Models Turned Millionaires: 10 Women Who Launched Their Careers From the Pages of 'Sports Illustrated' These beautiful women used their appearance in the magazine to launch lucrative careers.
By Entrepreneur Staff •
The women who grace the cover of Sports Illustrated may have won the genetic lottery, but many of them didn't stop there. Using their beauty as a financial weapon, these 10 models harnessed the magazine's promotional power to launch a different type of career: entrepreneur.
Thanks to savvy business decisions that extend far outside the world of modeling, here's how they're raking in the millions.
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Kathy Ireland
Sports Illustrated debut: 1989
She's known for Kathy Ireland Worldwide, which includes a clothing line for babies, intimates and handbags, furniture, vacation packages and wedding resorts, a publishing imprint and a music label.
She's worth about $420 million.
Research by Carolyn Sun.
Related: How Women Leaders Win and Help Others to Do the Same
Gisele Bünchen
Sports Illustrated debut: 2001
She's most known for her flip flop line Ipanema and appearing as a spokesperson for Victoria's Secret, C&A, Pantene, H&M and Chanel No. 5.
Her net worth has been estimated to be about $360 million.
Cindy Crawford | FacebookCindy Crawford
Sports Illustrated debut: 1988
Crawford's most known for her ventures including Omega Watches, Meaningful Beauty, Cindy Crawford Home Collection and the Cindy Crawford furniture line for Raymour & Flanigan.
Her net worth is about $100 million.
Tyra Banks
Sports Illustrated debut: 1996
She's known for her Next Top Model franchise, being a Victoria's Secret model, Tyra Beauty, The Tyra Banks Show and FABLife.
Her net worth is roughly $90 million.
Christie Brinkley
Sports Illustrated debut: 1979
Brinkley is known for Hair2Wear extensions, Christie Brinkley Eyewear, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare and working as a Total Gym spokesperson.
Her estimated net worth is $80 million.
www.heidiklum.deHeidi Klum
Sports Illustrated debut: 1998.
She's most known for her work in the Project Runway franchise, as host of Next Top Model, as a Victoria's Secret model, Dannon spokesperson and the New Balance line HKNB.
She's worth about $70 million
Rachel Hunter
Sports Illustrated debut: 1994
She's known as an TV personality on Make Me A Supermodel, worked on Style Me with Rachel Hunter and as a judge on New Zealand's Got Talent.
Her net worth is $60 million.
Naomi Campbell | Facebook | Oxygen Media LLCNaomi Campbell
Sports Illustrated debut: 1992.
She's known for her work as an Victoria's Secret model and as a judge on The Face.
Her worth is about $48 million.
Elle Macpherson
Sports Illustrated debut: 1986.
She's known for her work as an Victoria's Secret model, founding Elle Macpherson Intimates and The Super Elixir By Welle Co.
Her estimated net worth is about $45 million.
WikiCommonsRebecca Romijn
Sports Illustrated debut: 2006.
She's known for her work with Victoria's Secret and as an actress in X-Men films.
Her net worth is $25 million.
