NEW YORK – Eight young entrepreneurs and entertainers, including Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, are making waves in the business world, as highlighted in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
Breaking: Young Entrepreneurs Forge New Paths
With achievements ranging from sold-out stadium tours to unicorn tech startups and viral makeup lines, these women have amassed fortunes worth hundreds of millions, or even billions, before reaching their 40th birthday. This year, only eight out of the 100 list members are under 40, a decrease from 11 last year due to some turning 40 and others not meeting the wealth cutoff.
Immediate Impact
The average age of the list members is 63, with most being over 50. However, the youngest, Kylie Jenner, at 27, continues to make headlines with her beauty business, Kylie Cosmetics, and recent ventures into apparel, perfume, and alcohol.
Jenner’s estimated fortune stands at $670 million, making her the only woman in her 20s on this year’s list.
Key Details Emerge
Leading the pack is Taylor Swift, whose estimated worth is $1.6 billion. Her Eras Tour grossed over $2 billion, setting a new record for concert tours. Swift’s earnings from the tour and her song catalog have increased her fortune by $300 million since last year.
Meanwhile, the tech industry sees Lucy Guo, 30, as a rising star. She became a billionaire following the AI boom, with her company, Scale AI, valued at $25 billion after a recent sale of insider shares.
Industry Response
In the entertainment sector, Selena Gomez joins the list as a newcomer under 40. Most of her wealth stems from her majority stake in Rare Beauty, a cosmetics line she founded in 2020.
Gomez’s estimated net worth is $700 million, largely due to Rare Beauty’s success, which generated $370 million in revenue in 2023.
By the Numbers
- Christina Cacioppo: Age 37, Net worth $440 million, Software
- Daniela Amodei: Age 37, Net worth $1.2 billion, Artificial Intelligence
- Rihanna: Age 37, Net worth $1 billion, Music and Cosmetics
- Shuo Wang: Age 36, Net worth $1.5 billion, Software
What Comes Next
The announcement comes as the landscape for young female entrepreneurs continues to evolve, with increasing opportunities in technology and entertainment. However, challenges remain, as seen with Whitney Wolfe Herd and Iman Abuzeid, who did not meet this year’s wealth threshold.
Expert Analysis
According to industry experts, the achievements of these young women highlight a significant shift towards female empowerment in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The success of individuals like Lucy Guo and Selena Gomez is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Background Context
Forbes’ list reflects a broader trend of increasing female representation in business leadership roles. The timing is particularly significant as industries adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
This development builds on the momentum of women’s growing influence in the global economy.
Future Implications
Looking ahead, the continued success of these self-made women under 40 could pave the way for more young female leaders. As they expand their ventures and explore new markets, their impact is likely to resonate across industries worldwide.
The move represents a significant shift from past years, underscoring the potential for young women to redefine success and leadership in the modern era.
