Celeb Black Women with a Bustling Business

This story is part of our Start. Build. Grow. series, a celebration of Black business.

Here at The Root, you already know we like to push for everything and everybody Black. And with us just now leaving Black History Month and ushering in Women’s History Month—also known as Black Women’s History Month, we felt it fitting to take a look at some badass Black women who are millionaire (or at least, soon-to-be millionaire) multi-hyphenates and crushing it in the entrepreneurial game.

So sit back, grab your business plan or notebook, and read on!

Rihanna

Now y’all already know we had to start it off strong with Robyn Rihanna Fenty herself. From Fenty Beauty to Fenty Skin to Savage X Fenty—this mogul has taken the beauty industry by storm and is showing now signs of slowing down any time soon.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson alluded to her multiple businesses during her heart-breaking discussion about fair pay with Gayle King back in December. But if you don’t know what she was referring to, she’s talking about her TPH brand of both haircare and bodycare products. (She also makes some pretty fire candles too!)

Tabitha Brown

Hello there! You already know we couldn’t make this list without including Auntie Tabitha Brown and her many array of businesses like her Donna’s Recipe haircare line, signature seasoning blends with McCormick and her Kale My Name vegan restaurant.

Tracee Ellis Ross

One of our favorites, Tracee Ellis Ross’ haircare line Pattern Beauty has risen in the ranks when it comes to popular beauty brands.

Gabrielle Union

Like Taraji and Tracee, Gab Union’s Flawless by GU haircare line has some of the best products in the game. They’ve also launched a skincare brand for babies called Proudly that’s currently being carried in select Targets.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams may be a champ on the tennis court, but it looks like she’s also killing it in business with Serena Ventures, her venture capital firm, S by Serena clothing line and Serena Williams Jewelry, both brands that she designs for.

Issa Rae

Between Issa Rae’s three coffee shops in the Los Angeles area, haircare line Sienna Naturals, and newly created Viarae prosecco—I honestly don’t know when she has time to sleep.

Cardi B

I know Cardi B didn’t think of alcohol-infused whipped cream shots first, but we’d be lying if we said that her Whipshots weren’t popping in these streets.

Patti LaBelle

Whether you enjoy a Patti Pie or one of her other delicacies, Patti LaBelle’s food empire is one that’s been growing for years and getting better with each and every product.

Beyonce

While the reviews may be mixed about Bey’s new haircare line, she’s also got her new perfume Ce Noir and Ivy Park collections to quiet the naysayers.

Mary J. Blige

Though we’re all still waiting on Mary J. Blige to bless us with her own thigh-high boots collection, she’s given us her wine brand Sun Goddes to bide the time.

Sabrina Elba

Another fairly new product, S’ABLE Labs Skincare is already taking the beauty industry by storm. (And it doesn’t hurt that Sabrina Elba and Idris Elba are the faces of it and behind it.)

Lizzo

Did somebody say “yippy” or Yitty—Lizzo’s shapewear line with Fabletics. It doesn’t matter, you should check the products out anyway.

Kandi Burruss

In addition to Old Lady Gang, Kandi Burruss is also owner Blaze Steak and Seafood in Atlanta as well as her sex toy company Bedroom Kandi.