Rihanna: From Pop Superstar to Business Mogul and Self-Made Billionaire
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Rihanna is one of the most successful pop stars of the last few decades, dominating the music industry with countless chart-topping hits. But her success doesn’t stop there. She has also built an empire in the beauty and fashion industries, making her one of the world’s richest self-made women.
With her groundbreaking brands, Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, as well as investments in multiple companies, Rihanna has transformed herself into a billionaire entrepreneur, with an influence that extends far beyond music.
This March, forward2me is celebrating Women’s History Month with 25% off shipping from select women-owned brands. Shop from the official Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty online stores and ship through our warehouses to enjoy this exclusive discount. Use code "IWD25FB" for Fenty Beauty and "IWD25SF" for Savage X Fenty when creating your shipment to save on shipping. Find out more about our initiative and see the other brands featured here.
From Barbados to Global Stardom
Rihanna in 2015
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna’s rise to fame began at just 16 years old when she was discovered by American music producer Evan Rogers. She soon signed with Def Jam Recordings, where she caught the attention of Jay-Z.
Her debut album, Music of the Sun (2005), and its follow-up, A Girl Like Me (2006), introduced her unique Caribbean-influenced sound, but it was her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), that turned her into a global superstar.
Hits like Umbrella, We Found Love, and Diamonds cemented Rihanna as one of the biggest names in pop music. Over the years, she has released eight studio albums, won nine Grammy Awards, and sold over 250 million records worldwide. While fans have been eagerly awaiting her next album, Rihanna has focused her energy on an even bigger project – building a business empire.
Building a Billion-Dollar Business Empire
As of 2025, Rihanna’s net worth is estimated at $£1.4 billion, according to Forbes, making her one of the richest self-made women in entertainment and business.
The majority of her fortune comes from Fenty Beauty, where she holds a 50% stake in the globally successful cosmetics brand. Meanwhile, she holds 30% of her lingerie company, Savage X Fenty, which is valued at approximately $1 billion, further adding to her wealth. Though she still earns from music royalties and acting, Rihanna’s true financial success lies in her ability to build and scale global brands.
Fenty Beauty
Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 in partnership with luxury giant LVMH, with a mission to create an inclusive beauty brand that catered to all skin tones. The brand debuted with 40 foundation shades (now expanded to 50), setting a new industry standard for diversity and representation.
Fenty Beauty became an instant success, generating $100 million in sales within its first few weeks. Its hero products, including the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation, Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, and Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, became cult favorites. The brand’s commitment to quality, innovative formulas, and inclusive marketing made it a global phenomenon.

The Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation set a new standard for inclusivity with its wide shade range, making it one of the key reasons behind Fenty Beauty’s massive success.

The Gloss Bomb that started it all. Loved for its non-sticky formula and universally flattering shades, this high-shine lip gloss quickly became a Fenty Beauty bestseller.
Building on the massive success of Fenty Beauty, Rihanna expanded her empire with Fenty Skin in 2020. The skincare line quickly gained popularity for its minimalist, gender-neutral approach and commitment to clean, eco-conscious ingredients. Bestsellers like the Total Cleans’r and Hydra Vizor Moisturizer became fan favorites, thanks to their effective, no-fuss formulas and sustainable packaging.
In 2024, Rihanna introduced Fenty Hair, a flexible, repair-focused haircare line designed for all hair types. The collection includes nine products, from shampoos and conditioners to styling gels and heat protectants, all formulated with Replenicore-5, a powerhouse blend of amino acids, proteins, and antioxidants that strengthen and repair hair from within. Inspired by Rihanna’s Caribbean roots, ingredients like Barbados Gooseberry and Jackfruit extract add a unique touch to the formulas.
Savage X Fenty
Rihanna launched Savage X Fenty in 2018, aiming to revolutionize the lingerie industry with a brand that embraces diversity, body positivity, and bold self-expression. Offering an inclusive size range (XS to 4X) and affordable luxury, the brand quickly gained a loyal following.
Savage X Fenty became a massive success, with its VIP membership model and star-studded runway shows on Prime Video setting it apart from traditional lingerie brands. The brand’s signature bold lace bralettes, sultry bodysuits, and comfortable yet stylish loungewear have made it a top choice for consumers seeking both confidence and comfort. Now valued at $3 billion, Savage X Fenty continues to dominate.

Savage X Fenty offers more than just lingerie – think sleek loungewear, cozy sleepwear, and even sportswear designed for all body types.

Savage X Fenty is for everyone, and that includes bold, stylish loungewear for men. The Men’s Jersey Short Sleeve Graphic Tee is all about comfort with an edge.
Rihanna’s Game-Changing Partnership with Puma
Rihanna first joined Puma as Creative Director in 2014, bringing her bold, fashion-forward vision to the sportswear brand. Under her leadership, Puma saw a major revival, with her Fenty x Puma collections blending streetwear, luxury, and athletic style.
Her most iconic release, the Puma Creeper, won Shoe of the Year in 2016, selling out almost instantly. Other standout designs included Fenty trainers, fur slides, and chunky platform sneakers, all of which became cult favorites.

Rihanna and Puma changed the sneaker game with the Fenty Puma Creepers, blending edgy street style with classic sneaker design. In 2016, this must-have shoe won "Shoe of the Year" at the FN Achievement Awards, proving its impact on fashion and culture.
After a brief hiatus, Rihanna returned to Puma in 2023, reigniting excitement with new collections that continue to push the boundaries of sportswear and fashion.
In 2025, the latest FENTY x PUMA collection was released. The Avanti LS is a sleek, limited-edition update to the classic 1970-born silhouette. This reimagined design blends retro football aesthetics with modern luxury, featuring a slimmer body, foldover tongue, and premium materials. The collection also includes the Cat Cleat Jelly, a beach-ready shoe available in orange and yellow, and a Pocket Bag, a stylish crochet-stitched mini bag.
Rihanna’s Investments
Beyond her brands, Rihanna has made savvy investments in a variety of businesses, further expanding her financial empire:
- Tidal (Music Streaming) – Invested in 2016, later sold for a payout of $9 million when Jack Dorsey’s Square acquired it for $302 million in 2021.
- Uber (Rideshare App) – Became an investor in 2016, with Uber now valued at $87.21 billion.
- Partake Foods (Vegan Snacks) – Joined Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners in 2021, supporting the first Black-owned food brand to raise over $1 million.
- Therabody (Tech Wellness) – Invested in 2021 alongside Kevin Durant, Jay-Z, and Aaron Rodgers. The company has an estimated revenue of $75 million.
- Destree (Fashion Brand) – Took part in an all-woman investment round in 2022, alongside Beyoncé and Jessica Alba.
Rihanna’s Lasting Influence in Fashion & Beauty
Rihanna’s ability to merge culture, inclusivity, and business savvy has kept her at the top of both the beauty and fashion industries. Whether through her Fenty empire, collaborations like Puma, or smart investments in other businesses, she has built a billion-dollar legacy that extends far beyond music. With her entrepreneurial mindset and trendsetting influence, Rihanna is proof that success has no limits.
Where to Shop Fenty Beauty
You can shop Fenty Beauty directly from its official website (FentyBeauty.com), which offers international shipping to many countries worldwide. This is the best place to find the full range of products, including exclusive releases and limited-edition drops.
Fenty Beauty is also available at major beauty retailers across the US, UK, and Europe. In the US, you can find it at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Target. In the UK, it’s stocked at Boots, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Cult Beauty, while in the EU, it’s widely available at Sephora and select department stores.
See What forward2me Customers Are Shopping from Fenty Beauty
Where to Shop Savage X Fenty
You can shop Savage X Fenty exclusively on its official website, which offers a full range of lingerie, loungewear, and sleepwear for all body types. The website provides international shipping to various countries, making it accessible to fans worldwide.
Shopping directly from SavageX.com also gives you access to exclusive collections and perks through the Xtra VIP Membership, which offers special discounts, early access to new drops, and member-only deals. For those looking for a more flexible shopping experience, Savage X Fenty is also available on Amazon, allowing for faster delivery in select regions.
This March, forward2me is celebrating Women’s History Month with 25% off shipping from select women-owned brands. Shop from the official Fenty Beauty and Fenty X Beauty online stores and ship through our warehouses to enjoy this exclusive discount. Use code "IWD25FB" for Fenty Beauty and "IWD25SF" for Savage X Fenty when creating your shipment to save on shipping. Find out more about our initiative and see the other brands featured here.