Power, influence, and billion-dollar empires—today’s top female celebrities aren’t just entertaining the world, they’re redefining what it means to be a boss. From cosmetics and clothing lines to media empires and music megatours, women like Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Oprah Winfrey have made their mark not only in pop culture but in business as well.
The 2025 edition of Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women shines a spotlight on these impressive women, many of whom have turned fame into serious financial success through entrepreneurship and strategic brand building.
One of the biggest surprises on this year’s list was Selena Gomez, who made her debut with an estimated net worth of $700 million. At 32, the singer, actress, and producer has taken her career to the next level with her flourishing beauty brand, Rare Beauty. According to Forbes, Selena owns at least 51% of the company, which pulled in an astonishing $370 million in revenue in 2024 alone.
Rare Beauty has resonated with fans and consumers alike for its inclusive product range and commitment to mental health advocacy. Its success helped catapult Selena into the financial big leagues—proof that celebrity-backed beauty brands can go far beyond hype when built with purpose and authenticity.
Long known as one of music’s most savvy and powerful figures, Taylor Swift continued her meteoric rise with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion—a 23% increase over the previous year. Her chart-topping Eras Tour, which concluded in December 2024, was a historic achievement in both ticket sales and cultural impact.
Kim Kardashian , Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and More Stars’ Net Worth
But touring is just one piece of the puzzle. Taylor’s re-recordings of her early albums have been a game-changer, allowing her to regain control of her music and generate new revenue from old hits. As of Forbes’ May 2 estimate, her earnings didn’t yet include her recent acquisition of the master recordings of her first six albums—an event that will likely push her net worth even higher in the months ahead.
Taylor’s one-time frenemy, Kim Kardashian, still holds the financial edge—at least for now. With an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion, Kim Kardashian remains one of the most successful reality stars turned entrepreneurs in the world. Her SKIMS shapewear line has not only dominated sales but redefined the fashion industry’s approach to body inclusivity and comfort.
SKIMS’ continued growth and global expansion have made Kim Kardashian the richest member of the Kardashian-Jenner family. In comparison, her younger sister Kylie Jenner, once hailed as the youngest “self-made billionaire,” now has an estimated net worth of $670 million—still impressive, but now behind both Kim Kardashian and Selena.
Beyoncé, long known as a global icon and music mogul, has a reported net worth of $780 million. While her tours and music sales remain significant, Beyoncé’s business ventures—including her Ivy Park fashion line and partnerships with major brands—contribute heavily to her growing empire.
Other notable women on the Forbes list include:
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Céline Dion, with an estimated net worth of $570 million, thanks to her legendary career and Las Vegas residency success.
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Reese Witherspoon, who earned $440 million largely through her media company Hello Sunshine, which she sold in part to Blackstone in a deal that valued the company at nearly $1 billion.
While many new names are rising in wealth and influence, one woman continues to sit at the very top: Oprah Winfrey. The media titan has an estimated net worth of $3.1 billion, maintaining her spot as the richest self-made woman on the list.
Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian
Oprah made history in 2003 as the first Black woman to become a billionaire, and her legacy has only grown since. Through her television network OWN, strategic investments (like a major stake in WeightWatchers), and decades of unmatched influence, Oprah’s wealth is extraordinary. Yet, according to the icon herself, her joy has never come from money.
In a 2023 interview with NPR, Oprah reflected on the meaning of success: “The candy bar tasted better if I had somebody to say, ‘Isn’t this good?’ If I could share it with somebody.” That philosophy has shaped her philanthropic work and dedication to lifting others as she climbs.
From beauty brands to billion-dollar tours, these women are more than celebrities—they’re CEOs, visionaries, and cultural forces. Their stories prove that with talent, determination, and smart business moves, the possibilities are endless.
