Over the years, Rihanna has enjoyed immense success in various fields, and the past 12 months have been particularly exceptional, even though they haven’t been related to music.
In 2018, Rihanna made headlines by not releasing any new music for the first time since her 2005 debut. While 2017 saw her collaborate with artists like DJ Khaled, Future, Kendrick Lamar, and N.E.R.D., Rihanna shifted her focus to business in 2018, marking a record-breaking year for her.
Despite not releasing new music, Forbes estimates that Rihanna generated a staggering $62 million in wealth in 2018, making her the 36th highest-paid celebrity of the year. What’s noteworthy is that among the celebrities on the list recognized as musicians, Rihanna was the only one in the top 50 who didn’t release any new music.
Rihanna’s successful foray into entrepreneurship was made possible by her music career, which made her one of the most relatable celebrities known for her no-nonsense attitude. Her fans are exceptionally loyal, with statistics indicating they are more likely to purchase her products than those of other celebrities.
Rihanna initially ventured into the business world as Creative Director for Puma in 2014, leading to the launch of the Puma x Fenty collections. Her sneakers became an instant hit, and Rihanna was named the first female designer to claim the title of Sneaker of the Year. Her involvement boosted Puma’s sales by 23 percent in 2017.
Following her success with Puma, Rihanna took a significant risk by creating Fenty Beauty in 2017 in collaboration with LVMH. The brand’s inclusive approach, offering forty different shades of foundation, led to immediate success, generating $100 million in sales in its first few weeks. Forbes now estimates Fenty Beauty’s worth at over $3 billion, with Rihanna holding a 15 percent stake.
Rihanna also launched Fenty x Savage, a lingerie line in collaboration with Techstyle Fashion Group, which sold out within a month of its first 40-piece collection release.
While Rihanna’s fans eagerly await her next album, she has made it clear that her music career has taken a back seat. Her expanding empire, including Fenty Beauty and Fenty Fashion, demands a significant portion of her time and dedication.
Rihanna is now known as much for her business acumen as her music, challenging the conventional expectations of a musician’s career. As she continues to build her business legacy, it’s evident that her impact extends far beyond the world of music.