No matter where you look, it seems as if just about everyone, has a side project or hustle to help bring in some extra cash.
Labeled the ‘Side Hustle Generation’ due to the massive increase of side-hustling professionals post-recession, individuals are earning real money outside of their everyday careers.
While it’s believed this is just the experience of everyday people looking to increase their funds, celebrities and the rich and famous alike, are also earning their fair share of extra coins from their own offshoot ventures.
If you’re new to the side hustle economy, let these celebrities be your guide. From fashion lines, liquor companies and haircare brands, you’d swear these actresses, musicians and personalities had more than 24 hours in a day.
These 10 celebrities are earning big, while side-hustling like the rest of us.
Cardi B
It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2 years since Cardi B’s debut single ‘Bodak Yellow’ topped the Billboard charts. Since then the rapper and actress continues to expand her professional reach and has recently tapped into the world of fashion design. In 2018, Cardi partnered up with fashion retailer, Fashion Nova releasing her first exclusive collection with the company. By 2019 she was asked to release a second collection, breaking a $1 million in sales record within the first day.
Drake
While Drake might be dubbed the “Champagne Papi” online, he’s more of a bourbon man when it comes to his business ventures. The 33-year-old, rapper, singer and Grammy winner is also the proud co-owner of his own Whiskey line, Virginia Black which officially launched in 2016. In the world of celebrity-owned spirits, Drake joins fellow entertainers like Jay-Z (D’usse), Sean “Diddy” Combs (Cîroc) and 50 Cent (Le Chemin du Roi) who also own or co-own liquor companies.
Erykah Badu
Known for her grace, spirituality and iconic sounds, Erykah Badu is more than one of the most remarkable singers of our generation. For more than 15 years, Badu has been a certified doula, helping deliver babies and assisting new mothers nationwide. In recent years, she counts model Slick Woods among her clients. Having shared her passion for childbirth with the International Doula Institute back in 2001, Badu believes all of her passions stem from “a place of love” and feels her role as a doula is “like being the welcoming committee” to a brand new life.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union has become a staple in television and movies worldwide and now she’s taking her name and likeness to the vineyards of Napa Valley. As of 2014, Union alongside husband, Former NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade partnered up with JaM Cellars’ John Truchard and celebrity-wine matchmaker R.C. Mills, to launch their own wine brand, Vanilla Puddin’ Chardonnay. Disgusted with quality wine prices, Union shared she wanted to create a tasty, affordable wine, everyone could enjoy.
Lenny Kravitz
With a career spanning more than a few decades, rocker Lenny Kravitz is a certified legend. But make no mistake, his interests aren’t limited to music. Kravitz, known for his eclectic bohemian style, has quite the eye for interior design. In fact, in 2003 Kravitz launched Kravitz Design, specializing in commercial and residential design, product development and branding. His company just completed it’s first New York City building in November of 2019.
Michael Strahan
As if he didn’t already have enough jobs between his morning role at ‘Strahan, Sara & Keke and his hosting obligations at ABC’s ‘Pyramid,’ Michael Strahan has added fashion designer to his already busy schedule. Partnering with J.C. Penny, Strahan launched a casual and formal men’s wear collection with items ranging from suit jackets, jeans and shoes.
Rihanna
The original Badgal, Rihanna has become a multi-hyphenated mogul since her 2006 debut. Originally known to the world as a singer/songwriter hailing from the island of Barbados, Rihanna has gone on to become Puma’s creative director, a fashion designer, the first Black woman to head a brand for LVMH, all while building her own cosmetic empire Fenty Beauty. According to Forbes as of 2019, Rihanna became the world’s richest female musician creating a $600 million dollar fortune.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Whether she’s portraying Joan Clayton on hit show ‘Girlfriends’ or portraying Bow Johnson on ABC’s ‘Blackish,’ Tracee Ellis Ross has been a staple in Black culture for years. A proud actress and the daughter of living legend, Diana Ross, Tracee has always been vocal about her place in society and a proud representative of the culture. Continuing her love of Black culture, Ross recently launched her own beauty/hair care line, ‘Pattern’ highlighting all the beautiful hair textures of people of color.
Venus Williams
It’s no secret Venus Williams alongside her sister, Serena will both go down in history as some of the greatest tennis players of all time. Both powerhouses on and off the court, these icons continue to show us they will succeed in anything they pursue. Currently, in between matches, Venus Williams has now taking her talents to the world of interior design with her company V Starr Interiors, a design company geared at simplicity, class and professionalism.
Zendaya
Whether you know her from her Disney’s hit show, ‘Shake it Up’ or currently playing Rue on HBO’s ‘Euphoria,’ Zendaya stays working. Publicly known as an actress and singer, the 23-year-old has recently added fashion designer to her already impressive résumé. Daya by Zendaya launched in 2016, with a mission to create fun, affordable clothes for all. The androgynous wear is suitable for all ages and sizes, going up to a size 22.