Oprah Winfrey, the renowned African-American talk show mogul, has solidified her position as the world’s wealthiest Black woman with a staggering net worth of $2.5 billion.
Her diverse range of investments and businesses in the media industry has contributed to her financial success and established her as a powerful figure and an inspiring role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color.
With an empire built around her brand, Winfrey’s influence extends far beyond the media ventures for which she is well-known. As the host of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” she used her platform to entertain, educate, and inspire her viewers.
One of the key factors setting Winfrey apart from her peers is her astute investment decisions, not only in the media industry but also in the real estate and property markets. Her shrewd moves in this sector have led to significant gains, exemplified by her recent success in selling one of her estates in California.
Even amidst the challenges presented by the current economic climate, Winfrey continues to thrive, displaying resilience and wise decision-making in her professional and investment endeavors.
Billionaires.Africa has closely monitored prominent companies founded or partly owned by Winfrey, identifying her influence over these ventures. Leveraging her expertise and business acumen, Winfrey drives growth and success in these enterprises, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer and a powerful force in the business world.
- Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN): OWN, a TV network founded by Winfrey, offers high-quality TV shows from renowned creators, including TV dramas, reality series, and docu-series. Launched 12 years ago, it is presently mostly owned by Warner Bros and Discovery, with Oprah Winfrey retaining a five-percent minority stake.
- Oxygen Media LLC: Founded in 1998 by Winfrey, Geraldine Laybourne, Lisa Gersh, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, and Caryn Mandabach, Oxygen Media started as a television network. In 2017, it was rebranded to focus mainly on true-crime shows. It operated as a cable network until 2022, after which it expanded as a digital multicast television network on NBC Owned Television Stations’ subchannels.
- Harpo Productions Inc: Winfrey founded Harpo Productions in 1986, a successful multimedia production company known for daytime talk shows like “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Dr. Oz Show,” and “The Nate Berkus Show.” It has also developed shows like “Dr. Phil” and “Rachael Ray.”
- Weight Watchers International Inc: Weight Watchers is a technology company focused on human-centric weight loss and management programs. For almost 60 years, it has empowered millions to adopt healthy habits, using science-backed methods. By combining technology and community support, members achieve and maintain their goals. In 2015, Winfrey purchased a 10-percent stake, which has now reduced to 1.43 percent valued at $7.53 million.
- Oprah Winfrey’s Homes: Winfrey owns several properties, including homes in California, Nashville, and more than a dozen properties in Hawaii. Her main residence is her 66-acre “Promised Land” estate in Montecito, which has a 20,000-square-foot mansion. Last year, she made a $6.6-million profit by selling one of her impressive estates in California.
