Reality TV may hand you a moment of fame, but a few savvy personalities turn it into lasting empires. These reality TV stars didn’t just ride the wave of publicity—they surfed it straight into businesses, brands, and media ventures that outlasted the spotlight. Their stories offer a master class in leveraging audience attention into real-world success. From beauty lines to tech startups, these entrepreneurs show how to turn onscreen minutes into meaningful careers. Read on to discover ten former castmates who built thriving ventures long after filming wrapped.
1. Kim Kardashian
Image Source: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Kim Kardashian parlayed Keeping Up With the Kardashians into a billion-dollar business empire. Her shapewear brand SKIMS and skincare line SKKN are modern pillars in wellness and fashion. Products are consistently sold out—proof of her brand’s reach and staying power. She’s also tapped into tech with apps, mobile games, and digital content. Kim’s success shows how a reality star can become a powerhouse entrepreneur.
2. Bethenny Frankel
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Bethenny Frankel emerged from The Real Housewives of New York City and founded Skinnygirl cocktails. She exited the company after selling it for a reported $100 million. Bethenny continues to build—hosting shows, writing, and investing. Her ability to transform a lifestyle trend into a profit machine makes her a standout example among reality TV stars. It’s proof that one catchy product can open major doors.
3. Molly‑Mae Hague
Image Source: YouTube/Seconds Out
UK’s Love Island alum Molly‑Mae Hague now runs multiple businesses under her name. She launched a beauty line and fashion brand, Filter by Molly‑Mae, as well as Maebe, her apparel label. With around £6 million in net worth, she’s mapped a growth path similar to the Kardashians’ model. Fans love her authenticity and tailored products, helping her cross from reality fame to sustainable brand-building. Her case showcases how influencer-powered stars can succeed globally.
4. Paris Hilton
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Once TV’s queen of party chic on The Simple Life, Paris Hilton now heads a $4 billion empire. She created perfume lines, apps, media companies, and a thriving DJ career. Paris continues diversifying into children’s content, NFTs, and TV with her firm 11:11 Media. What began in the tabloids became a multifaceted business juggernaut. Her journey shows how reality fame can be the launchpad for true titans.
5. Mauricio Umansky
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Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky used his TV exposure to boost The Agency real-estate brokerage. He credits reality TV for the visibility that turned his California firm into a thriving business. A Netflix spinoff, Buying Beverly Hills, further solidified his status. His empire spans high-end real estate and media production—a strong brand built from reality roots. Mauricio’s shift illustrates how serious professionals can use TV as a springboard to long-term success.
6. Scott Disick
Image Source: YouTube/Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Scott Disick rode Keeping Up With the Kardashians fame into a multifaceted empire worth about $45 million. He flipped luxury real estate on Flip It Like Disick and launched Talentless streetwear. His influencer status has brought major brand partnerships and sponsored content. Scott has also monetized his social presence and L.A. lifestyle appeal. His path underscores the power of combining reality fame with traditional business ventures.
7. Serena Page
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Love Island USA winner Serena Page now has a growing haircare line planned, thanks to her 2 million+ follower base. She’s also starring in the Love Island spinoff, Beyond the Villa, on Peacock. Her story highlights how reality TV stars can seamlessly transition into product development and ongoing TV opportunities. Serena leverages her authenticity and representation to connect with consumers. She proves reality exits can open doors to new media and merchandise moves.
8. Elan Bibas
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Elan Bibas of Love Island USA earned 60× growth on Instagram thanks to savvy social management. His brother Tal drove compelling content, turning niche fame into brand leverage. Though early in his journey, Elan attracts agency interest for endorsements and collaborations. He’s on a clear path from screened romance to influencer brand. His experience showcases the immediate value of media exposure, even before a show airs.
9. Larsa Pippen
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Larsa Pippen from The Real Housewives of Miami launched luxury jewelry under “Larsa Marie,” plus a popular podcast and OnlyFans account. She’s grown a diversified business portfolio using visibility and personal narrative. Through multi-channel platforms and exclusive designs, her brand appeals to modern reality media fans. Larsa illustrates how social capital and media presence can turn into real income streams. Her story signals an opportunity for reality stars post-show.
10. Denise Richards
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Denise Richards, known from shows like The Real Housewives and The Rachel Zoe Project, launched a top-tier OnlyFans page earning ~$250K/month. She leveraged personal branding and reality insights into digital subscription growth. Though less traditional, her move shows how celebrity can convert into niche direct-to-fan offerings. Denise expanded her brand into charity and children’s content while preserving privacy. Her shift reflects evolving ways reality TV stars can control their own platforms.
Stark Reality: Fame Is Only the Starting Line
These ten reality TV stars prove that the cameras are just step one. Whether through fashion, real estate, media, or digital content, their empires show that strategy, branding, and timing matter most. Their public profiles gave them a voice, and they capitalized on that audience to create businesses with legs. The key lesson? Fame fades, but smart moves last. If you’re chasing reality TV dreams, remember: it’s what comes next that counts.
Which reality star impressed you the most with their business transformation, and who should take notes from them? Share below!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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