This article by Brittani Hunter was originally published by Mogul Millennial. It is republished with permission.
"That Rihanna reign just won't let up."
Outside of making a name for herself in the music industry, the Grammy award-winning star has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with—on and off the mic.
Upon entering the luxury fashion industry with the launch of her Fenty line, Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty has evolved into the ultimate serial entrepreneur with her business efforts adding up to a $600 million fortune.
Because of her business ventures, this Mogul Millennial was recently named the wealthiest female musician (and is arguably one of the most influential, self-made Millennials in the world.)
In a recent interview with T Magazine, Rihanna dropped several gems about her journey into becoming a mogul. Here are our top takeaways from her interview:
1. You don’t have to stay married to one talent, idea, or business
Before entering the fashion world with partnerships with major brands like Puma and now LVMH, Rihanna made a name for herself as a music artist. Rihanna could’ve stayed in the music industry lane since she had proven a success as an artist, but she always knew she wanted more. As Rihanna told T Magazine, “I have to think about the next thing, which is terrible because people should live in the moment. I just started branching out into different creative outlets. That’s what makes me happy."
One of the next outlets that Rihanna ventured into was the fashion industry with partnerships with brands like Puma, Armani, and Dior.
Rihanna shared, “I’ve been slowly evolving throughout the fashion world. First wearing it, buying it, being recognized for my style and then collaborating with brands. I never just wanted to put my name on something and sell my license. I’m very hands-on, so I wanted to take it slowly and gain respect as a designer. I already had a relationship with them after the Versailles campaign and the makeup line, so they extended the offer to me and it was a no-brainer because LVMH is a machine. Bernard Arnault was so enthusiastic; he trusted me and my vision.”
2. Develop a thick skin
Rihanna’s first single “Pon De Replay” may have been a bop to many people like you and me, but it was dismissed by music critics, some of who often referred to her as a one-hit wonder. Nonetheless, it motivated her to work harder and eventually branch out to other creative endeavors.
“The one-hit-wonder comment came straight out of the gate and that put a fire under my ass, and I just never stopped working. Every time it was about challenging myself: I have to do better, I have to do better. And what’s next, what’s next? I won a Grammy, and that was seconds into my past as soon as it got into my hands,” Rihanna shared with T Magazine.
3. Strategically align yourself with people that can take you higher
Rihanna’s collaborations with notable brands over the past few years have given her a chance to reach a diverse network of consumers.
For example, in 2012, long before her lingerie brand Savage X Fenty was a thought, Rihanna sang at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Next, she collaborated with LVMH on Fenty Beauty through their Kendo division. The success of this line reportedly is what sparked the idea of her luxury fashion line with LVMH.
Before then in 2013, the debut of her River Island collection at London Fashion Week was perhaps the first concrete sign that she had an interest in fashion.
“I have wanted to design my own collection for a long time and to present my collection for River Island alongside all of the other great design talent at LFW is a real privilege,” she told reporters.
4. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying
Rihanna has the phrase “Never a failure. Always a lesson.” as a tattoo, inked backward so she can read it through a mirror whenever doubt creeps up. She is aware that failure is inevitable, but she is also aware that you should be willing to learn the lesson that comes along with failure.
“How you gonna learn without making mistakes?” Rihanna questioned in her interview.
5. Don’t try to build your empire alone
I don’t care what anyone says; it’s impossible to build a successful, scalable business by yourself with zero help. No one knows it all, not even the most successful businesswomen and men in history.
In building her luxury fashion brand, Rihanna was cognizant of the value of inviting others to the table.
“I like to think of my establishment at the Fenty house as a hub,” she said. “Even if you’ve never designed something in your life, you might have impeccable taste: I’m welcoming everyone’s vision here, because that’s what it’s gonna take. I can’t just think I know everything. I’m very smart with my control freak. A smart control freak. I welcome other people’s expertise. I love new, young talent.”
6. Take control of your life by being YOU
One of the major keys of being successful involves being your authentic self, unapologetically. It’s human nature for us to live our lives the way others want us to live it. We make decisions on our career and relationships based on how we think other people will feel, instead of how we will feel.
Rihanna started her career doing the exact same thing until around 2007, roughly three short years after she entered the music industry.
“Good Girl Gone Bad is where I started to take the reins: I’m going to do whatever I want to do, I’m taking control of my vision, my sound, my clothes. I also embraced change along the way—things that make me a better woman, a better human being. Like, even the way I communicate: I’m really proud of my growth on that. I’m proud to walk into any building as this person. Nothing about me makes me embarrassed about me.”
This article by Brittani Hunter was originally published by Mogul Millennial. It is republished with permission.
