Martha Stewart offered candid remarks about Meghan Markle’s emerging career as a lifestyle entrepreneur and reflected on Gwyneth Paltrow’s success with her wellness brand. Speaking in a July 27 interview with Yahoo! Lifestyle, Stewart expressed cautious optimism regarding Markle’s debut of her As Ever brand earlier this year, emphasizing the need for authenticity in this business space.
“Meghan, I don’t really know very well, and I hope she knows what she’s talking about,”
Stewart remarked.
“Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important.”
—Martha Stewart, Cookbook Author
Turning to Paltrow, Stewart acknowledged the actress and entrepreneur’s notable success since founding Goop in 2008. She praised Paltrow’s ability to build a respected lifestyle empire spanning wellness and beauty.
“Gwyneth’s been very successful, by the way,”
Martha said.
“She created quite an interesting body of businesses. She’s admired. She won an Oscar, for heaven’s sake, as an actress!”
—Martha Stewart, Cookbook Author
Stewart added, “She’s pretty powerful.” When asked about the increasing number of lifestyle experts joining the field she helped pioneer in the 1980s, she expressed neither resistance nor rivalry. “I don’t mind,” Stewart stated simply. “Good luck.”
Meghan Markle’s Perspective on Entrepreneurship and Influence
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has navigated her journey in the lifestyle industry with openness about its challenges. Speaking to People magazine in March, Markle clarified how she views her role as a founder and entrepreneur rather than an influencer, making it clear that influence is a welcomed outcome but not her primary focus.
“I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder,”
Meghan said.
“And if the brand ends up influential, then that’s great.”
—Meghan Markle, Entrepreneur and Duchess of Sussex
She has confronted obstacles such as trademark disputes with her brand’s original name, American Riviera Orchard. Reflecting on these difficulties, Markle admitted,
“There are tons of twists and turns—even with the name. I was figuring it out in real time.”
—Meghan Markle, Entrepreneur and Duchess of Sussex
Despite the ups and downs, Markle expressed gratitude for the supportive environment that has allowed her to learn and grow.
“I appreciate everyone who gave me the grace to make mistakes and figure it out and also to be forgiving with myself through that,”
she shared. “It’s a learning curve.” —Meghan Markle, Entrepreneur and Duchess of Sussex
Addressing reports of tension between herself and Gwyneth Paltrow over their wellness brands, Markle dismissed such rumors.
“I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever.”
—Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress and Founder of Goop
Leading Celebrities Who Have Built Their Own Beauty and Wellness Brands
Rihanna: Revolutionizing Beauty Inclusivity with Fenty
Rihanna transformed the beauty industry with the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017, introducing an unprecedented 40 foundation shades that set new standards for diversity in cosmetics. Alongside her makeup line, she has since released Fenty Skin and announced plans for Fenty Hair, expanding her influence in beauty and skincare innovation.
Selena Gomez Empowers with Rare Beauty’s Accessible Range
Rare Beauty debuted in September 2020 with a collection of 12 products, including foundations, liquid lipsticks, blushes, and makeup tools. Selena Gomez’s brand prioritizes inclusivity and self-expression, drawing attention from makeup enthusiasts worldwide.
Beyoncé’s New Haircare Venture: Cécred
Beyoncé introduced Cécred, an eight-piece haircare collection designed to cleanse, condition, and nourish various hair types. She highlighted her personal experience with multiple hair styles and colors, emphasizing the importance of freedom in hair expression.
“My entire life and career, I’ve worn my hair in so many different ways: natural, flat-ironed, braids, colored, weaves, wigs,”
Beyoncé shared.
“I want everyone to have the freedom to express their hair in ways that make them feel good.”
—Beyoncé, Musician and Entrepreneur
Lady Gaga’s Inclusive Make-up Brand: Haus Laboratories
House Laboratories launched in 2019 to enthusiastic fanfare, offering a diverse range of cosmetic products from shimmering lipsticks to long-lasting eyeshadows. In June 2022, Gaga revamped the brand with fresh products and new retail partnerships, continuing her commitment to innovative beauty.
Sofia Vergara on Creating Sun Protection-Focused Beauty Essentials
The actress Sofia Vergara introduced Toty, a beauty line centered on suncare with products like CC cream, serums, and compacts. She shared how growing up in Colombia inspired her dedication to safe sun exposure as a key part of daily skincare.
“Growing up in Colombia, my life revolved around being outside in the sun,”
Vergara explained.
“I loved the sun, but little did I know, the sun wasn’t loving me back! Once I learned the true benefits of suncare and protecting my skin from sun damage and photoaging, I was hooked. I created toty with the idea that suncare should be an effortless part of your daily beauty routine—it’s my biggest beauty secret.”
—Sofia Vergara, Actress and Founder
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Expanding Goop Empire
Since founding Goop in 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow has established a lifestyle brand that encompasses wellness, beauty, and body tools. The brand’s luxury offerings, including power-packed serums and unique accessories, have solidified Paltrow’s reputation as a major figure in the sector.
Ariana Grande’s Colorful and Versatile r.e.m. Beauty
Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty features vibrant, holographic liquid eyeshadows and lip stains designed to appeal to a broad audience. Recently, she entered the body care market, launching lotions, body washes, and lotions that complement her makeup line.
Victoria Beckham’s Blend of Luxury and Glamour in Beauty
After nearly ten years in fashion, Victoria Beckham expanded her namesake brand into beauty products, including crystal-infused eyeshadows and high-quality serums. The line balances sophistication with everyday elegance for its users.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Transparent and Safe Fragrance Brand Henry Rose
Michelle Pfeiffer launched Henry Rose with a commitment to full ingredient transparency and rigorous safety standards, aiming to combine fine fragrance with clean, safe products competitive in the mainstream market.
“I set out to create Henry Rose with a very clear vision,”
Pfeiffer said.
“Which was to create a fine fragrance that met three equally important criteria: disclosed 100 percent of its ingredients, met the strict health and safety standards of the Environmental Working Group, and could compete in the mainstream marketplace.”
—Michelle Pfeiffer, Actress and Founder
Ciara’s Skincare Launch: OAM, ‘On a Mission’
On September 15, Ciara unveiled OAM, a skincare brand featuring vitamin C-infused products such as serums, eye creams, and cleansers. The singer teased the launch months earlier, sharing excitement about a product she described as her secret formula.
“…and here it is. Meet my secret sauce.”
—Ciara, Singer and Entrepreneur
Serena Williams Focuses on Inclusion with Wyn Beauty
Tennis icon Serena Williams introduced Wyn Beauty to the market, offering colorful lipsticks, foundations, and mascaras that emphasize shade ranges starting with deeper skin tones to celebrate and support diverse beauty.
The brand highlights that it is
“created with deeper skin tones as the starting point.”
Hailey Bieber’s Rhode: A Quickly Successful Skincare and Makeup Range
Model Hailey Bieber’s brand Rhode made waves in 2022 with three initial products that quickly sold out. She has since expanded Rhode’s lineup to include skincare essentials like cleansers and lip glosses, appealing to fans looking for effective and trendy beauty products.
Gwen Stefani’s Bold and Vibrant GXVE Collection
Launching GXVE in March 2022, Gwen Stefani offered lipsticks in her signature red shade, everyday eyeshadows, and complementary face oils and eyebrow products. Her collection reflects her energetic personality with vibrant, electrifying colors.
Becky G’s Treslúce Beauty: A New Creative Chapter
After collaborating with major beauty companies, Becky G launched Treslúce Beauty, beginning with an eye collection that includes eyeshadow palettes, eyeliners, and false lashes. She expressed a natural timing for this creative venture.
“There’s been something in the air for me, as a creative person, that felt it was just time.”
—Becky G, Singer and Entrepreneur
Halsey’s Beauty Brand About Face and Budget-Friendly af94
Shortly after announcing their pregnancy in 2021, Halsey launched About Face, a line featuring colorful eyeshadows, highlighters, and diverse liquid lipsticks. They also introduced af94, a collection of products priced below $10 to promote accessible beauty.
Gabrielle Union’s Flawless Haircare and Proudly for Melanated Children
Gabrielle Union developed Flawless, a haircare line addressing textured hair and protective styles, and along with husband Dwyane Wade, introduced Proudly, a product line designed specifically for babies with melanin-rich skin.
Her brand emphasizes products made for
“textured hair, protective styles and wigs.”
Taraji P. Henson’s Accessible Hair and Body Care Brand
Starting in early 2020, Taraji P. Henson launched TPH by Taraji with affordable, luxurious haircare products available at Target. Expanding in 2022, she also released a body care range including lotions, oils, and body washes, sharing tutorials to engage with fans on social media.
Miranda Kerr’s Organic Skincare Line Wins Fans
Supermodel Miranda Kerr created Kora Organics to share her skincare routine with the public. The brand’s popular products include Noni Glow Face Oil, Sleeping Mask, and Night AHA Resurfacing Serum. Some items incorporate crystals, adding a unique flair to the collection.
Jennifer Lopez’s Beauty Essentials for a Radiant Glow
Jennifer Lopez launched her self-titled beauty brand to provide fans with products that recreate her iconic glow. The range features a complexion booster and potent face serums designed to nourish and illuminate skin.
Alicia Keys Promotes Self-Care with Keys Soulcare
Alicia Keys entered the wellness space emphasizing holistic self-care through Keys Soulcare, which includes a gentle moisturizer, a crystal-infused roller, and a calming candle to support relaxation routines.
Iman’s Pioneering Inclusive Makeup Brand
Since launching her eponymous makeup brand in 1994, supermodel Iman has continually championed diversity by offering a wide range of products tailored for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, maintaining a strong presence in the beauty industry.
Lauren Conrad’s Eco-Friendly and Vegan Beauty Line
Lauren Conrad, known for her time on The Hills, stepped into beauty with a debut collection featuring lipsticks, glosses, and liquid liners. Her line emphasizes sustainability, being vegan, cruelty-free, and using eco-conscious packaging.
Lisa Rinna’s Dynamic Entry as a Beauty Mogul
Lisa Rinna, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, launched Rinna Beauty with three lip kits combining lipstick, gloss, and liner. The collection exemplifies her vibrant personality and flair for glamorous looks.
Madonna’s Luxurious MDNA Skin Collection
Pop icon Madonna has translated her “Material Girl” persona into the high-end MDNA Skin brand, featuring premium skincare products with prices ranging from $150 to $600, targeting consumers seeking luxury results.
Jessica Alba’s Established Honesty in Beauty with Honest Beauty
Actress Jessica Alba launched Honest Beauty in 2015, quickly becoming a trusted name. Her collection includes fan favorites like smudge-proof liquid lipsticks, dual-ended mascaras and primers, and nourishing face masks.
Travis Barker Expands Barker Wellness with Skincare Line
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker extended his wellness line to include skincare products such as face serums, eye creams, and moisturizers in September 2022. He recommended The Renewal Balm especially for dry, colder months.
“The Renewal Balm is amazing year-round but especially a great go-to for the months where it may be a little drier. It’s packed with hydrating and rejuvenating ingredients.”
—Travis Barker, Musician and Entrepreneur
Drew Barrymore’s Accessible and Colorful Flower Beauty
Since its 2013 launch, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty has offered highly pigmented blushes, nourishing lipsticks, and durable setting sprays, all at affordable prices that make it popular among everyday consumers.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s Specialized Haircare Brand Pattern
Tracee Ellis Ross created Pattern to target the specific beauty needs of curly, coily, and tight-textured hair communities. The brand focuses on delivering products that cater to often overlooked hair types.
Pattern is
“here to fulfill the unmet beauty needs of the curly, coily and tight-textured hair community.”
Kylie Jenner’s Beauty Empire and Its Expansion
Kylie Jenner turned initial success with her lip kits into Kylie Cosmetics, a comprehensive makeup line. In 2020, she sold a majority stake for $600 million and has since expanded with new collections, solidifying her place in the beauty world.
Cindy Crawford’s Skincare Legacy with Meaningful Beauty
’90s supermodel Cindy Crawford credits her youthful appearance to her skincare company Meaningful Beauty. The brand features everything from neck treatments to SPF-infused creams and plumping lip glosses, addressing a variety of skincare needs.
The Growing Influence of Celebrity-Founded Beauty and Wellness Brands
The expanding roster of celebrities launching beauty and wellness brands highlights how public figures leverage their influence and personal stories to connect with consumers. Leaders like Martha Stewart and Gwyneth Paltrow laid groundwork decades ago, and today’s entrepreneurs including Meghan Markle, Rihanna, and Serena Williams continue to innovate and diversify the industry.
This surge in celebrity-founded ventures reflects a vibrant marketplace hungry for authentic, inclusive, and quality lifestyle products that resonate on multiple levels. The involvement of high-profile founders often ensures significant media attention and consumer interest, providing fresh opportunities within the beauty and wellness sectors.
Going forward, the successes and challenges faced by these brand founders will contribute to evolving standards in authenticity, inclusivity, and product innovation, influencing trends and consumer expectations well beyond celebrity circles.
