80s Celebrities Who Became Entrepreneurs

From Fame to Fortune – 80s Celebrities Turned Entrepreneurs

The 1980s gave us some of the most iconic figures in pop culture. We fell in love with their on-screen personas, danced to their chart-topping hits, and followed their fashion trends. But as the years rolled by, some of these superstars swapped glitzy Hollywood lights for office desks and business meetings. In an era before social media influencers ruled the world, many 80s celebrities made a bold leap from entertainment to entrepreneurship—and, let’s be real, they did it with flair.

Whether it was launching fashion labels, founding beverage companies, or breaking into tech, these icons knew how to keep the hustle alive. It’s almost like they were saying, “Hollywood? Been there, done that. Time to own something real!” They embraced the challenge of building something from the ground up—proving to fans that there’s more to them than just fame.

Speaking of retro vibes, our own love for the past inspires us at Newretro.Net. We take cues from that timeless 80s style—offering retro-inspired denim jackets, leather coats, and sleek sneakers for today’s trendsetters. Much like those iconic celebrities, we’re all about re-inventing the classics with a modern twist. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of these 80s stars who traded the red carpet for business ventures.

Why 80s Stars Chose Business After Hollywood

A career in showbiz is thrilling but often fleeting. Fame fades, movie roles stop rolling in, and hit songs eventually slide off the charts. Many 80s stars quickly learned that relying on entertainment alone wasn’t sustainable. That’s where business came in. Some wanted to capitalize on their name while it still carried weight; others were simply following a new passion they had discovered along the way.

For some, entrepreneurship was a natural progression. With their wealth and connections, why not start a business? They already had fan bases, personal brands, and, of course, cash to invest. Many of these stars found business ventures gave them the creative control they couldn’t always enjoy in Hollywood or the music industry.

Fashion Icons: 80s Celebrities Who Launched Clothing Brands

Fashion is often where fame meets fortune. Some of the most recognizable celebrities from the 80s made the switch by launching clothing brands that reflect their signature style. It’s no surprise—if millions copied your look back in the day, you might as well make money off it, right?

• Madonna: The "Queen of Pop" didn’t just change the music industry—she reshaped fashion too. In the 80s, Madonna's edgy, rebellious outfits set trends, and she later capitalized on that influence by launching lifestyle brands, including her clothing line “Material Girl.”

• Cindy Crawford: One of the biggest supermodels of the 80s, Cindy knew how to work the runway—and she took those skills straight into business. Crawford co-founded a home furnishing line and later dabbled in fashion, ensuring her name stayed relevant well beyond the catwalk.

At Newretro.Net, we feel this spirit. Like these fashion-forward icons, we believe that some styles never really go out of fashion. That’s why our denim jackets and leather pieces reflect the coolest elements of 80s streetwear—designed for today’s rebels and trend-chasers.

Musicians From the 80s Who Became Business Moguls

The music might live on, but musicians know that royalties only go so far. Some 80s superstars figured that out early and decided to diversify their income streams by starting businesses. Spoiler alert: Some of them did pretty well.

• David Bowie: Always ahead of his time, Bowie wasn’t just a music icon—he was a trendsetter in business too. In 1997, he introduced "Bowie Bonds," allowing investors to buy into the future royalties of his songs. This innovative financial move was the first of its kind and showed that even rockstars could think like Wall Street traders.

• Gene Simmons: The KISS frontman didn’t stop with selling records. Simmons took the KISS brand to the next level, licensing it to everything from toys to comic books. Not just content with being a musician, he built an empire that goes beyond the stage—proving that sometimes, the business can be just as exciting as the show.

It’s like Bowie and Simmons knew that success isn’t about sticking to just one thing. You’ve got to keep evolving—just like the retro-inspired looks at Newretro.Net. Our collection isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about making something timeless feel fresh again.

Actors and Actresses Who Found Success in Business Ventures

It’s not only musicians and models who made a splash in business. Plenty of 80s actors and actresses discovered a knack for entrepreneurship, too. They took everything they learned about hard work, resilience, and reinvention from their acting careers and channeled it into the business world.

• Jessica Simpson: While Simpson’s acting career may not have taken off like her pop stardom, her business instincts were on point. She built a billion-dollar empire with her fashion and lifestyle brand, proving that fame can fuel something much bigger than a Hollywood career.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger: “The Terminator” didn’t just conquer the silver screen—he took over the fitness world too. Schwarzenegger turned his passion for bodybuilding into several business ventures, including gyms, supplements, and even a successful run as a politician.

These stars remind us that with the right drive, there’s no limit to where your talents can take you. And that’s exactly what we aim to capture with our products at Newretro.Net—a combination of retro aesthetics and modern ambition that fits anyone chasing dreams in style.