Surprising Reality Stars With Side Hustles

As Seen On: Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Business Venture(s): Kylie Cosmetics 

Kylie Jenner became famous as the younger sibling of reality star Kim Kardashian. She and her twin sister, supermodel Kendall Jenner, were always featured on the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. As Kylie got older, she realized that her true passion was makeup, and she decided to found her own company: Kylie Cosmetics.

https://magazine.education.investing.com/products-that-werent-exactly-what-was-advertised/

The first product (and perhaps the most famous) from Kylie Cosmetics were the Kylie Lip Kits, which promised to give anyone a pout, no matter how thin their lips. Those kits sold off the shelves immediately, and Jenner continued to expand her product line. Now, Jenner is worth $900 million. Kylie Cosmetics, of which Jenner owns a 41.1% stake, is valued at around $1.2 billion.

As Seen On: The Simple Life
Business Venture(s):  Paris Hilton Perfumes & Fragrances

Paris Hilton is an actress, singer, reality star, heiress, and business owner. Though she became famous for her role on The Simple Life with Nicole Richie, she has since branched out into owning her own line of fragrances. She also licenses her image to tech groups and game developers like Animoca Brands.

Paris Hilton ©Adam Ziaja / Shutterstock.com

So far, she has released twenty-six perfumes. Of all her businesses and social media endorsements, this is one of her most long-standing. The perfumes have been released over a sixteen-year period, and they have grossed $2.5 billion in sales since their launch under the Paris Hilton Perfumes & Fragrances name.

As Seen On: X-Factor
Business Venture(s): Erskine Records

Former One Direction member Harry Styles is known for his fashion and singing voice, and his career went supernova after he appeared on The X Factor in 2010. Simon Cowell signed One Direction after seeing the band’s potential, and 1D, as the fan clubs have nicknamed the band, has been a smash hit. At the height of their popularity, the band was making $280,000 each per day.

Harry Styles Erskine Records @erskine_rec / Twitter.com

Now, 1D behind him, Styles still releases hit music. He also owns his own label, called Erskine Records. He launched Erskine as an indie label, though it is partnered with Columbia Records, the label to which Styles is signed.

As Seen On: Wahlburgers
Business Venture(s): Wahlburgers

Paul Wahlberg is the brother of actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. He is a chef, and he got his start in the food industry working for several restaurants after high school, including The Four Seasons and The Charles Hotel. He was the executive chef of Bridgeman’s for nine years. The chef is now the owner of Wahlburgers, a line of burger restaurants.

Paul Wahlberg Wahlburgers @WaukeshaFreeman / Facebook.com

He owns Wahlburgers with Mark and Donnie. The chef has since become a reality star. He starred on Wahlburgers, an A&E reality series with ten seasons. Walhburgers took us behind the scenes of Wahlburgers and the very funny, nine-sibling Wahlberg family.

As Seen On: Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares
Business Venture(s): Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

When it comes to reality TV, Gordon Ramsay might be just as successful as fellow Brit, Simon Cowell. The prolific chef has more shows under his belt than you can shake a whisk at, from Kitchen Nightmares to Hotel Hell and Hell’s Kitchen. But, before he was ever on-screen, Gordon was a successful businessman. 

Gordon Ramsey @ramsaykitchennightmares / Facebook.com

He first launched his restaurant chain in 1997, before expanding across the world on the back of his TV notoriety. To date, Ramsay’s eateries have been awarded a grand total of 16 Michelin Stars. Gordon himself is worth an eye-watering $160 million, so he must be doing something right. 

As Seen On: Laguna Beach and The Hills
Business Venture(s): Lauren Conrad Collection, LC by Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad held down the lead spot on Laguna Beach and The Hills, making her one of MTV’s brightest stars right up until she left The Hills before the final season. Conrad has since forged a successful career for herself in the fashion and beauty industry. 

Lauren Conrad @laurenconrad / Twitter.com

Lauren collaborated with Kohl’s on the clothing line LC Lauren Conrad in 2012, a year after she launched The Beauty Department. She has since continued to work with the department store on other projects like swimwear, while also being a podcast host and accomplished author. With a resume like this, is it any wonder Lauren is worth $40 million?

Things are going so well for Lauren that when The Hills announced a rebooted series with old and new cast members in 2018, Conrad was one of the few that was able to turn it down. She simply didn’t need the cash.

As Seen On: Celebrity Apprentice, Real Housewives of New York
Business Venture(s): Skinnygirl

Bethenny Frankel has been at the heart of the drama on Real Housewives of New York for years, even though she’s left the series twice. As one of the main cast members for the bulk of the show’s duration, Bethenny’s business Skinnygirl was often featured. 

Bethenny Frankel Skinnygirl cocktail @skinnygirl / Facebook.com

Skinnygirl initially started out as a low-calorie cocktail line before expanding into a range that contains popcorn, shapewear, jeans, and even deli meat. Frankel made an incredible $140 million when she sold the cocktail line to Beam Cocktail, proving that Comcast’s Bravo stars really can make serious money. 

Bethenny is always keen to give back to communities as well, founding BStrong several years ago. The initiative helps disaster struck areas by offering financial relief. Currently, they’re working on helping those hit hardest by the pandemic by offering cash cards and other assistance.

As Seen On: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules
Business Venture(s):  Restaurants, Pet Accessories, Sangria

Lisa Vanderpump, the reality show maven and star of the eponymous Vanderpump Rules, was born in London. In addition to never shying away from drama on RHOBH, Vanderpump and her husband are restaurateurs, owning thirty-six restaurants, clubs, and bars in LA and London. Famous locations the Vanderpumps own include Shadow Lounge, Tom Tom, SUR, Bar Soho, and more.

Lisa Vanderpump Restaurants, Pet Accessories, Sangria brand @VanderpumpPets / Twitter.com

Vanderpump even branched out into the day-to-day of the restaurant business, opening Lisa Vanderpump’s Stonebaked Pizzeria in Los Angeles, alongside Jim Stylus, a comedian. Other companies bearing the Vanderpump name include a line of emojis, pet supplies, and a Cocktail Garden in Caesar’s Palace. 

Lisa isn’t a novice when it comes to business, but even heavy hitters have taken knocks in 2020. One of her LA restaurants, Villa Blanca, has closed its doors after 12 years of serving its loyal customer base. According to Lisa’s interview with the Daily Mail, the landlord wasn’t willing to renegotiate the lease.

As Seen On: Top Chef
Business Venture(s): Chicago Restaurants: Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, and Duck Duck Goat

No one can cook up a storm in the kitchen quite like Stephanie Izard. Stephanie showcased her culinary talents to the world when she appeared on the fourth season of Top Chef, going on to become the first female to ever win. 

Stephanie Izard @foodandwine / Facebook.com

After making a name for herself on the Comcast show, Stephanie opened up a restaurant called Girl and the Goat in Chicago. The venture proved so popular that a second and a third restaurant soon followed. Thanks to her savvy business mind as well as expertise in the kitchen, Stephanie is now worth a cool $3 million. 

If Stephanie hadn’t had the exposure that reality TV offers, would she have been able to climb to such great heights? Her talent may speak for itself but her reputation certainly got an added boost after she scooped the crown on the popular series.

As Seen On: The Hills
Business Venture(s): Glossier

Back in the ‘00s every teenage girl wanted an internship at Teen Vogue thanks to The Hills. The reality show followed a group of youngsters trying to move up in the career world in Los Angeles. Emily Weiss wasn’t a major star, but she did appear on the show as an intern at the popular magazine for a three-episode run. 

Emily Weiss Glossier @theinnovatorpod / Facebook.com

Little did fans of Viacom’s MTV show know then that Weiss would go on to found Glossier, the beauty brand that’s just been valued at $1.2 billion. Emily is such a force to be reckoned with in the beauty world that she was included in the Time 2019 “Next 100.” 

Everyone measures success in different ways, but out of all of the cast members on The Hills, Emily is doing the best. Lauren has her own empire, but she’s not a billionaire. Weiss is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to business!

As Seen On: Jersey Shore
Business Venture(s): The Snooki Shop & Etsy shop, Nicole’s Craft Room

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi made quite the impression as a tiny person with an incredibly loud personality when Jersey Shore first hit screens back in 2009. The MTV show was unlike anything viewers had seen before, with alcohol-fuelled carnage and mayhem. Snooki soon established herself as one of the most loved stars. 

The Snooki Shop @SnookiNews/Pintetest

Like many of her fellow castmates, Snooki decided to grow her paycheck by launching several businesses, including The Snooki Shop. Fans can get a plethora of clothing items from the store at reasonable prices. The mom of three also has her very own Etsy store titled Nicole’s Craft Room. 

Jersey Shore originally ended in 2012, but the series was later brought back as Jersey Shore Family Vacation in 2018. There’s still just as much of a fanbase now as there was then, which can only serve to boost the cast’s other ventures.

As Seen On: The Apprentice
Business Venture(s): RPM, Cigars Around the World (sold to Synergy Brands)

Some reality TV stars fall into obscurity, never to be seen again. Others flourish and end up creating a very comfortable life for themselves. Bill Rancic is best remembered as Donald Trump’s first apprentice, back when the POTUS was a simple businessman. 

Bill Rancic @billrancic / Facebook.com

Rancic created Cigars Around the World, a store and lounge that first appeared in the mid-00s. The Comcast NBC star sold the brand to Synergy but stayed on as a director, but the fate of the chain is unclear. We do know that Bill is also a successful restaurateur, having established several eateries in his hometown of Chicago called RPM. 

When it comes to business, Bill isn’t a one-trick pony. He’s not afraid to branch out and try other ideas, which is probably why he’s managed to bag himself a very solid fortune of $30 million. Being inventive and adaptable isn’t doing Bill any harm.

As Seen On: The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Business Venture(s): Bedroom Kandi, Kandi Koated Nights, Old Lady Gang Southern comfort food restaurants

Kandi Burruss is one of the most successful cast members on The Real Housewives of Atlanta – and that’s saying something. Burruss has been with the show since its second season back in 2009, so it’s safe to say she’s a fan favorite. Her notoriety helped her succeed in the business world, although some of her ventures are certainly NSFW. 

Kandi for Bedroom Kandi @BedroomKandi/Twitter

Back in 2012, Kandi shocked her castmates when she unveiled Bedroom Kandi, followed by Kandi Koated Nights, a web series based on relationship advice that debuted on IBM’s UStream in 2018. Her business projects coupled with her entertainment career have helped Burruss amass a fortune of $23 million. 

Kandi and her husband Todd are also in the restaurant biz. Earlier in 2020, they opened Blaze Steak & Seafood, aiming to provide the Southwest Atlanta community with a new hotspot. Todd told his YouTube viewers it was a “blessing” to be able to open the eatery.

As Seen On: Ace of Cakes
Business Venture(s): Charm City Cakes

Cake shows have been on the rise (in every sense of the world) for years now, making stars out of the unsung heroes of the pastry world. Duff Goldman’s business Charm City Cakes goes hand in hand with his television career. 

Duff Goldman Charm City Cakes @duffgoldman / Facebook.com

The Baltimore-based bakery was the basis of Discovery’s Food Network hit, Ace of Cakes. Goldman and his team cook up a variety of incredible cakes that defy belief, with many of the special creations featuring heavily in the show from 2006 to 2011. Although the series is over, Charm City Cakes is still going strong with two locations. 

Duff’s business strategy is pretty simple, according to UMBC Magazine. “Succeeding in business is not difficult. The way to do things right is to not do them wrong. I know it’s a really simple, stupid idea but I came out of the bathroom with this idea.”