at a net worth of US$ 250 million as of July 2018.

5.    Drake
OVO Sound

Canadian rapper-turned-entrepreneur Drake established his own record label named OVO Sound with long-time collaborator Noah James Shebib, aka 40, in 2012. Drake took his business profile further as he joined the executive committee of NBA franchise, the Toronto Raptors, in 2013.

The rapper forayed into the liquor industry in 2016 with entrepreneur Brent Hocking for the bourbon-based whiskey Virginia Black, which went on to see record-breaking sales in Canada. Drake has also dabbled in fashion designing designed fashion, was reportedly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars in annual tourism income for Toronto.

6.    Kate Hudson
Fabletics

Actor Kate Hudson had started off her activewear clothing line Fabletics in 2013 as just a digital store. But over the next few years, the brand went on to build some 50 shops across North America and plans to open more, as per Fabletics’ website.

The Bride Wars actor launched Fabletics in partnership with fashion retailer JustFab co-CEOs Don Ressler and Adam Goldenberg. She went on to start another clothing line, this time an eco-friendly one, named HappyxNature and launched a craft vodka called King St Vodka in 2019.