BEYONCÉ

1981–

Leader of one of the world’s most successful girl groups in the 1990s, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter used her exceptional talent and charisma as an R&B singer, songwriter, and dancer to build a global profile and attract millions of fans. She then established herself as a successful businesswoman and role model for black women around the world.

Growing up in Houston, Texas, in the 1980s, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was encouraged by her parents to perform from an early age. At nine, she teamed up with cousin Kelly Rowland and two classmates to form girl group Girls Tyme. Although the girls made it to the TV talent show Star Search, they did not win the competition. Beyoncé’s father, Matthew, convinced of their genius, gave up his day job to manage them, which proved to be a turning point.

The years of voice and dance practice that followed finally paid off when the group—renamed Destiny’s Child and fronted by Beyoncé—won a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1997. Their first, eponymous album was a success, but nothing compared to their second, The Writing’s on the Wall, which sold six million copies in the US alone and won two Grammy Awards. The track “Bills, Bills, Bills,” written by Beyoncé, became the girls’ first Billboard number 1. A string of hits and international acclaim followed.

Pursuing success

Beyoncé launched her solo career in 2003 with the album Dangerously in Love, on which she is credited as cowriter and coproducer, cementing her reputation as more than just a performer. The album received five Grammy Awards and sold more than 11 million copies globally. Beyoncé had already launched her acting career with a lead role in the 2001 TV film Carmen: A Hip Hopera, and the following year she costarred with Mike Myers in the film Goldmember. In 2019, she lent her voice to the role of Nala in Disney’s The Lion King animation.

Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour II in 2018—the second that she co-headlined with husband, Jay-Z—grossed more than $250 million.

Other ventures

Music and acting are not the only sources of Beyoncé’s wealth. Her association with global brands such as Pepsi, L’Oréal, Samsung, Tommy Hilfiger, and Giorgio Armani has guaranteed her millions. In 2006, wanting to launch her own fashion brand, Beyoncé established the House of Deréon with her mother, Tina. Diversifying further, in 2010, Beyoncé released the first of a line of fragrances. Heat broke department store Macy’s sales record with $75,000 worth of the scent sold in one day when it launched.

Taking control

Determined to be in control of all aspects of her career, Beyoncé set up Parkwood Entertainment in 2010 to produce music, videos, and movies and oversee other projects. Parkwood went on to release three of her albums.

Eager to extend her presence in the fashion industry, Beyoncé worked on a collaboration between Parkwood and Topshop, resulting in athletic streetwear line Ivy Park in 2014. However, following controversy surrounding Topshop boss Philip Green, Parkwood took full control of the business, later launching a line with sportswear company Adidas. In addition to fashion, Beyoncé has business interests in the food industry, investing in a beverage start-up company and a vegan-based meal delivery service.

Beyoncé has been involved in many philanthropic projects. She cofounded the Survivor Foundation in 2005, which provided housing for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and gave financial aid to survivors of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In 2013, Beyoncé founded BeyGOOD, a fundraising initiative that works with charities to raise awareness of local causes.

TORY BURCH

Philadelphia-born Burch started her eponymous clothing and lifestyle brand in 2004. Within a decade of opening her first boutique in New York, she was a billionaire with stores worldwide.

After studying art history, Burch (1966–) worked as a fashion writer before developing her own designs. In 2004, she started her own label, TRB by Tory Burch, and opened a store in Manhattan. Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement boosted the brand’s profile, and by 2018, there were more than 250 stores, with Burch’s products available in thousands of other outlets worldwide. Her philanthropic ventures include Embrace Ambition, which encourages women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.