Celebrities are no longer one dimensional. Artists may be as talented in front of the camera as they are behind the mic, but more than a few are venturing out beyond the borders of professions that made them famous. More and more artists have “side gigs” unrelated to the world of music, sports, or cinema. Here’s a list of just a few of the celebs who’ve made business sense.
Laila Ali
Adding to her father’s legacy, Laila Ali made a name for herself in the boxing ring. The woman known to the world as a champion athlete added businesswoman to her collection of titles. Ali recently signed a deal with International Beauty Brands and will be championing her own line. She is launching a line of skin care products, hair care products and two fragrances Laila by Laila Ali and KO a men’s fragrance.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry mastered her craft as an actress becoming the first black woman to win an Oscar for best actress, but she’s also proven she has a head for business in the world of beauty. In March 2008, Berry signed a deal with Coty to market her own line of fragrance, body lotion and shower gel called Halle by Halle Berry. She also is the face of Revlon cosmetics and through that deal Berry earns an estimated $1.5 million.
Sean John “Diddy” Combs
Earlier this year the music producer known as Diddy told CNN’s Anderson Cooper he would like to start a business academy in Harlem to cultivate future moguls. His lesson plan would most likely include blueprints to his own business portfolio. Sean “Diddy” Combs has branched out beyond music with “side gigs” that include being a restaurant owner and investor in Ciroc vodka. He also runs the clothing line Sean John. As head designer of the line he also earned the title CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year in 2004, beating out Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
MC Hammer
Stanley Burrell, better-known as ’90s rap star MC Hammer, recently announced a new business venture in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Burrell made a name for himself as much for his incredible dance moves as for losing his multi-million dollar fortune. But things are looking up for the tenacious businessman. He signed on in July as chief executive of Alchemist Management, an MMA marketing venture.
Ludacris
Christopher Bridges, made a name for himself as rap icon Ludacris. But recently he’s gone from Disturbing the Peace to offering a platform for emerging artists in the world of social media. WeMix music network, a 2007 media venture founded by MegaMobile TV Chris Apfel, is headed by the three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper. Members of this online site are given an opportunity to collaborate on beats and share ideas with other members. They may even have a chance to rap with Luda himself. Other ventures for Luda include Conjur Cognac.
Derek Jeter and LeBron James
Derek Jeter and Lebron James have a few things in common. They both rose to the top of their respective sports shortly after making it to the pros. They each can brag of winning Rookie of the year honors and earning All-Star MVP trophies. Now the two sports icons can call each other business associates. In 2008 Jeter and James became investors in WePlay, the youth-sports networking site, created to merge the interests of young players, parents and coaches. Along with Peyton Manning, the future Hall of Famers collective investment was $8.6 million in 2008. Individually, they both have an outstanding number of investments and gigs to date.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams has won five Wimbledon titles, two Olympic Gold medals and held the ranking of number #1 female tennis player in the world. But even on the court she’s never too far from her other ambitions. During matches she sports attire from her own clothing line Eleven. She also owns and operates VStarr Interiors, an interior design company. Additionally, the tennis diva owns a stake in the Miami Dolphins along with sister Serena Williams.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is arguably the best tennis player in the world but she, like her sister Venus, has other ambitions. Serena recently gave Oprah Winfrey a pedicure on her show, while at the same time revealing that she’s an aspiring nail technician. Her aspirations are to one day own a chain of salons. In the meantime, the 27 time Grand Slam champion has inked a deal with OPI nail polish that is appropriately titled the “Grand Slam” collection.
Beyonce
Sasha Fierce isn’t Beyonce’s only alter ego. Known for her enigmatic stage and screen presence Beyonce is also an ultra savvy businesswoman. The international pop star and her mother Tina Knowles launched House of Dereon, a ready to wear fashion line in 2004. The Grammy award winning singer/ songwriter also created her own perfume in cooperation with Coty brands and also produces films and her own albums through her production companies.
Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle has a musical legacy that is truly iconic. The Grammy winner has sold more than 50 million albums fueled by her unmistakable voice. But one of her other gifts has earned her clout in the kitchen. Labelle is an accomplished chef and has written many cook books. She also sells a line of food products under her brand which is aptly titled “Lady Marmalade”.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z has made his imprint on rap with The Blueprint, The Black Album and other award winning contributions to hip hop’s musical library. But in as much time as he’s made his mark on main street, Sean Carter has made an indelible mark on Wall Street. Forbes Magazine named him a billionaire in the making. Here are a list of reasons why: he’s co-owner 40/40, retains a stake in Rocawear, owns J Hotels real estate venture, and has Gain Global Investments Network LLC.
