Social media has created a platform for individuals to showcase their talents, passions, and personalities to the world. For some influencers, this fame has extended far beyond likes and followers. These creators have used their platforms as springboards to build thriving business empires, turning online clout into lasting entrepreneurial success. Below, we’ll explore ten influencers who redefined what it means to be a modern-day entrepreneur.

1. Kylie Jenner – From Social Media Star to Beauty Mogul

Kylie Jenner is practically synonymous with influencer entrepreneurship. While initially gaining fame through reality TV and social media, Kylie skyrocketed to billionaire status by launching Kylie Cosmetics in 2015. Her business premiered with the now-iconic Kylie Lip Kits, selling out in minutes.

By leveraging her massive Instagram following to market her products, Kylie set a new bar for influencer-led businesses. Her success cemented the idea that personal branding and social media influence can drive direct-to-consumer success like never before.

Key takeaway: Kylie credited her understanding of her audience and the power of exclusivity for creating urgency around her brand’s launches.

2. Huda Kattan – Mastering the Beauty Industry

Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, began as a beauty blogger and influencer on YouTube and Instagram. Sharing makeup tutorials and beauty tips, she gradually built an immensely loyal audience. Huda launched her cosmetics brand in 2013, starting with false eyelashes, which quickly became a favorite among celebrities and consumers alike.

Today, Huda Beauty offers an extensive range of best-selling products. Kattan is also one of the world’s highest-paid beauty influencers and a leading voice in entrepreneurial beauty.

Key takeaway: Huda capitalized on her authenticity and deep knowledge of her audience to create products that truly resonated with them.

3. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) – Revolutionizing Content with Consumer Goods

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has built an entertainment empire centered around his viral stunts and extravagant giveaways. What sets Donaldson apart isn’t just his content but his ventures into entrepreneurship, such as the launch of MrBeast Burger and Feastables, his snack brand.

MrBeast Burger is a ghost kitchen concept that operates via food delivery apps, while Feastables markets better-for-you snacks paired with compelling challenges and prizes. Both ventures highlight Donaldson’s ability to turn his massive fanbase into consumers.

Key takeaway: MrBeast’s success shows how a strong personal brand can transcend industries, transforming a creator into a diversified entrepreneur.

4. Emma Chamberlain – Coffee & Relatability

Emma Chamberlain rose to fame with her candid and quirky YouTube videos, where her relatable humor resonated with millions. Leveraging her online persona, Emma ventured into the coffee world, creating Chamberlain Coffee.

Chamberlain Coffee positions itself as a chic, eco-friendly brand that combines her passion for coffee with her audience’s preferences. With minimalist branding, stylish merchandise, and bold marketing, Emma’s influence has been a major driver of the brand’s growth.

Key takeaway: Emma connected with an audience that values authenticity, creating a niche lifestyle brand from her personal interests.

5. Marianna Hewitt – Building a Community Around Clean Beauty

Marianna Hewitt, a lifestyle influencer, used her platform to develop Summer Fridays, a clean beauty brand she co-founded in 2018. Targeting modern skincare enthusiasts, the brand debuted with its now-famous Jet Lag Mask, which became a cult favorite.

Hewitt’s success stems from her ability to engage her audience directly through education, skincare routines, and transparency about product formulations. Today, Summer Fridays continues to expand with innovative skincare launches distributed in major retailers like Sephora.

Key takeaway: Focusing on quality and customer education enabled Hewitt to build a trusted, loyal customer base.

6. Addison Rae – Diversifying Fame into Beauty and Fragrance

TikTok sensation Addison Rae used her viral success to explore multiple business ventures. One standout is her partnership with clean beauty company Item Beauty, which she co-founded. With an appeal to Gen Z consumers, the brand offers affordable and cruelty-free makeup. More recently, Addison has also ventured into fragrances with the launch of her brand, AF Collection.

Her ability to switch creative lanes, from viral challenges to product endorsements and entrepreneurship, highlights her knack for diversifying her brand.

Key takeaway: Addison demonstrates how TikTok fame can evolve into long-term business success through strategic brand partnerships and decisions.

7. Michelle Phan – YouTube’s Original Beauty Guru Turned Mogul

Michelle Phan was one of the first beauty influencers to leverage YouTube's platform back in the early 2010s. Her tutorials earned millions of views, making her a defining figure for beauty influencers today. Phan’s entrepreneurial breakthrough came with the launch of EM Cosmetics and later her role as a co-founder of beauty subscription giant Ipsy.

Through these ventures, Michelle showcased her ability to blend storytelling, authenticity, and expertise into profitable business opportunities.

Key takeaway: Pioneering content in a niche market can open doors to industry-defining ventures.

8. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) – Turning Tech Expertise Into a Business

Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, has become one of the most trusted voices in tech content. His reviews of gadgets, smartphones, and technology innovations are not only educational but also highly engaging. Beyond YouTube, Marques has leveraged his brand to sell merchandise and launch partnerships with tech companies.

By prioritizing quality and credibility, he’s not only grown his channel but also become a go-to expert in the tech space.

Key takeaway: Consistently offering value can establish trust, which is vital for long-term brand development and business opportunities.

9. Chiara Ferragni – Fashion Influencer Turned Global Brand

Chiara Ferragni, a trailblazing fashion influencer from Italy, began her career with The Blonde Salad blog. Over time, she expanded her influence into a full-fledged business empire, including the Chiara Ferragni Collection, a luxury fashion line featuring clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Chiara’s business acumen is as impressive as her style, with Forbes naming her one of the most powerful influencers. She’s used her fame to extend her reach into marketing campaigns and partnerships with high-end brands.

Key takeaway: Continuously innovating beyond your initial platform can transform influence into a scalable business.

10. Rhett & Link – From YouTube Comedy to a Multimedia Empire

Rhett and Link, the duo behind the hit YouTube series Good Mythical Morning, turned their quirky comedy into multiple business ventures. Beyond hosting viral internet challenges, the duo expanded their brand into Mythical Entertainment, which encompasses podcasts, merchandise, and even a music label.

Their balance of humor, creativity, and business strategy proved you can monetize an audience’s loyalty in diverse, engaging ways.

Key takeaway: Building out a unified brand can lead to success in multiple verticals when done thoughtfully.