“I believe in taking risks and constantly evolving. Life’s too short to play it safe,” said Rihanna—born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados in 1988. Although the singer hasn’t released an album in over nine years, she is still ranked the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century according to Guinness World Records. And thanks to her Fenty Beauty cosmetics and fashion line she is the third wealthiest musician in the world.
Rihanna began her music career as part of a trio with school friends in Barbados. However, at the age of 16 she signed with Def Jam Recordings as a solo artist. Her debut album, Music of the Sun (2005), established Rihanna as a significant new talent. She went on to experience tremendous success, releasing seven studio albums, selling over 250 million records, and winning nine Grammy Awards. Her collaborations with renowned producers, such as Jay-Z and Calvin Harris, shaped her sound and expanded her appeal globally. Rihanna’s musical adaptability and distinct style garnered her critical recognition and also set the stage for her ventures outside of music.
In 2017, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in collaboration with LVMH, a cosmetics line inspired by her own experiences with makeup, which often left her feeling underrepresented. Rihanna’s mission was to create a brand that embraced inclusivity. The brand was groundbreaking, introducing 40 shades of foundation to cater to a wide range of skin tones, addressing a significant gap in the marketplace. The Fenty Beauty launch achieved widespread acclaim and success, earning over $100 million in sales within the first 40 days and breaking records for the fastest-selling beauty brand.
“Music and fashion are my forms of self-expression, but my greatest impact comes from giving back to the community,” Rihanna told GQ. She was the first woman to create an original brand for LVMH, and also the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand. Her dedication to promoting inclusivity within the beauty and fashion industries is integral to her mission. Through these ventures, Rihanna has established herself not only as a cultural icon in music but also as a transformative figure in the larger business world, demonstrating the power of combining artistry with purpose.
