Social media influencers are open to an array of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Undoubtedly, when an influencer’s following grows at a substantial rate, many additional doors open for them too.
A huge amount of social media influencers end up using their platform to endorse product that fit their brand.
In turn, this tactful strategy helps social media influencers to develop and grow their own businesses.
The following are 10 social media influencers turned entrepreneurs that have taken the internet by storm.
Jeffree Star
((Image Credit: Rosdiana Ciaravolo /Getty Images)
Jeffree Star began his career as a beauty blogger on YouTube, but quickly grew from a social media influencer to a worldwide beauty guru.
Since developing a platform of over 34 million online followers, the self made entrepreneur is now the CEO of Jeffree Star Cosmetics.
In addition, he also owns investment properties around the world as well as investing in the marijuana business.
In April 2020, Star openly confirmed that his cosmetic line, Jeffree Star Cosmetics has a net worth of $1.5 billion.
Kayla Itsines
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Social media influencers are today’s most lucrative entrepreneurs, and fitness brands fall right under that category.
Kayla Itsines started her career in 2012, posting her fitness journey on her Instagram account and built a credible following as a result.
Today Itsines has 12.5 millions followers on Instagram as well as owning a fitness app called Sweat With Kayla worth $17 million.
The Australian fitness boss has also launched a Bikini Body Training Company that has over 20 million members.
With an estimated net worth of $68 million, Itsines is a perfect example of a fitness influencer killing it as entrepreneurs.
Zoë Sugg
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Zoë Sugg, a.k.a. Zoella, launched her career as a YouTuber creating beauty and fashion content that made her a success influencer.
Sugg began by creating fashion blogs that soon exploded into a global platform of over 10 million social media followers.
Sugg took advantage of her successful platform as an influencer to develop her very own brand.
Her business consists of Zoella Beauty, a range of beauty products sold worldwide at Target, Ulta, and Feelunique.
The British social media influencer has also written three books, including “Girl Online.”
Huda Kattan
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The famous MUA, Huda Kattan is one of the world’s top social media beauty influencers turned entrepreneurs.
After quitting her job in finance, Kattan launched her own blog as a beauty influencer and MUA in 2010.
She developed Huda Beauty with her two sisters in 2013 when she couldn’t find false eyelashes to buy!
Today, the beauty guru sells over 140 products of her own.
Her beauty social media account has a staggering 43.6 million followers while her personal account has an additional 2.1 million.
Her business ventures have joined her in a successful partnership with beauty giant, Sephora that sell her very own line of products.
Huda Beauty earns a substantial $250 million annually, making Kattan one of the world’s top earners in the beauty industry.
Michelle Lewin
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With over 13 million Instagram followers, Michelle Lewin is one of the top social media fitness influencers to step into the industry.
Lewin began her journey as an influencer when she started posting short fitness videos of encouragement to her followers.
Since her popularity grew, Lewin has launched her own line of supplements and home workout equipment.
Additionally, she has also created two fitness apps, Fitplan and Mealplan to support others in their fitness journey.
The 34-year-old Venezuelan bodybuilder earns an incredible $10,000 per Instagram post as a result of teaming up with fitness brands.
James Charles
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With a following of over 36 million, James Charles is another beauty influencer who fearlessly took over the internet.
Charles began his career on Instagram and YouTube, documenting his talents as a self-taught MUA.
His journey as an entrepreneur has introduced him to a plethora of partnership deals and endorsements.
Charles also launched palettes and brushes with the worldwide cosmetic brand, Morphe.
Another major business accomplishment that Charles gained was being the first male ambassador for CoverGirl.
In addition, 20-year-old Charles rakes in an impressive net worth of $12 million for his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Jennifer Selter
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Jennifer Selter is a New York based fitness, nutrition and lifestyle influencer and has a wealthy social media following of 12.8 million.
Selter embarked on her fitness journey in high school, while working at a local gym.
She then fostered a community of like-minded fitness fanatics on social media to follow her exercise regimes.
Over time, Selter turned her Instagram account into an empire by endorsing health and fitness products.
In addition, Selter has also appeared on the cover of magazines like Vanity Fair, Women’s Health and FHM.
Selter also reportedly charges a whopping $80,000 per sponsored post on social media.
Em Ford
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Em Ford took to social media to promote body positivity when she began filming beauty tutorials based around her acne-prone skin.
The world took notice and suddenly Ford grew a following of over 1 million from both YouTube and Instagram.
Her campaign to embrace your flaws started the #redefinepretty trend that tackles bullying and stigmas surrounding acne.
Ford has since caught the attention of major beauty franchises and is currently a brand ambassador for Olay UK.
Kianna Naomi
Kianna Naomi began her career online as a content creator on YouTube focusing specifically on fashion and lifestyle.
At just 19-years-old, she has collaborated with brands such as Fossil and Sephora.
In 2019, Naomi also starred in the Brat film, “Intern-in-Chief.”
In addition, the rising star posts vlogs where she endorses various cosmetic brands and films unboxing videos.
With a growing platform of almost 1 million followers, Naomi is a young entrepreneur that we are sure to be seeing more of.
Manny Gutierrez
(Image Credit : Glamour)
Self-taught MUA and beauty influencer, Manny Gutierrez can also credit himself as a self made entrepreneur.
Gutierrez has an impressive amount of 4.3 million followers on Instagram and an additional 4.7 million subscribers on YouTube.
Subsequently, Gutierrez has made business deals with the popular subscription company, BoxyCharm.
The MUA also represents brands well-known makeup brands like Lunar Beauty.
His endorsements earn him a net amount of $1.2 million, which showcase his business and marketing skills as a YouTuber.
Gutierrez’s partnerships with other brands gives him the platform to promote body positivity surrounding men and makeup.
