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The Richest Self-Made Women in America: How They Did It

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner
  • Net Worth: $710M
  • Revenue Streams: Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, reality TV, social media endorsements

Kylie's most notable venture is Kylie Cosmetics, a beauty brand she launched in 2015 for those who wanted to recreate her oversized pout (without the fillers). And although she landed the Forbes cover labeling her a "self-made billionaire," the magazine later corrected in 2019 that she had not reached B-status. The magazine also faced heat for describing the beauty mogul as "self-made," when she comes from a wealthy, famous family and has been on a TV show since before hitting puberty. As I love to say, the devil works hard, but Kris Jenner works harder to keep her girls working!

The Kylie Lip Kit mania has long died down, and the Kardashian-Jenners are facing criticism that their new Hulu show is too scripted and produced. So what's a KarJenner to do? Only time will tell, but the youngest sibling (and Kris's declared favorite) still has plenty of time to figure it out. She's still under 30!

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Marissa Mayer

Marissa Mayer
  • Net Worth: $970M
  • Revenue Streams: Google stock, Yahoo! compensation, investments

After graduating from Stanford, Marissa Mayer joined Google in 1999, becoming their first female engineer—and eventually their first female executive. Mayer spearheaded the development of Google's search algorithms and user interface, driving the company's massive growth.

In 2012, she took on the challenge of leading Yahoo, further cementing her status as a tech titan. Her strategic moves at both companies netted her significant wealth through stock options and bonuses. Mayer's active leadership and innovative contributions have made her one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.

Magnus HöijDerivative work by Keraunoscopia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Diane Hendricks

Diane Hendricks
  • Net Worth: $21.9B
  • Revenue Streams: ABC Supply Co., real estate investments, and construction materials distribution

When it comes to building riches on one's own, Diane Hendricks is not just the queen of roofing; she’s the reigning monarch! As the co-founder and chairman of ABC Supply Co., she turned a small family business into the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and siding in the U.S. after starting with her late husband, Ken, in 1982.

Her shrewd business sense and unwavering commitment to quality allowed her to dominate an industry often overlooked. Beyond construction, she’s also made waves in real estate, showcasing her talent for spotting lucrative opportunities. With a net worth that skyrockets past $21 billion, Diane proves that when it comes to building wealth, the sky’s the limit!

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts
  • Net Worth: $480M
  • Revenue Streams: Book sales, film adaptations, and royalties

With her bestselling romance books, literary giant Nora Roberts has justifiably become one of the world's wealthiest writers. With over 200 published works and more than 400 million copies sold, she has created a vast universe filled with captivating characters and enthralling plots.

Her books often blend romance with suspense, making them irresistible page-turners. Nora's stories have also inspired numerous film adaptations, bringing her characters to life on screen. With a net worth of $480 million, she proves that love stories not only spark passion in readers but can also lead to impressive financial success. Talk about a romance writer with a happy ending!

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Judy Faulkner

Judy Faulkner
  • Net Worth: $7.7B
  • Revenue Streams: Epic Systems Corporation, healthcare software solutions, and electronic health records

With her innovative coding, IT giant Judy Faulkner is changing the face of healthcare. As the founder and CEO of Epic Systems Corporation, she pioneered the development of electronic health records (EHR) that have transformed the way healthcare providers manage patient information.

Starting from her basement in 1979, Judy built Epic into a billion-dollar company, serving over 250 million patients globally. Known for her hands-on leadership style and dedication to improving patient care, she remains fiercely private — no flashy lifestyle here! Instead, she focuses on creating innovative software solutions that keep hospitals running smoothly. With a net worth of $7.7 billion, Judy proves that in the world of healthcare, technology is truly the heart of the matter.

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Rihanna

Rihanna
  • Net Worth: $1.4B
  • Revenue Streams: Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty lingerie line, music sales, streaming, and brand deals with Dior, Gucci, Balmain, and CoverGirl

Bad girl RiRi made good with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. She joined the Billionaire Club in 2022, and at that time, she was the youngest addition to the list. Sure, she hasn't given us new music in over a decade, but she's busy changing the beauty industry (and making that bag)!

The only thing more diverse than her music catalog is her shade range—in fact, Fenty Beauty has been so successful because it features so many skin tones. Same with Savage X Fenty; unlike lingerie brands that have been around forever, like Victoria's Secret, Rihanna's line caters to every size.

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Madonna

Madonna
  • Net Worth: $1.2B
  • Revenue Streams: Music sales, touring, Maverick Records, Siren Films, MDNA Skin, Hard Candy Fitness, real estate investments

Madonna walked other female artists could run. She has amassed her wealth primarily through her music career, with her extensive discography dating back to the '80s and from numerous successful world tours.

And her influence extends beyond music; Madonna runs her own music label, Maverick Records, and a film studio, Siren Films; she started her own skincare line, MDNA Skin, and co-founded a fitness studio chain called Hard Candy Fitness. What can't Madonna do?

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Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely
  • Net Worth: $1.3B
  • Revenue Streams: Spanx, Assets by Sara Blakely, investments

After a frustrating experience with ill-fitting pantyhose, Blakely took scissors to her tights and accidentally cut her way into entrepreneurial history. Spanx, her brainchild, revolutionized the undergarment industry and lifted not just derrieres but the spirits of women everywhere. She cold-called her way into major retailers, used her own derriere as a before-and-after model, and even personally manned the Spanx hotline. She eventually partnered with Target on a line called Assets by Sara Blakely to create a more affordable line. 

Sara Blakely turned a simple idea and $5,000 of savings into a billion-dollar shapewear empire, proving that sometimes the best business ideas are hiding in your closet.

Gillian Zoe Segal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey
  • Net Worth: $3B
  • Revenue Streams: TV network OWN, production company Harpo, brand deals like Weight Watchers, investments

Oprah Winfrey has built an impressive empire through her multifaceted career. Her iconic talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, ran for 25 years, attracting massive audiences and generating substantial revenue. She has leveraged her influence to create Harpo Productions, a media company that produces television shows, films, and books. Winfrey has also launched O, The Oprah Magazine, a popular monthly publication.

Additionally, she has made strategic investments, including a significant stake in Weight Watchers. Her entrepreneurial endeavors, coupled with her strong personal brand and philanthropic work, have cemented her immense wealth and iconic status.

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Thai Lee

Thai Lee
  • Net Worth: $7B
  • Revenue Streams: SHI International Corp., technology solutions, and IT products distribution

The IT business is no match for Thai Lee, who controls her influence with the precision of a well-oiled machine. As the CEO and co-founder of SHI International Corp., she has transformed the company into one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the U.S. since its inception in 1989.

Thai's knack for understanding technology trends and her strategic partnerships have positioned SHI as a go-to provider of IT products and solutions, catering to a diverse clientele. With a net worth of $7 billion, she’s not just a business mogul; she’s a trailblazer, advocating for women and minorities in tech while proving that success knows no boundaries. Talk about a woman on a mission!

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Lynda Resnick

Lynda Resnick
  • Net Worth: $6.3B
  • Revenue Streams: Wonderful Company (including brands like POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and FIJI Water), agriculture, and food products

Lynda Resnick is the ultimate queen of consumer goods, turning nature’s bounty into a billion-dollar empire. As the co-owner and vice chair of the Wonderful Company, she has transformed brands like POM Wonderful and FIJI Water into household names. With her marketing genius and eye for quality, Lynda has successfully carved out a niche in the highly competitive food and beverage industry.

Her bold advertising strategies and commitment to sustainable practices not only boost her companies' profiles but also set a standard for the industry. With a net worth of $6.3 billion, Lynda proves that with a little creativity and a lot of passion, you can turn fresh ideas into fresh profits!

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift
  • Net Worth: $1.3B
  • Revenue Streams: Music sales, streaming, touring (especially the Eras Tour), merchandise, real estate

Taylor Swift joined the Billionaire Club in October 2023, with her groundbreaking Eras Tour Swift selling out stadiums and singlehandedly boosting global economies. She's the ultimate mastermind at everything—smashing records, sweeping awards season, manifesting her dream football boyfriend, and amassing a ridiculous amount of wealth over her short 35 years on this earth. Her father was an investment banker, and she has proudly stated in interviews that he taught her how to make money moves.

Swift's album sales and streaming numbers consistently shatter records, proving her music's incredible reach and staying power. Swift's unparalleled talent and business acumen have not only made her a global superstar but also a formidable force in the music industry. (Some have even said she is the music industry.) As if all that weren't enough (when does the woman sleep?), her strategic brand deals with major names like Apple Music and Capitol One have further cemented her financial prowess, showcasing her savvy ability to secure multiple sources of income.

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Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes
  • Net Worth: $250M
  • Revenue Streams: Television productions (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Bridgerton), writing, and producing

Shonda Rhimes is a television mogul whose storytelling prowess has captivated audiences around the globe! As the mastermind behind iconic series like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, she has a unique talent for creating compelling characters and gripping narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

With the success of her production company, Shondaland, she has expanded her empire to include the hit series Bridgerton, which took the world by storm with its fresh take on period dramas. Known for her bold vision and commitment to diversity, Shonda has redefined the landscape of television. With a net worth of $250 million, she’s not just writing stories; she’s writing her own incredible legacy in Hollywood!

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Meg Whitman

Meg Whitman
  • Net Worth: $3.7B
  • Revenue Streams: eBay, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Quibi, and various board memberships

With an impressively varied and extensive career, Meg Whitman has become a renowned figure in the corporate world. Starting as the CEO of eBay in the late '90s, she transformed the fledgling auction site into a global e-commerce powerhouse, increasing revenues from $4 million to over $8 billion during her tenure.

Later, she took the helm at Hewlett Packard, where she navigated the tech giant through turbulent waters, restructuring and innovating along the way. With a net worth of $3.7 billion, Meg's influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms; she’s also dabbled in politics and has been a strong advocate for women in leadership. Talk about a multi-talented mogul!

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Ellen

Ellen
  • Net Worth: $450M
  • Revenue Streams: The Ellen DeGeneres Show, stand-up comedy, acting, and various endorsements

Famous for her contagious humor and ability to make everyone feel like a celebrity, daytime TV queen Ellen DeGeneres is a force to be reckoned with. With a career that launched in stand-up comedy, she captured hearts with her groundbreaking sitcom, Ellen, before becoming the beloved host of her own talk show for nearly two decades.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show became a staple, celebrated for its feel-good moments and star-studded interviews. Beyond her TV empire, Ellen has dabbled in film and produced numerous projects, showcasing her versatility. With a net worth of $450 million, she’s not just a talk show host; she’s a cultural icon, using her platform to advocate for kindness and positivity. You’ve got to love it!

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Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez
  • Net Worth: $1.3B
  • Revenue Streams: Rare Beauty, music sales and streaming, acting, brand partnerships

Selena Gomez is the newest addition to this list of wealthy women, although she's sitting right where her BFF Taylor Swift is! She's been singing and acting since her Disney days as a teen on Wizards of Waverly Place, and although she's still hugely booked and busy filming Only Murders in the Building and Selena + Chef, her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, has catapulted her to the top of yet another industry—right with other women on this list, like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner.

Her various brand deals throughout the years with major beauty brands like Pantene and Louis Vuitton helped her establish her name in the beauty and fashion industries, ultimately setting the stage for her to claim her beauty empire. And she's only 32 years old, so this billionaire is just getting started.

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Celine Dion

Celine Dion
  • Net Worth: $800M
  • Revenue Streams: Music sales, concert tours, Las Vegas residency, merchandise, and brand endorsements

As she has captivated audiences across the globe with her powerful voice, Celine Dion has amassed an incredible wealth. With her heart-wrenching ballads and powerhouse performances, she’s sold over 200 million records worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Celine’s iconic Las Vegas residency turned into a lucrative venture, drawing fans from around the globe and raking in millions. Beyond music, she’s also ventured into fragrances and merchandise, ensuring her brand stays as fresh as her legendary vocals. With a net worth of $800 million, Celine proves that when it comes to hitting the high notes—both on stage and in business—she’s the undisputed diva!

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton
  • Net Worth: $650M
  • Revenue Streams: Music sales, concert tours, Dollywood theme park, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures

Dolly Parton is a country music icon whose talents extend far beyond the stage, proving that she’s a true multi-hyphenate! With a career spanning over six decades, she’s not only blessed us with timeless hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5," but she’s also made a name for herself in film, television, and business.

Her Dollywood theme park is a beloved destination that showcases her roots and generates significant revenue. In addition to her music and entrepreneurial endeavors, Dolly is known for her heart of gold, championing literacy and education through her Imagination Library program. With a net worth of $650 million, she continues to inspire us all to dream big and sing even bigger!

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Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian
  • Net Worth: $1.7B
  • Revenue Streams: KKW Beauty, SKIMS shapewear, reality TV, mobile apps, brand endorsements

From reality TV to beauty mogul, Kim K has proven that keeping up with her is a full-time job for your wallet. Starting with a reality TV show that made oversharing an art form, Kim leveraged her visibility into a multi-faceted empire. She transformed selfies into cold, hard cash with her mobile app, "Kim Kardashian: Hollywood," and then shaped up her bank account with SKIMS, her hugely successful shapewear line. But the real glow-up came with KKW Beauty, her cosmetics brand that had fans contouring their way to her cash register.

Add in sponsored Instagram posts that cost more than most people's houses, and you've got a recipe for billions that's one part glamour, two parts business savvy, with a dash of controversy for flavor. In Kim's world, everything – from her famous curves to her family drama – is an asset, and she's monetized it all with a skill that would make Wall Street weep. And now she has her sights set on the film & TV industry...! What's next, politics? (She is, in fact, about to complete law school, so I wouldn't rule it out...)

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Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel
  • Net Worth: $600M
  • Revenue Streams: Book sales, film adaptations, and royalties

An iconic figure in literature, Danielle Steel is among the all-time best-selling writers due to the enduring popularity of her works. With over 180 titles to her name, she has penned a staggering number of romance and drama novels, selling more than 800 million copies globally.

Her storytelling prowess has not only won hearts but also translated many of her works into successful films, expanding her reach beyond the written page. Known for her resilience and work ethic, Danielle has faced personal challenges while continuing to produce captivating stories. With a net worth of $600 million, she’s not just a queen of romance; she’s a true powerhouse in the publishing world!

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Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott
  • Net Worth: $580M
  • Revenue Streams: Jewelry sales, home decor, sunglasses, and a successful retail empire with over 100 stores nationwide

The jewelry line that Kendra Scott founded was just the beginning of her glittering empire. Starting from humble beginnings in Texas, she launched her brand in 2002 with a mere $500 and a vision. Today, her name is synonymous with chic accessories that cater to all styles and budgets.

Known for her vibrant gemstones and customizable designs, she transformed the jewelry shopping experience, making it as personal as your Instagram feed. Beyond bling, she’s a powerhouse philanthropist, channeling a portion of her profits into charitable initiatives. If that’s not a boss move, we don't know what boss moves are.

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Sheryl Sanberg

Sheryl Sanberg
  • Net Worth: $2.1B
  • Revenue Streams: Facebook (Meta) stock, book sales, speaking engagements

Sheryl Sandberg has leveraged her career at Google and Facebook (now Meta) to become a prominent figure in the tech industry and a champion for women in leadership. Her book, Lean In, has inspired countless women to pursue ambitious careers and break down barriers.

Sandberg's role as COO at Facebook has contributed significantly to the company's growth and success, and she has amassed substantial wealth through her stock options and salary.

World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon
  • Net Worth: $440M
  • Revenue Streams: Acting, production company (Hello Sunshine), endorsements, and book club

Reese Witherspoon is a Hollywood powerhouse who has mastered the art of balancing charm with entrepreneurial savvy! Bursting onto the scene with her iconic role in Legally Blonde, she became a beloved star and a symbol of female empowerment in film. As the founder of Hello Sunshine, her production company focuses on stories driven by women, producing hits like Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere.

Beyond acting and producing, Reese's popular book club has introduced countless readers to new voices and stories. With a net worth of $440 million, she’s not just a talented actress; she’s a trailblazer in Hollywood, proving that you can have both talent and business acumen while rocking those signature curls!

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Serena Williams

Serena Williams
  • Net Worth: $340M
  • Revenue Streams: Tennis earnings, endorsements, fashion line (Serena), and investments

The legendary Serena Williams is an unbeatable force in all aspects of her life, not just tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, she’s not just a champion; she’s a trailblazer who has redefined women’s tennis and inspired countless athletes worldwide. Beyond her remarkable sports career, Serena has built a powerful brand, with lucrative endorsements from giants like Nike and Wilson.

Her fashion line, simply called Serena, showcases her flair for style and commitment to body positivity. Additionally, her keen eye for investments has led her to venture into tech and startups, further solidifying her business acumen. With a net worth of $340 million, Serena proves that she’s not only serving aces but also creating a legacy that transcends tennis!

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Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand
  • Net Worth: $400M
  • Revenue Streams: Music sales, acting, directing, concert tours, and endorsements

The iconic multi-hyphenate Barbra Streisand has cemented her place in entertainment history with her abilities. With a career spanning over six decades, she has dazzled audiences as a singer, actress, and director, garnering numerous awards, including Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys. Barbra’s powerful voice has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

From her iconic performances in films like Funny Girl to her sold-out concert tours, she knows how to captivate audiences. Beyond her impressive artistic achievements, she is also known for her philanthropic efforts and activism. With a net worth of $400 million, Barbra proves that talent, hard work, and a passion for the arts can lead to a truly stellar career!

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