Oprah Winfrey has solidified her position as one of the most renowned media figures, not only in the United States but worldwide.
Her journey in the media industry began during her teenage years, ultimately leading her to become the reigning queen of talk shows.
Despite facing numerous challenges and traumas along the way, Oprah’s determination propelled her to unprecedented heights, transforming her into a global icon, idol, and entrepreneur with a net worth exceeding one billion dollars.
At the tender age of 19, she secured a radio job as a co-anchor for the local evening news while still in high school.
Her career path later shifted towards the daytime talk show format, opening doors to a world of endless possibilities. As a talk show host, she redefined and modernized television, ultimately becoming one of the richest women on the planet.
Beyond her media persona, Oprah winfrey has a thriving business empire that often goes unnoticed. She is a prolific investor with stakes in numerous enterprises.
These diverse business ventures and income streams catapulted her into the elite ranks of Black female billionaires.
Also Read: Black Billionaires: List of the only 14 Black Billionaires in the World
Black Billionaires: List of the only 14 Black Billionaires in the World
Businesses owned by Oprah Winfrey that might surprise you:
- Harpo Studios: Founded in 1986, Harpo Studios is a multimedia company bearing Oprah’s name spelled backward. Initially established to oversee the production of her talk show, it later expanded to produce successful films like “The Color Purple,” “Selma,” and “Beloved.” Collectively, these movies generated around $2 billion, and Harpo Studios boasts an estimated net worth of $150 million, as reported by Forbes.
- OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network): In 2011, Oprah launched her cable network, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). This channel primarily features entertainment and lifestyle content targeting African American audiences, including reruns of her iconic talk show. Although initially a 50/50 joint venture, Discovery gradually increased its ownership stake in OWN, with Oprah remaining a significant minority stakeholder through at least 2025.
- Oprah.com: Oprah owns Oprah.com, an online media platform dedicated to women’s lifestyle topics such as health, wellness, fashion, and food. This platform garners over 75 million page views monthly.
- Weight Watchers: Oprah initially acquired a minority stake in Weight Watchers, for $34 million. Her investment’s value reportedly soared to $430 million by 2020, even though her ownership percentage decreased over time.
Also Read: The 7 Wealthiest Black women in America
- True Food Kitchen: Oprah invested in True Food Kitchen, a health food restaurant chain founded by author Andrew Weil. The company boasts over 42 locations nationwide.
- Oatly: Oprah holds shares in Oatly, a leading oat milk company that went public in 2021 with a valuation of $10 billion. In 2020, Oprah, along with Jay-Z and other high-profile investors, acquired a minority $200 million stake in the company.
- The Oprah Conversation: Collaborating with Apple TV+, Oprah launched “The Oprah Conversation,” a platform featuring timely discussions between Oprah and notable figures, thought leaders, and experts across a wide range of topics.
Oprah Winfrey’s multifaceted business ventures showcase her remarkable journey from a young radio co-anchor to a global media mogul and savvy investor. Her impact extends far beyond talk shows, leaving an indelible mark on various industries.