While Ciara’s claim to fame is singing and dancing, she has been taking steps to become a mogul over time. The southern beauty became an instant star after releasing her debut album Goodies in 2004 with the lead single of the same name that reached number one on the Billboard charts. From there, she one, two stepped her way into being a worldwide sensation with her Crunk&B sound and unbelievable dance moves. While Cici will always be known for her legendary moves and bops, she has shifted her focus and has been working on expanding her brand.
The mother of three made headlines recently when she revealed that she bought back her masters while starting her independent label Beauty Marks. And while she is the CEO of her own music imprint, she has also been making waves in other industries because a real boss diversifies their portfolio.
Here are five businesses that Ciara has launched over the years.
Skincare
The Grammy award-winning singer just announced that she will be launching a skincare line called OAM, which stands for On A Mission. She made the exciting announcement on Instagram. “You’ve been asking… and here it is. Meet my secret sauce ✨Years in the making. Coming 09/15/22. #OAMskin,” she wrote.
In an interview with Allure, the singer shared her motivation behind the line. "I used to think I was my most beautiful self with all the makeup on," Ciara said. "But that's not real. That's not how to live….While being on a mission to do so many things that I want to do, it's important to me that I'm loving who I am at the core and loving myself when there's not a whole lot going on."
The line, which is set to launch on Sept. 15, features Vitamin C Hydrating Cleanser, Vitamin C Brightening Pads, 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Vitamin C Eye Revitalizer, and Vitamin C Radiance Moisturizer.
Fashion and Accessories
In 2021, Ciara released a fashion line called LITA by Ciara. LITA, which stands for Love is the Answer, is under her and her husband Russell Wilson’s brand The House of LR&C. The line features dresses, matching two-piece ‘fits, shoes, and accessories.
She also launched a travel accessories line called Dare to Roam which has a collection of fanny packs, duffel bags, backpacks, and more. The collection can be found at Kohl's and Target.
Spirits
Cici has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Diddy and Nicki Minaj and decided to throw her hat into the wine and spirits game. In 2019, Ciara co-founded Ten to One Rum with entrepreneur Marc-Kwesi Farrell. She is also an investor in the brand.
In an interview with Forbes, she revealed why she jumped at the opportunity to join the spirits community. “When I get a chance to do things and projects like this, I’m pretty involved,” she said. “I look a step before the actual product to work with really great business partners.”
Founder of Ten To One Rum Marc Farrell and co-owner of Ten To One Rum Ciara.
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Pronghorn
“For me, all the boxes were checked. This is a space that not too many women occupy, and I saw a tremendous opportunity as an entrepreneur, and as a woman of color.”
Fragrance
The “Jump” artist also has a fragrance with Russell called R&C. The fragrance, which can be found in Nordstorm, has three collections such as the Fragrance Duo, the Harmony Duo, and the Intense Duo. The bottles are magnetic and they click together for a unique scent. In 2021, their Harmony Duo perfume won gold at the Pentawards, which is a prestigious award for packaging and design.
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Featured image by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Pronghorn
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Outside of supporting her Pulitzer Prize-winning man, Whitney is also a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. The couple share two beautiful children together and seem to enjoy their privacy. From high school sweethearts to starting a family, here is a timeline of Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s relationship.
2001-2005?: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Meet
Whitney Alford and Kendrick Lamar at 2016 Key to the City Ceremony
Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
Kendrick and Whitney met in high school. However, there’s not a lot of details about what year. The two attended Centennial High School, which is located in Compton, CA, and began dating shortly after becoming friends.
2009: Kendrick Lamar Raps About Whitney
In his 2009 self-titled EP, Kendrick rapped about Whitney in the songs “She Needs Me” and “Determined.” He highlighted how he can’t live without her in “She Needs Me” and shared how she’s been his rock in “Determined.”
2014: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford’s First Public Appearance as a Couple
56th Grammy Awards with Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford
Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS
Whitney stepped out with Kendrick for the first time at the 56th Grammy Awards. Kendrick was nominated for seven awards, including Best Rap Album for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.
2015: Kendrick Calls Whitney His Best Friend
Talking to Billboard in January, the Compton rapper opened up about his love for Whitney. “I wouldn’t even call her my girl,” he said. “That’s my best friend. I don’t even like the term that society has put in the world as far as being a companion — she’s somebody I can tell my fears to.”
Whitney Appears on Kendrick’s "To Pimp a Butterfly" Album
In March 2015, Kendrick dropped his highly anticipated third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, andWhitney provided backup vocals for songs “King Kunta” and “Wesley’s Theory.”
Kendrick Confirms Engagement to Whitney Alford
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford at 2015 BET Awards
Photo by Johnny Nunez/BET/Getty Images for BET
During a The Breakfast Club interview, the Grammy award-winning artist confirmed that he and his high school sweetheart were engaged. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I’m loyal to the soul.”
2019: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcome Their First Child
It was reported that the couple had their first child in July 2019. While her name wasn’t revealed at the time, fans later suggested that he mentioned her name in his song “Mr. Morale,” which is off of his fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. He rapped, “Uzi, your father's in deep meditation.”
2022: Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford Welcomes Their Second Child
The couple quietly welcomed a second child, a baby boy named Enoch and they made the big reveal on the cover of the Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers album. The cover features Kendrick holding Uzi while Whitney holds Enoch. Kendrick also mentioned Enoch’s name in his song “Mr. Morale” when he rapped, “Enoch, your father's just detoxed.”
Whitney Reflects on Working With Kendrick on "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers"
In May, the makeup artist reflected on working with Kendrick on the album, which she helped narrate, and thanked him in an Instagram post. “Sometimes the mirror is a harsh critic. Shit can get real ugly. Im proud of the work we’ve done individually and as a family. Honored to be a part of this album @kendricklamar. Thank you for your transparency. Healing can begin…,” she wrote.
Whitney Appears in Kendrick's "Count Me Out" Music Video
Whitney also appeared in her beau’s “Count Me Out” music video and shared a snippet on her Instagram page in December.
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