10 Child Stars Who Grew Up to Build Empires

From the screen to the boardroom, these former child stars have proven their vision goes far beyond the spotlight. Each has harnessed their early fame to launch successful companies and game-changing brands, building empires that are now shaping their industries and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. Dive in as we spotlight the journey from youthful icons to powerhouse moguls.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande evolved her pop superstardom into entrepreneurial success with r.e.m. beauty, a cosmetics brand celebrated for its inclusivity, bold colors, and empowering messages. Her hands-on approach to product development has earned r.e.m. beauty rapid acclaim among fans and makeup pros alike. The brand debuted in 2021 and later expanded into Sephora, Ulta, and locations across the U.S. and Europe, according to Retail Dive.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber launched Drew House, a laid-back clothing label that draws attention for its playful style and positive vibes. The brand reflects Bieber’s personality, blending comfort with a cool edge for fans. Named after Bieber’s middle name, Drew House was co-founded in 2018 alongside his former stylist Ryan Good, as reported by Rolling Stone. After co-founding the business, in 2025, Bieber exited the brand, per E! Online.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company, a brand focused on non-toxic, ethically made products for families. The company quickly became a standout in the wellness space by offering safer, stylish household and personal care essentials. In 2015, The Honest Company raised $100 million at a $1.7 billion valuation, according to Forbes.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner soared beyond reality TV notoriety to create Kylie Cosmetics, a beauty brand that ignited trends and broke sales records worldwide. Her savvy use of social media and relentless marketing transformed her business into a defining force of the era’s beauty industry. The brand first launched its iconic Kylie Lip Kits in November 2015 and generated $420 million in revenue within just its first 18 months, as reported by CNBC. In 2019, global beauty company Coty Inc. acquired a 51% stake in Kylie Cosmetics, valuing the brand at approximately $1.2 billion, according to WWD.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning carved her path not just as an actress but as a producer, co-founding Lewellen Pictures with her sister Dakota Fanning. Their production company develops feature films, television series, and other media, including podcasts, per Deadline.

Dylan Sprouse

Breaking away from TV twin fame, Dylan Sprouse turned to the world of craft beverages. He had been homebrewing mead since his teen years and co-founded All-Wise in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. The meadery uses locally sourced New York honey and focuses on dry, expressive mead styles, as reported by VinePair.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez brilliantly transitioned from pop sensation to founder of Rare Beauty, a cosmetics line dedicated to self-acceptance, inclusivity, and supporting mental health initiatives. Rare Beauty launched in 2020. Gomez also established the Rare Impact Fund alongside the brand, pledging to raise $100 million over ten years to expand access to youth mental health services, according to Forbes.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown expanded her presence beyond acting into the enterprise of Florence by Mills, a skincare and cosmetics line. Designed with Gen Z in mind, her brand’s playful approach and clean formulas have quickly resonated with young consumers eager for authenticity in beauty. Brown launched Florence by Mills at just 15 years old, with the brand’s name drawn from her great-grandmother Florence and her own family nickname, as reported by Rolling Stone.

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen built a lifestyle empire after leaving acting, establishing the luxury fashion house The Row. In 2024, the family behind Chanel, along with a L’Oréal billionaire heiress, purchased a stake in the fashion label, according to Fortune.

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler took a surprising turn after her successful acting and music career. After earning advanced degrees from MIT and Harvard Law School, the former Disney Channel star co-founded Northwood Space to mass-produce ground stations that connect satellites to Earth, as reported by CNBC. The startup raised $100 million in early 2026, also securing a $49.8 million contract with the U.S. Space Force, per Tech Startups.

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