20 celebrities with an unlikely (and impressive) side hustle

For some celebrities, being incredibly talented at just one thing isn’t enough to stay occupied, instead turning to lucrative side hustles to keep busy. Image credit: Getty Images

Will Lennox

less than 2 min read

December 1, 2022 - 3:51PM

Vogue Australia

<p>When you think about the glitz and glamour of celebrity life, you rarely think about wanting anything more on your plate. A life of press, events, and afterparties (not to mention their day jobs)—you’d think there would be no time left over for anything else. But for some celebrities, one talent isn’t enough, whether it's acting, singing, or dancing, they can’t quite seem to fill up the hours in a day—enter the side hustle.</p><p>Who hasn’t thought about picking up a second job? Whether for occupation's sake, or a little bit of extra money, the thought has crossed everyone’s mind. The side hustle has even lured people out from their full time jobs. And you’d probably think that appearing in high-grossing movies and television shows, or releasing Grammy Award-winning albums would be enough to keep stars busy, after all, those things don’t happen overnight—but as it turns out, they’re also hard at work making their side hustles a reality.</p><p>Here are 20 celebrities with an unlikely side hustle:</p>

1/21

When you think about the glitz and glamour of celebrity life, you rarely think about wanting anything more on your plate. A life of press, events, and afterparties (not to mention their day jobs)—you’d think there would be no time left over for anything else. But for some celebrities, one talent isn’t enough, whether it's acting, singing, or dancing, they can’t quite seem to fill up the hours in a day—enter the side hustle.

Who hasn’t thought about picking up a second job? Whether for occupation's sake, or a little bit of extra money, the thought has crossed everyone’s mind. The side hustle has even lured people out from their full time jobs. And you’d probably think that appearing in high-grossing movies and television shows, or releasing Grammy Award-winning albums would be enough to keep stars busy, after all, those things don’t happen overnight—but as it turns out, they’re also hard at work making their side hustles a reality.

Here are 20 celebrities with an unlikely side hustle:

2/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Karlie Kloss, Kode With Klossy

Kode With Klossy is model Karlie Kloss’ tuition-free coding camp for young women, gender non-conforming, and transgender teens aged between 13 and 18. Founded in 2015, the aim of the camp is to get young girls interested in STEM fields, a future-minded pursuit that Kloss is incredibly passionate about.

3/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker, SJP

Undoubtedly Sarah Jessica Parker's most iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw, was a fashion-obsessed columnist. Outside of the show, Parker founded a footwear line called SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker. SJP is considered high-end, but relatively affordable—especially compared to many of the brand Parker wore in Sex and the City.

Sign up to the Vogue newsletter

4/21

Image credit: Instagram, @ellaemhofflikestoknit

Ella Emhoff, knitwear

When IMG model Ella Emhoff isn’t walking the runways of Fashion Weeks across the world, she’s operating a successful knitwear business. Emhoff makes whimsical knitwear pieces from her home in Brooklyn, from vests and pants, to the classics like scarves and beanies.

5/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine

Reese Witherspoon is one of Hollywood's most loved and respected actresses. Her production company Hello Sunshine was made to focus on the telling of female-oriented stories, whether that be through film, television, or other digital channels. Thanks to the success of Hello Sunshine, and Witherspoon's other endeavours, Forbes named her one of the world's richest actresses, amassing an estimated net worth of $400 million.

6/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Kate Hudson, Fabletics

As decorated an actress as Kate Hudson is, the silver screen was never going to be enough. Beyond acting, Hudson is also the co-founder of the fitness brand and membership program Fabletics.

Sign up to the Vogue newsletter

7/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds, Aviation Gin and Wrexham AFC

Being one of the highest grossing actors of all time wasn’t enough for Ryan Reynolds, who has undertaken several side-hustles off-screen. Reynolds purchased a stake in Aviation American Gin in 2018, and has assumed the role of creative director at the company. Reynolds was also involved in purchasing the Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC, a process documented in the series Welcome to Wrexham.

8/21

Image credit: Getty Images

George Clooney, Casamigos Tequila

Another actor who thought life in front of the camera wasn’t enough—Clooney helped co-found Casamigos Tequila alongside Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman. Four years later, it was sold for close to $1 billion.

9/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Kylie Minogue, Wines by Kylie

Selling over 80 million records, achieving 34 top tens and 7 number ones, was never going to be enough for Australia’s sweetheart. Monogue launched Kylie Minogue Wines in 2020, and since then has gone on to sell case after case. Best sellers include the Signature Rosé and Rosé Prosecco.

10/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Rihanna, Fenty

Given the long time between albums from Rihanna, it would be fair to say that her Fenty line of beauty products has become more than just a side hustle. However, with sales of over 250 million records worldwide, making Rihanna the second-best-selling female music artist of all time, we’ll still count Fenty as a side hustle for now. Rihanna was the first woman to create an original brand for LVMH, as well as being also the first woman of colour to lead a brand under the LVMH name.

Sign up to the Vogue newsletter

11/21

Image credit: Instagram, @humanrace

Pharrell, Humanrace

As part of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, and several solo projects, Pharell Williams has been deeply involved in the music industry since the ’90s. While still involved within music, Williams founded Humanrace to empower people in a pursuit of wellbeing. The brand makes a range of cosmetics, as well as apparel collaborations.

12/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Gisele Bundchen, Ipanema

As one of the richest supermodels in history, there is plenty on Bündchen’s radar at any one time. In 2002, Bündchen started creating her own range of environmentally-friendly Ipanema sandals, which were owned by Brazilian footwear brand Grendene. Each year, a reported 25 million pairs are sold across 150 countries.

13/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Susan Sarandon, SPiN ping pong

The humble ping pong table might be the office staple at most tech companies, few know that it’s also a favourite pastime of actress and activist Susan Sarandon. Sarandon co-founded SPiN, an underground ping-pong social club, in New York in 2009. Since then, SPiN has gone on to launch franchises in San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto, and Los Angeles.

14/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Madonna, Children’s books

International icon Madonna has also found the time to pen a series of children's books! Most of the stories are based on Jewish folklore, but told in a way that is easy to read and grasp for children.

15/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez, JLO Beauty

It would’ve been almost expected for J-Lo to enter into the beauty world with her well-reputed ageless beauty. Beyond her success as a singer, dancer, and producer, Lopez created JLO Beauty, her line of skin care and anti-aging products are sold as being able to keep the ageing process at bay.

16/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrop, Goop

Stepping away from the big screen, Gwyneth Paltrow focused instead on her lifestyle brand. Goop is Paltrow’s way of promoting clean living, and caters to a wide range of needs—making everything from skincare products, to interestingly scented candles.

Sign up to the Vogue newsletter

17/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty

Life as a successful child actor threw Drew Barrymore right into the spotlight. Branching out from her massively successful career—Barrymore founded Flower. Flower includes products in the beauty, kids, and homewares categories.

18/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Bethenny Frankel, Skinnygirl

Likely to be the most successful of any of the Real Housewives, Bethenny Frankel launched her liquor company Skinnygirl, to massive worldwide success. Despite selling it to Suntory, Frankel is still the face of the brand that has moved on from Margaritas to everything from food, drinks, candy, coffee, tea, kitchen appliances, and more.

19/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Jessica Alba, The Honest Company

Alba helped found her side hustle called The Honest Company, although it is anything but a small business these days. The Honest Company produces over 100 different products across numerous categories, like baby and personal care, cleaning products, even vitamins.

20/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Emma Chamberlain, Chamberlain Coffee

Founded by Vogue coverstar and YouTube phenomenon Emma Chamberlain, Chamberlain Coffee makes high-quality, sustainably sourced organic coffee, completely roasted in California. Her authentic approach to the daily caffeine is indicative of her relaxed and approachable personality that made her such a star.

21/21

Image credit: Getty Images

Venus Williams, V Starr

Becoming a professional athlete at 14 leaves little room for anything else in daily life. But Venus Williams found time to pursue other passions off-court, culminating in the founding of her interior design business V Starr. Established in 2002, V Starr is a South Florida-based interior design firm specialising across commercial design, hospitality and multifamily, and even the high-end residential market.

Sign up to the Vogue newsletter

Subscribe to become a Vogue VIP and receive monthly magazine delivery, digital edition access, VIP event invitations, insider content, exclusive offers from our luxury partners and more. Subscribe today.