Kim Kardashian is one of the most famous and influential celebrities in the world. She rose to fame as a reality TV star, but has since expanded her empire to include beauty, fashion, skincare, and shapewear businesses. According to Forbes, she is now worth $1.7 billion, making her one of the richest self-made women in America. How did she achieve this remarkable feat? Here are some of the key factors that contributed to her success:
KKW Beauty and SKKN By Kim
Kim Kardashian launched her cosmetics and fragrance company, KKW Beauty, in 2017, following the footsteps of her younger sister Kylie Jenner, who founded Kylie Cosmetics in 2015. KKW Beauty offers products such as lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations, highlighters, and perfumes, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. The brand has collaborated with celebrities such as Mario Dedivanovic, Winnie Harlow, and Madonna, and has sold millions of units worldwide.
In 2020, Kardashian sold 20% of KKW Beauty to Coty, a beauty conglomerate that also owns brands like CoverGirl, Rimmel, and OPI, for $200 million. This deal valued KKW Beauty at $1 billion, and gave Kardashian a cash infusion to expand her business.
In 2021, Kardashian shut down KKW Beauty and relaunched it as SKKN By Kim, a high-end skincare collection that features nine products, such as cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. The new brand aims to offer “luxury, performance, and efficacy” to its customers, and claims to use only clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.
Skims
Kim Kardashian founded Skims, a shapewear and loungewear company, in 2019, after struggling to find products that fit her body type and skin tone. Skims offers a range of products, such as bodysuits, bras, underwear, leggings, and robes, in various sizes, colors, and styles. The brand also caters to specific needs, such as maternity, bridal, and men’s collections.
Skims has been praised for its innovative design, quality, and inclusivity, and has attracted loyal customers and fans, including celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, and Serena Williams. The brand has also partnered with major retailers, such as Nordstrom and Net-a-Porter, and has sponsored events, such as the Tokyo Olympics and the Met Gala.
In 2023, Skims raised $240 million in a funding round led by Thrive Capital, a venture capital firm that has backed companies like Spotify, Instagram, and Stripe. This round valued Skims at $4 billion, and gave Kardashian a majority stake of 74%, worth $2.96 billion.
Reality TV and Endorsements
Kim Kardashian’s fame and fortune began with her appearance on the hit reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which chronicled the lives of her and her family. The show debuted in 2007, and ran for 20 seasons until 2021, making it one of the longest-running and most-watched reality shows in history. The show also spawned several spin-offs, such as Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Khloé and Lamar, and Rob & Chyna.
According to Forbes, Kardashian earned an estimated $10 million per season from the show, as well as a cut of the syndication and streaming rights. She also leveraged her popularity to land other TV and film roles, such as guest appearances on 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, and Ocean’s 8, and voice roles on American Dad and Paw Patrol: The Movie.
Besides TV and film, Kardashian also earns millions from endorsement deals and social media posts. She has promoted brands such as Uber, T-Mobile, Balmain, and Adidas, and has charged up to $500,000 per Instagram post, according to TMZ. She has also launched her own mobile game, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, which has generated over $200 million in revenue since its release in 2014.
Conclusion
Kim Kardashian is a prime example of how a reality star can transform into a billionaire entrepreneur. She has built a loyal fan base, a strong personal brand, and a diverse portfolio of businesses that cater to the needs and preferences of her customers. She has also used her platform to advocate for causes such as criminal justice reform, gun safety, and cancer research. She is not only a celebrity, but also a leader, a visionary, and a role model for many.