Rihanna’s transformation from a Grammy-winning global superstar to a billionaire business mogul is one of the most remarkable brand-building stories of the 21st century. With the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017 and the recent debut of Fenty Hair in 2024, she has redefined what it means to be a celebrity entrepreneur — leading with inclusion, innovation, and authenticity.
How the Fenty Brands Began: From Vision to Reality
Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in September 2017 in partnership with LVMH’s Kendo Brands, a luxury product incubator that also backs other prestige names like Marc Jacobs Beauty. What made Fenty Beauty an instant phenomenon wasn’t just Rihanna’s celebrity status — it was the brand’s unapologetic commitment to inclusivity.
The launch campaign famously featured 40 foundation shades, catering to a spectrum of undertones and skin colors that had long been underserved by the beauty industry. That number has since expanded to 50 shades, setting a new standard that forced other cosmetic giants to follow suit. This strategic focus on underrepresented communities helped generate enormous brand loyalty and viral momentum, often referred to as the “Fenty Effect.”
Fenty Beauty quickly broadened its offerings to include highlighters, bronzers, lip products, and more — all embodying Rihanna’s bold, fashion-forward style. In 2024, the brand generated an estimated $602.4 million in revenue, cementing its position as the highest-earning celebrity beauty brand of the year. According to BrandValuer, Fenty Beauty's brand is worth an estimated $581.6 million.
Fenty Hair: The Next Frontier
In June 2024, Rihanna expanded her beauty empire with the launch of Fenty Hair. Carrying the same inclusive ethos as its predecessor, Fenty Hair was introduced with the tagline “Haircare for All Hairkind.” The line was designed to support a broad spectrum of hair types and textures — from straight to coily — with a mix of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and repair treatments.
The brand launch was a major success, fueled by a strong influencer campaign and Rihanna’s massive global following. While specific revenue data has not yet been made public, Fenty Hair earned $24.6 million in media value in the early weeks following its debut — an indication of strong consumer interest and staying power. According to BrandValuer, Fenty Hair's brand is worth an estimated $20.7 million.
What’s Next for the Fenty Empire?
Looking ahead, the Fenty brand shows no signs of slowing down. Rihanna and her team are reportedly eyeing global expansion, particularly in emerging beauty markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Deeper retail presence is also on the table, with industry buzz suggesting that standalone Fenty stores or pop-up experiences may be on the horizon to give customers a fully immersive brand experience.
Fenty Hair is also expected to evolve beyond just products, potentially venturing into the tools and accessories space with items like dryers, diffusers, and protective hair wraps tailored for textured hair. There is also speculation of a strategic relaunch and expansion of Fenty Skin, the skincare line Rihanna debuted in 2020, with new products focused on hydration, sun protection, and barrier repair.
The fragrance category is another potential growth area. Following the success of Fenty Eau de Parfum, a signature scent praised for its warm and spicy notes, fans anticipate the launch of additional fragrances that reflect Rihanna’s multifaceted style and personality.
Rihanna’s Billion-Dollar Brand Power
Rihanna’s business ventures have contributed significantly to her financial success. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. A large portion of this comes from her 50% stake in Fenty Beauty, which is valued in the billions, along with equity in her lingerie line Savage X Fenty and royalties from her music catalog.
What sets Rihanna apart in the celebrity business world is not just her star power, but her genuine involvement in the creative and strategic processes behind her brands. She isn’t simply endorsing a product; she’s building it from the ground up with a focus on real consumer needs. According to the BrandValuer app, Rihanna’s brand worth is an estimated $446.8 million.
Conclusion
Rihanna’s journey from pop stardom to boardroom leadership is a masterclass in brand-building and cultural awareness. With Fenty Beauty, she revolutionized the cosmetics industry by making diversity the norm, not the exception. With Fenty Hair, she’s setting out to do the same for the haircare world. And as she continues to expand her empire, one thing is clear: Rihanna isn’t just creating products — she’s building a legacy.
