When Business Ventures Flop: The Celebrity Edition

It is no secret that celebrities often have a lot of disposable income and clout that can be leveraged into other industries. Many celebrities have ventured into the business world to diversify their portfolios and expand their empires. While some have succeeded, others have not been so fortunate. This article will explore some of the most notable failed celebrity business ventures and what we can learn from their mistakes.

Jessica Simpson’s Clothing Line

Jessica Simpson is known for her successful career as a singer and actress, but in 2006 she launched her clothing line. The line was initially successful, with sales reaching over $1 billion in the first year. However, in the years that followed, the line experienced a decline in popularity, leading to its eventual demise. Simpson’s failure to keep up with changing fashion trends and her lack of involvement in the business’s day-to-day operations were cited as contributing factors.

ShoeDazzle/ Ebay | ShoeDazzle is where women who love shoes and fashion come for their personalized style fix

Kim Kardashian- ShoeDazzle

In 2009, Kim Kardashian partnered with ShoeDazzle, an online subscription-based shoe retailer. The company was initially successful but failed due to poor business practices and a lack of innovation. Kardashian’s involvement in the business was limited, and she faced criticism for promoting a company that failed to deliver on its promises to customers.

DestiNY USA – Robert Congel

Robert Congel, the founder of the Pyramid Companies, a shopping mall developer, spent more than $1 billion building DestiNY USA, a massive entertainment and retail complex in Syracuse, New York. The project was intended to be the largest mall in the United States, but it was never completed. Construction began in 2004, but the project stalled due to financial difficulties, and it was ultimately abandoned in 2009.

The Row – Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the former child stars turned fashion designers, launched The Row, a high-end fashion label, in 2006. The brand has been successful, but the sisters also had a failed venture in 2010 when they launched a junior line called Olsenboye at J.C. Penney. The line was discontinued after just two years due to poor sales.

Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images | Crystal Head Vodka is crafted from locally sourced Canadian corn

Dan Aykroyd’s Vodka

In 2008, actor Dan Aykroyd launched a vodka line called Crystal Head Vodka. The vodka was marketed as a high-end, ultra-pure product, and it was sold in a distinctive skull-shaped bottle. Despite its unique branding, vodka failed to gain a significant market share and remains a niche product.

The Sharper Image – Richard Nixon

Former US President Richard Nixon founded The Sharper Image, a high-end retail store chain that sold innovative electronic products and gadgets. The business was successful initially but eventually faced financial difficulties, which led to its bankruptcy in 2008.

Nicki Minaj Collection – Nicki Minaj

In 2013, rapper Nicki Minaj launched her clothing line called Nicki Minaj Collection. The collection featured clothing and accessories inspired by her style but failed to resonate with consumers and was eventually discontinued.

ALEX PASSA/ THINGS | Speaes was listed as the most powerful celebrity in the world in 2002

Nyla – Britney Spears

Pop star Britney Spears launched a restaurant called Nyla in 2002 in New York City. The restaurant specialized in Southern-style cuisine, but it was short-lived and closed just a year later due to poor reviews and low sales.

Kim Basinger’s Town Purchase

In 1989, actress Kim Basinger bought the small town of Braselton, Georgia, for $20 million. Basinger’s vision was to turn the town into a movie-themed tourist attraction. However, the project was financially difficult, and Basinger eventually declared bankruptcy. The town was later sold to new owners, and Basinger’s dream of a movie-themed town never came to fruition.