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Rihanna, the U.S.-Barbadian music icon, has seamlessly transitioned from dominating the music scene to conquering the business world, emerging not only as a musical sensation but also as one of the world’s wealthiest Black figures.
Her success in music laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial pursuits. Unforgettable performances, chart-topping hits, and strategic brand collaborations forged a devoted fanbase and established her distinct brand identity.
In 2022, she clinched the title of America’s youngest self-made billionaire. Despite a slight dip in her net worth from $1.7 billion to $1.4 billion, she maintains her position among the world’s billionaires, ranking 2,109th on Forbes’ prestigious list.
Fenty Beauty, Rihanna’s brainchild launched in 2017, disrupted the beauty industry with its diverse shade range. Immediate success ensued, challenging beauty norms and reshaping market dynamics.
Expanding beyond cosmetics, Rihanna introduced Savage X Fenty, a body-positive lingerie line, and Fenty Skin, a skincare range, along with Fenty Eau de Parfum. This diversification reflects her commitment to meeting varied consumer needs.
Rihanna’s strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Puma and LVMH, showcase her ability to extend brand influence. These ventures go beyond financial success, sparking conversations about diversity and representation within industries.
More than a business mogul, Rihanna’s journey inspires aspiring businesswomen, particularly from underrepresented communities. Her impact reaches beyond profit margins, fostering positive change in the business world.
Billionaires.Africa sheds light on Rihanna’s expansive portfolio, unveiling a glimpse into the various companies and holdings she commands:
- Fenty Beauty
In 2017, Rihanna’s entrepreneurial journey reached new heights with the launch of Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics powerhouse created in collaboration with luxury giant LVMH. By 2020, the brand generated over $550 million in revenue, with a global presence in Sephora stores across the US, Canada, France, and Australia. Fenty Beauty’s online reach extends to more than 150 countries.
- Fenty Skin
Rihanna, capitalizing on the triumph of Fenty Beauty, furthered her beauty domain with Fenty Skin in July 2020. In just two years, this skincare marvel has solidified its position as a key player in cosmetics. Fenty Skin continues to captivate beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Its global footprint includes South Africa and Nigeria, two of Africa’s top-five wealth markets, as well as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. - Roraj Trade LLC
As the central holding company for Rihanna’s ventures, Roraj Trade LLC oversees various product lines under the coveted Fenty trademark. From clothing and lingerie to beauty and technology, Rihanna’s strategic trademark acquisitions laid the foundation for iconic brands like Fenty Fashion Line, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Skin.
- Savage X Fenty
Rihanna’s impact transcends cosmetics with her 30 percent ownership of Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand launched in 2018. Partnering with TechStyle Fashion Group, the company has garnered investments from Marcy Venture Partners and L. Catterton, with Bernard Arnault among its shareholders. In 2021, a funding round boosted Savage X Fenty’s valuation to $1 billion, securing $310 million in venture capital funding. - Tidal
Rihanna’s business portfolio extends beyond beauty and fashion to include ownership in Tidal, a music streaming service launched in 2014 by the Swedish company Aspiro. Tidal continues to be majority-owned by Block, Inc., an American payment processing company led by Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey.
- Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF)
Rihanna’s philanthropy shines through CLF, founded in 2012. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $5 million to relief efforts and provided PPE to New York. In April 2020, $2.1 million supported those facing domestic violence during lockdowns. CLF also focuses on climate justice, with a €13 million ($13.9 million) allocation in 2022.
- Rihanna’s Real Estate Portfolio
Beyond her professional ventures, Rihanna commands a notable real estate portfolio. This includes a $14-million penthouse in Lower Manhattan, a £7 million ($8.6 million) residence in West London for her work with Fenty Fashion, and the sale of her Hollywood Hills mansion in 2018 for $10.4 million.
