
How 10 Polyworking Celebs Are Building Multi-Million Dollar Net Worths

Gone are the days when celebrities were boxed into a single career lane. With industries evolving and financial realities shifting, many stars are embracing the polywork trend—building wealth and influence by wearing multiple hats.
Forbes reports, “Polyworking is a growing trend of managing multiple concurrent jobs rather than relying on a single source of income. It heralds a new phase in what has been known as the "portfolio career" or the practice of "slashers"—a concept introduced by Marci Alboher in her book, One Person, Multiple Careers.
Why Polyworking Is the Future
The entertainment industry is no longer just about mastering one craft. Shrinking profit margins (especially in music and acting) and the need for financial security have made it essential for celebrities—and everyday people—to pursue multiple streams of income. Polyworking isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a survival strategy for building wealth and staying relevant.
Take a cue from these stars and don’t be afraid to explore new lanes. Success today means being versatile, creative, and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.
From acting and singing to launching businesses, here's how some of your favorite celebrities are thriving in diverse spaces:
1. Issa Rae: Multi-Hyphenate Mogul
Issa Rae has mastered the art of polyworking. Known for her groundbreaking TV series Insecure, Issa has expanded into other ventures, including her record label Raedio and, most recently, opening her new restaurant, Somerville, in South LA. In the Naked Beauty Podcast, she shared how wearing multiple hats allows her to express creativity while ensuring financial stability. Her journey proves you can balance art and entrepreneurship.
Back in 2020, Issa told Billboard, "Even from a young age, my mom used to call me bossy. Only now do I realize that I wanted to be that. I wanted to be a boss because, why the fuck not? I liked feeling like I was working or in business. I liked feeling like a leader. And it is not always fun, by any means, but there's an element of accomplishment that I feel in executing projects."
2. Chloe Bailey: The Musician Who Does It All
As one half of Chloe x Halle, Chloe Bailey is a vocal powerhouse. But with the reality of slim profit margins in music streaming, she's stepped back into acting (Swarm, Praise This) and has taken on a bevy of brand partnerships, including a recent one with Pandora. Chloe embodies the spirit of modern polyworking, leveraging her platform to diversify her income and creative reach.
3. Rihanna: From Music Icon to Beauty Billionaire
Rihanna might not be dropping albums as frequently as fans hope, but she’s dominating in other arenas. With Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, and even her role as a mom, Rihanna exemplifies how pivoting into other industries can create lasting wealth. Polyworking has propelled her to billionaire status while redefining her legacy.
She told the New York Times that she knows what she brings to the table, and “knowing that the fashion industry has lacked inclusivity, she’s not planning to back down from being a young, Black woman new to the business.” Rihanna said, “Those factors do come into play, but I will not apologize for them, and I will not back down from being a woman, from being Black, from having an opinion. I do know that the reason I’m here is not because I’m black. It’s because of what I have to offer.” And she offers so much.
4. Donald Glover: The Quintessential Polymath
Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, wears multiple hats with ease. From acting (Atlanta, Community) to music and writing, he’s a perfect example of how polywork allows creatives to thrive. Glover’s diverse projects not only showcase his talent but also ensure he’s never reliant on a single stream of income.
Did you know he was also a farmer? He named his nascent company after Gilgamesh, the mythic Mesopotamian hero who angered the gods. “Gilga is like Erewhon for culture,” he told GQ. Donald went on to say, “I want to work with the best people in every medium. To work toward sustainable output. The culture we’re getting from our phones is not high quality. It can be really good sometimes. And fun. But not necessarily high quality. Gilga is the filter for all of that.”
5. Serena Williams: Ace on and off the Court
Serena Williams may have retired from tennis, but her polywork hustle is just beginning. Between Serena Ventures, her investment firm, her beauty brand, and fashion brand S by Serena, she’s proving that building wealth and legacy goes far beyond sports.
The mommy mogul shared on her website that being organized is her best thing. “It keeps me sane and helps me feel like I have some control over a very full life. Tennis is a big part of my life, but I’ve also been dedicating more time and energy to my other passions lately.”
6. Zendaya: Star of the Screen and Beyond
Zendaya’s acting chops (Euphoria, Dune) are unmatched, but she’s also taken on roles as a producer, brand ambassador, and fashion icon. By leveraging her platform across industries, she’s a textbook example of using polywork to establish generational wealth.
We are also waiting for the day she decides to really model because it’s gonna be over for the girls.
When it comes to new projects, the Euphoria star is being the most intentional these days. She told Vogue, “As I get older, I want to be more intentional about the things that I choose to do with my time and the brands I work with. I’ve been approached by similar sports-related brands and, no slight to any of them, there’s just this feeling of openness and care [with On]. They’re already doing the work—I don’t have to tell them to make it more inclusive or more meaningful—they are already doing that. It inspires me; I want to support what they’re doing.”
7. Beyoncé: The Ultimate Multi-Hyphenate
Queen Bey’s artistry is unparalleled, but her ventures like Ivy Park and her groundbreaking "Renaissance World Tour" show how she combines music with business savvy. Her polyworking ensures her influence goes beyond the stage and into fashion, tech, and philanthropy.
Since she’s been at it for decades, she’s had to revisit the blueprint. “There was a time when I was pushing myself to meet unrealistic deadlines, while not taking the time to enjoy the benefits of why I was working so hard,” Beyoncé told GQ. “There aren’t many of us from the late ’90s who were taught to focus on mental health. Back then, I had little boundaries, and said yes to everything ... And now I work smarter.”
8. Tracee Ellis Ross: From Acting to Entrepreneurship, Mastering Multiple Lanes
Tracee Ellis Ross, known for her role on Black-ish, has found success beyond acting with Pattern Beauty, a hair care line designed for textured hair. Ross's goal was to create products that support and celebrate the natural beauty of textured hair.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the founder of Pattern Beauty emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and organization in presenting one's best self. According to Ross, setting up her Pattern headquarters necessitates "mapping out with military precision" to ensure a successful and effective operation. “That is perhaps both an escape and a defense mechanism, and also how I get it all done. But I take the moments: what I call it is being mindful and slow between A and B. So instead of rushing between things, I really allow myself to be present between them.”
9. La La Anthony: Breaking Barriers and Building Empires
La La Anthony, who started as a VJ on MTV's Total Request Live, has expanded her career significantly. Now, she's not only an actor and producer known for roles in Power and Think Like a Man, but also a successful entrepreneur. In 2022, she launched Inala, an award-winning haircare brand.
When talking withThe Cut about how she gets it done, La La said, “It’s great to show people that you can do more than one thing, but the challenge is that people often only see you as one thing. So if you’re a radio personality, they only want to see you as that; if you’re a TV personality, they only want to see you as that. I’m all about breaking barriers down and showing people that you can not only be more than one thing — and you can be good at more than one thing. It’s possible. No one should put you in a box.”
10. Keke Palmer: A Masterclass in Balancing Passion and Opportunity
Now, they don't call this former child star Keke "Keep a Job" Palmer for no reason. The 31-year-old has been making polywork work way before wearing multiple hats was as much of a thing. From her breakout role as an actress in Akeelah and the Bee to numerous hosting gigs, including a history-making one as the youngest person to host a talk show with Just Keke at the age of 20.
Making history is just a prerequisite for Keke's polywork success over the years. She even earned an Emmy for her work as a host for the game show Password in 2023, becoming the first Black woman to do so.
When she isn't being a mom, Keke is producing for her digital network KeyTV, acting as a podcaster for her hit podcast Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, being 1/3 of girl group DivaGurl, and even more recently, has added author to her ever-expanding resume with her memoir, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative. "It’s not just about doing it all," Keke shared with Variety. "It’s about doing it all in a way that feels authentic to you."
Next up for the multihyphenate is One of Them Days alongside SZA, hitting theaters on January 17.
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Featured image by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Fast Company
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Since turning 30, three years ago, I have been on a journey of self-improvement and healing. During this time, I've adopted daily practices like meditation, journaling, and speaking affirmations over my life. I also began reading spiritual and self-help books like The Alchemist and The Mountain Is You.
These tools have changed my life drastically as I have become more self-confident and developed more self-love. Lately, one of my go-to's for a spiritual boost is listening to podcasts. There are so many podcasts to choose from nowadays, and they aren't created equally.
However, if you're looking for a podcast that speaks to your soul and helps you in your personal development, then check out the 10 podcasts below.
Balanced Black Girl
Balanced Black Girl is a podcast focusing on personal development, self-care, and more. Hosted by Les, adding this podcast to your list is a great start to developing better habits.
Take Back Your Mind
Take Back Your Mind is a podcast by Agape Church founder and pastor Michael B. Beckwith. This podcast touches on various topics like spirituality, purpose, mindfulness, and more.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty features many guests, from Big Sean to former First Lady Michelle Obama, as they open up about their tips for success and biggest life lessons.
Keep It Positive, Sweetie
Sistas actress Crystal Renay created the Keep It Positive, Sweetie podcast, which hones in on discussions like family, second chances, and the art of submission.
Diary of A CEO
Diary of A CEO is more than a business podcast. It highlights many conversations like how to sleep better, the benefits of fasting, and how to reduce toxins in your body.
Being Her
Margarita Nazarenko has built a loyal fanbase on social media from her straight, no-chaser advice on dating, and recently, she launched a podcast called Being Her. The podcast digs a little deeper into feminine energy, manifestation, and, of course, dating.
Healed Girl Era
Gia Peppers hosts the Healed Girl Era podcast, and the name says it all. If you're in your healed girl era or want to get in your healed girl era, then this podcast is for you as Gia and guests tackle topics like self-love and finding your joy.
Super Soul
Oprah's Super Soul podcast features interviews from a wide range of thought leaders in health and wellness, spirituality, and entertainment.
Everybody's Crazy
Everybody's Crazy is hosted by best friends April McDaniel and Savannah James as they open up about their friendship and navigating life. However, their girl talk doesn't shy away from tough conversations like grief and mom guilt and how to overcome it all.
Therapy For Black Girls
Therapy For Black Girls is a mental health podcast hosted by psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. The podcast covers everything, from dealing with depression to superwoman syndrome.
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