Pop star and global icon Rihanna has been honored by Prime Minister Mia Mottley at an event marking Barbados’ new status as a republic. The Barbadian artist and businesswoman was previously named ambassador for the nation in 2018.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for National Hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty. May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your word, by your actions,” the Prime Minister said during the event.
Rihanna can add the title to a growing list of accolades. Rihanna also officially entered the billionaire’s club back in August, according to a Forbes report.
The famed publication estimated that the pop star and business mogul — founder of fashion house Fenty as well as makeup line Fenty Beauty — is now worth $1.7 billion, making her the wealthiest female musician in the world and the second-wealthiest female entertainer in the world after Oprah Winfrey. An estimated $1.4 billion of that fortune comes exclusively from Fenty Beauty, of which Rihanna owns a 50 percent share. Much of the rest of her net worth — around $270 million — comes from sales stemming from her music and acting career along with her stake in her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty.
Forbes attributes Fenty Beauty’s success not only to its celebrity founder but also its uniquely diverse product line, with a foundation available in 50 different skin tones for women of color. A 50-50 joint venture with French luxury conglomerate LVMH, which also owns makeup retailer Sephora, Fenty Beauty was reportedly racking in $550 million during its first calendar year in 2018, beating out other celebrity lines like Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics and Kim Kardashian West’s KKW Beauty. Cosmetics sales have bounced back from their pandemic lows and are only expected to increase in the coming year.
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