There’s just something about seeing Black women thrive that makes us beam from ear to ear with joy! Forbes just dropped its annual America’s Richest Self-Made Women list and we are over the moon to see some of our favorites top the list.
With the ever-changing economy, Forbes revealed that there was a significant dip in last year’s combined net worth of the nation’s richest self-made women. This year, that sum is $111 billion which is a 6 percent decline from 2021. Due to the decrease, the admission cutoff for the annual list went from $225 million to $215 million.
With careers in industries that range from entertainment to sports, along with entrepreneurship, these ladies serve as an inspiration that anything is possible. Take a look at AfroTech’s breakdown of the beautiful Black women who topped the list.
Oprah Winfrey
With a net worth of $2.6 billion, Winfrey is the richest Black woman in America topping the list at No. 10.
The television mogul comes from humble beginnings in Mississippi and went on to carve her own lane in the industry as one of television’s highest-paid entertainers thanks to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” — one of the most successful syndicated television shows — which reportedly drew in roughly 15 million people a day.
From there, she became the first Black woman to own her own production company, OWN Network, and she continues to be a trailblazer for women across the globe.
Rihanna
Next up is Rihanna, who went from a young island girl from Barbados to a fashion icon, legendary musician, and groundbreaking entrepreneur — just to name a few. Rihanna’s net worth sits at $1.4 billion, which is a new feat that she achieved, as reported by AfroTech in 2021.
While fans may still be waiting around for new music from the 34-year-old, she continues to grind her way to the top through her successful Fenty Beauty brand and the equally booming Savage x Fenty lingerie brand. Both of her brands have laid the groundwork for inclusivity in spaces where the standard does not reflect people who look like us.
Sheila Johnson
Sheila Johnson is a trailblazer and continues to set the standard for Black women accumulating wealth. She is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and currently, her net worth sits at a whopping $780 million.
Beyond helping to create the network centered around Black entertainment and culture, Johnson once served as a cultural liaison to the Middle East for the U.S. Information Agency and helped to establish the National Music Conservatory of Jordan. Now, she is the CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts.
Beyoncé
One might say it was in this Texas native’s destiny to be a superstar. Beyoncé has successfully solidifed a spot as one of the greatest entertainers to ever grace this earth, but beyond that she is all about her business…man.
While Forbes estimates Beyoncé is worth $450 million, Celebrity Net Worth estimates $500 million. Her wealth is thanks to her endeavors in music, as well as getting to the Disney bag with projects like “The Lion King” and “Black Is King.” On top of that, her successful Ivy Park apparel and footwear line continues to sell out within minutes of every single drop.
Emma Grede
Emma Grede is a newcomer on the highest-self paid women list and she has rightfully secured a spot with a net worth of $360 million.
When she isn’t making history as the first Black woman to serve as a regular guest judge on “Shark Tank,” she is running Good American as its CEO. What’s more, she is also the Chief Product Officer at shapewear brand Skims.
Serena Williams
When you’re the greatest athlete of all time, success is sure to follow. Tennis icon and trailblazer Serena Williams has a net worth of $260 million — marking her first appearance on this particular Forbes list.
Outside of endorsements and partnerships, Williams has accrued the big bucks with her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, where she managed to raise $111 million from outside investors earlier this year.
