African-American Actresses Who Are Successful Businesswomen

It’s amazing to see how many Black actresses are now building their own businesses! They’re not just talented performers anymore – they’re becoming power players as entrepreneurs. I’ve been so impressed watching them use their fame to create successful brands in areas like beauty, wellness, and film production. It’s about more than just making money, though. They’re taking control of their careers, creating their own opportunities, and making sure diverse voices and perspectives are finally represented – both in front of and behind the camera. They’re really paving the way for other artists to do the same, and it’s incredibly inspiring to watch.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey started her career as an actress in films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Beloved,’ and used that success to create a huge media company. She founded Harpo Productions, which created her popular talk show and many other TV programs. Later, in 2011, she launched her own cable channel, the Oprah Winfrey Network, focusing on lifestyle and inspirational content. She’s also made smart investments in companies like WeightWatchers. Beyond her work in entertainment, Oprah is a well-known philanthropist and has built a powerful global brand.

Rihanna

Rihanna first became famous as a singer, but she’s now a well-known actress, appearing in movies like ‘Battleship’ and ‘Ocean’s 8’. She’s also proven to be a savvy businesswoman, creating the popular Fenty Beauty cosmetics line, which offers a wide variety of shades for every skin tone. She followed this with Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand that celebrates all body types and promotes diversity. More recently, she launched Fenty Skin, a high-end skincare line. These successful businesses have made Rihanna one of the richest self-made women globally.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a well-known actress, famous for her roles in shows like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She also founded Pattern Beauty in 2019, a haircare line created specifically for curly, coily, and textured hair. Pattern Beauty focuses on providing the natural hair community with products that are both effective and easy to find. As CEO, Tracee leads the brand’s creative vision and marketing. Her success in business is a natural extension of her commitment to self-love and diverse representation.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a celebrated actress, known for her roles in films like ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and the TV series ‘Empire’. Expanding beyond acting, she created TPH by Taraji, a haircare line focused on scalp health, which is sold in many stores. The brand offers professional-quality treatments for all hair types that people can easily use at home. Henson is also dedicated to mental health advocacy, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide support within the African-American community. Her business ventures are often driven by her own life experiences and her commitment to social causes.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae became well-known as the creator and star of the popular show ‘Insecure’ and has since appeared in films like ‘The Lovebirds’. She also founded Hoorae Media, a company with several parts, including Raedio and ColorCreative. A key focus of her work is creating opportunities for talented writers and creators who haven’t traditionally been represented in the entertainment world. Beyond media, Rae is a co-owner of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, a growing chain of coffee shops and community spaces. She continues to build her entrepreneurial work, expanding into different areas of production and community building.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis, the Academy Award-winning actress from ‘Fences’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, co-founded JuVee Productions with her husband. The company focuses on creating diverse and inclusive stories for film, television, and online platforms. JuVee Productions aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and deliver excellent content to audiences worldwide. Davis also actively champions equal pay and increased diversity among those working in the entertainment industry.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is a well-known actress, famous for her work on the TV show ‘Black-ish’ and the movie ‘Little’. At just 14 years old, she made history as the youngest-ever executive producer in Hollywood when she started her own production company, Genius Productions. Genius Productions quickly partnered with Universal Pictures to create shows and movies for different platforms. Martin is dedicated to producing content that showcases a variety of voices and appeals to young audiences. Her success as a young entrepreneur is inspiring a new generation of actors.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is a successful actress known for her roles in films like ‘Bring It On’ and the TV series ‘Being Mary Jane’. Beyond acting, she’s an entrepreneur. She created Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a haircare line for textured hair, and co-founded Bitsy’s, a brand offering healthy snacks for kids. Through her production company, I’ll Have Another, she also develops various projects. Overall, her work demonstrates a dedication to wellness, beauty, and sharing genuine stories.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry became well-known for her roles in the TV shows ‘Sister, Sister’ and ‘The Game’. She then created Anser, a supplement brand designed to make wellness easier and more affordable for women. She also built a popular online platform, ‘Tia Mowry’s Quick Fix,’ which has grown into a full lifestyle brand. As an author of cookbooks and parenting books, Tia has become a trusted lifestyle expert. Her businesses all center around home life, health, and family.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry, the Academy Award-winning actress known for films like ‘Monster’s Ball’ and ‘X-Men,’ is also a successful entrepreneur. She created rē•spin, a digital platform offering fitness and nutrition resources. The brand focuses on overall well-being, providing tools for both physical and mental health. Berry also runs her own production company, 606 Films, responsible for projects like ‘Bruised.’ Her businesses generally promote healthy living as a path to feeling empowered and staying healthy for years to come.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is a well-known actress, having appeared in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Matrix Reloaded’. Beyond acting, she’s a successful entrepreneur. She co-founded Hey Humans, a personal care brand committed to eco-friendly packaging and affordability. She also created and hosts ‘Red Table Talk’, a popular online talk show that’s become a major media brand under Westbrook Inc. Westbrook Inc., co-founded with her husband, is a company that manages a variety of entertainment and media projects. Smith often combines social responsibility with making products accessible to everyone.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is a successful singer who has also acted in films like ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘The Lion King’. She runs her own company, Parkwood Entertainment, which manages her music, tours, and creative work. Recently, in 2024, she started Cécred, a haircare line rooted in her family’s history with hair salons. Before that, she co-created Ivy Park, an activewear brand known for its popular partnerships with big stores. Throughout all her business endeavors, Beyoncé prioritizes maintaining creative control and ensuring top-quality results.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi became well-known for her roles in the TV shows ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Grown-ish’. Alongside her mother, she started a production company called 7th Sun Productions and has a deal with ABC Signature to create a wider range of television shows with diverse stories. The company especially focuses on stories about history, culture, and finding yourself. Shahidi has also partnered with brands like Adidas to design her own clothing and shoes. Her work in business is guided by both her education and her dedication to making a positive social impact.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a successful actress, known for films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’. She’s also a savvy businesswoman, co-founding the production company Flavor Unit Entertainment, which has created numerous films and TV shows. Flavor Unit has become a Hollywood powerhouse, partnering with streaming services like Netflix and Lifetime. In addition to production, Queen Latifah has worked with major brands as a spokesperson and created her own line of fragrances. Her success comes from her many talents and smart collaborations within the entertainment industry.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is famous for her leading role in the TV show ‘Scandal’ and movies like ‘Django Unchained’. Beyond acting, she’s also a successful entrepreneur. She created Simpson Street, a production company dedicated to telling stories from diverse perspectives, and it’s behind critically acclaimed projects like ‘Confirmation’ and ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. Washington also invests in and advises promising startups in the tech and wellness spaces, including the jewelry company Aurate. Throughout all her work, she’s committed to making the entertainment industry more equitable and socially responsible.

Please share your thoughts on these trailblazing entrepreneurs in the comments.

2026-02-15 22:46