Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, is a globally renowned singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. She rose to fame with her debut album "Music of the Sun" in 2005, followed by a string of chart-topping hits like "Umbrella", "Diamonds", and "We Found Love". Rihanna is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 250 million records sold worldwide. Beyond music, she has made a significant impact in the fashion and beauty industries. She founded Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics brand celebrated for its inclusivity, and Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line. Rihanna is also a philanthropist, establishing the Clara Lionel Foundation to support education and emergency response programs globally. In 2021, she was declared a National Hero of Barbados for her contributions to the nation.

Before Rihanna became a global icon, she had a challenging upbringing in Bridgetown, Barbados. She grew up in a modest home and faced difficulties due to her father's struggles with addiction and domestic issues. Despite these hardships, Rihanna showed resilience and developed a passion for music at a young age. She participated in school talent shows and was an army cadet in a sub-military program, where fellow Barbadian singer Shontelle was her drill sergeant. At 16, Rihanna was discovered by music producer Evan Rogers, who helped her record demo tapes that eventually caught the attention of Jay-Z and led to her signing with Def Jam Recordings. Her journey from a small island to international stardom is a testament to her determination and talent.

Rihanna made her fortune through a combination of her music career and entrepreneurial ventures. While she gained fame as a global music icon with hits like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds", the majority of her wealth comes from her business endeavors. She co-founded Fenty Beauty in 2017, a cosmetics brand celebrated for its inclusivity, offering products in a wide range of skin tones. Fenty Beauty became a massive success, generating over $550 million in revenue within its first year. Rihanna owns 50% of the company, which she co-manages with LVMH, the French luxury goods conglomerate. Additionally, she launched Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand that has also achieved significant success. Rihanna holds an estimated 28% stake in the company, which raised $125 million in funding in 2022. These ventures, combined with her music royalties and acting roles, have made her one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world.