“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” In an era where ambition knows no bounds, these self-made richest women in the world, are breaking barriers and redefining success on their terms.
They are living proof that dreams when paired with self-belief and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. So, in this blog get ready to be inspired by these great women who got it all!
List of Top 10 Self-Made Richest Women in the World 2024
- Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
- Diane Hendricks
- Wu Yajun
- Oprah Winfrey
- Kim Kardashian
- Rihanna
- Taylor Swift
- Lisa Su
- Michelle Zatlyn
- Tory Burch
1. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
- Age: 79
- Net worth as of 2024: $36.3 billion
- Nationality: Italian
- Industry: Shipping Industry
Rafaela and her husband, Gianluigi Aponte did great work in the shipping industry making massive profits. They both own a 50% stake in the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Well, MSC is the world’s largest shipping line by container capacity.
The Apontes founded MSC in, the year 1970. The journey starts with the purchase of a ship, using a loan of $200,000. Interestingly, over the years this shipping giant has expanded its reach into various areas, like holiday cruises (MSC Cruises), port operations (Terminal Investment Limited), and inland logistics (Medlog).
Apart from being the co-founder and the co-owner of this massive success, Rafaela is also responsible for decorating ships for MSC Cruises. Undoubtedly, their fortune streamed by a combined $46 billion in the past year. Therefore, this makes her the highest-ranking female founder ever and one of the richest women in the World.
2. Diane Hendricks
- Age: 77
- Net worth as of 2024: $20.9 billion
- Nationality: United States
- Industry: Building Supplies Industry
Diane Hendricks is a true example of a successful combination of leadership and a business mind! Her journey began when she sold custom homes to people for a builder. Additionally, after meeting her husband, the late Ken, who was a roofer, they co-founded ABC Supply in 1982.
Diana’s strategic leadership and strong business sense powered the company’s expansion. She even invested in local economic development, renewing whole blocks in Beloit, Wisconsin. Well, this attracted new businesses to the state. As the chairperson of ABC Supply, which is one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding, and windows in the U.S., Diane has shown significant growth.
Additionally, ABC Supply made two major acquisitions, which include the rival ‘Bradco’ in 2010, and ‘L&W Supply’, a building materials distributor in 2016. This way the company brags about having 900 branch locations, and an achievement of $20.4 billion in revenue as of 2023. Therefore, all these massive successes make Diane Hendricks one of the richest women in the world today.
3. Wu Yajun
- Age: 60
- Net worth as of 2024: $7.2 billion
- Nationality: Chinese
- Industry: Real Estate Industry
Wu Yajun began her journey, as a journalist before she entered the real estate business. Along with her ex-husband, Cai Kui she co-founded Longfor Properties, a Hong Kong-based real estate developer in 1993. Their strategic vision and successful ventures in property development contribute to her impressive net worth.
However, she lost her position due to her divorce from Cai Kui. Despite their divorce in 2012, Wu Yajun’s impact on the real estate industry remains significant. Being, the co-founder of Longfor Properties, she stepped down as chairman in 2022. Additionally, Longfor Properties is a major participant, in the market of, China’s real estate. And, it mainly focuses on residential and commercial properties.
She is also a member of the National People’s Congress. All her wealth is managed by a firm named, Wu Capital. This firm has also invested in technology companies like Uber and Evernote which adds to the wealth. Therefore, her entrepreneurial mind and business skills make Wu Yajun one of the richest women in the world.
4. Oprah Winfrey
- Age: 70
- Net worth as of 2024: $2.8 billion
- Nationality: United States
- Industry: Television Industry
Oprah Winfrey has achieved remarkable success, living as an iconic television host and media tycoon. Oprah Winfrey started her journey from scratch and built her wealth over time. she became a billionaire at the age of 49 in 2003.
Her iconic show, ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ ran for 25 years. Moreover, this show was attracting millions of viewers and advertisers. But, Oprah’s impact was far beyond just television as she founded Harpo Productions which produced successful shows and films. Additionally, she also launched a book, ‘Oprah’s Book Club’ which had a great influence worldwide! Her media empire also includes OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) her own media channel!
Oprah’s unique ability to connect with people effortlessly, her business sense, and her determination to empower others contributed immensely to her wealth. Therefore she broadened her ventures including investments, media ownership, and philanthropy (generous charity). Her journey inspires many across the globe making her one of the self-made richest women in the world.
5. Kim Kardashian
- Age: 43
- Net worth as of 2024: $1.7 billion
- Nationality: United States
- Industry: Fashion and Beauty Industry
Following the footsteps of her younger sister Kylie Jenner, Kim launched her own cosmetic company named, ‘KKW Beauty’. This company had $100 million in sales within its first year.
Additionally, she ventured into her brand, ‘Skims’ in 2019. This brand is a solution-focused shapewear and loungewear company. Paid appearances, fragrance lines, and product endorsements also contributed to her enormous wealth. Besides, her recently discontinued mobile game, ‘Kim Kardashian: Hollywood’ was downloaded over 45 million times before its removal from the app store.
Kim’s ruthless drive for profits, entrepreneurial spirit, and business ventures moved her to where she is today. Well, all this makes her count in the list of the richest women in the world. Therefore, she is a true example of turning fame into fortune!
6. Rihanna
- Age: 36
- Net worth as of 2024: $1.4 billion
- Nationality: Barbadian
- Industry: Music Industry, and the Fashion and Beauty Industry
Her wealth primarily comes from her cosmetics company, ‘Fenty Beauty’, which has been praised for its wide range of shades catering to all skin tones. Importantly, she co-owns this company with French luxury retailer LVMH. The brand’s viral popularity and substantial revenue have significantly contributed to her fortune.
By launching Fenty Beauty with a diverse range of 40 shades of foundation, Rihanna set a new inclusivity standard in the beauty industry, that resonated with a broad audience, and led to the brand’s massive success. She also has a significant stake in the Savage X Fenty. Undoubtedly, the ‘Fenty Effect’ is often cited as the reason behind Rihanna’s source of richness.
7. Taylor Swift
- Age: 34
- Net worth as of 2024: $1.1 billion
- Nationality: American
- Industry: Music Industry
Today Taylor Swift is a prominent figure in the music industry with significant achievements and wealth. Indeed, Taylor Swift’s wealth is largely attributed to her successful ‘Eras’ tour, which is projected to be the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, her album sales, and the strategic re-recording of her music catalog.
Importantly, the key to Taylor Swift’s richness lies in her ability to connect with fans, her songwriting talent, and her savvy business decisions. However, her tours generate significant revenue, and her advocacy for artists’s rights has positioned her as a leading figure in the industry. Her business insights and investments in real estate also contribute to her financial status.
8. Lisa Su
- Age: 54
- Net worth as of 2024: $1 billion
- Nationality: American, and Taiwanese
- Industry: Technology Industry
Her wealth primarily comes from her leadership role at AMD and her significant stock holdings in the company. Since, taking over as CEO in 2014, Lisa Su has been credited with revitalizing the company’s success and driving considerable growth.
Additionally, she has been instrumental in developing partnerships and leading the expansion of the company into new markets, particularly AI and machine learning, which have become significant growth drivers for AMD.
9. Michelle Zatlyn
- Age: 44
- Net worth as of 2024: $1 billion
- Nationality: Canadian
- Industry: Internet Security Industry
Her wealth comes from her role as the co-founder, president, and COO of Cloudflare, a company specializing in internet infrastructure and cybersecurity. Therefore, this company has become a critical service for internet security and performance.
Also, Cloudflare’s reliance on AI to safeguard its customers and prevent cyber-attacks has led to a surge in the company’s share value. Moreover, the company’s growth and public offering have significantly increased Michelle Zatlyn’s net worth. Her leadership and vision have been pivotal in Cloudflare’s journey to becoming a billion-dollar company.
10. Tory Burch
- Age: 57
- Net worth as of 2024: $1 billion
- Nationality: American
- Industry: Fashion Industry
Tory Burch, is a renowned figure in the fashion industry. She has made her mark in the industry, particularly known for her preppy-chic lifestyle brand. Indeed, Tory Burch’s wealth is largely attributed to the transformation of her fashion brand from sensible, preppy classics to edgy designs that have become popular on ready-to-wear runways.
Additionally, this successful reinvigoration boosted revenues, reportedly growing to nearly $2 billion, making 2023 the company’s highest-earning year ever. Her designs reflect a shift in the way women embrace their individuality, and her clothing and accessories aim to give women a new level of confidence. This ties, into the work she does around women’s empowerment, which has resonated with a broad audience and led to the brand’s massive success. Her journey inspires many across the globe making her one of the self-made richest women in the world.
FAQs
Who is the richest woman in America/US?
Alice Walton is the richest woman in the USA, with a net worth of $72.3 billion.
Who is the richest woman in Asia?
Yang Huiyan is the richest woman in Asia, with a net worth of $5.5 billion.
Who is the richest woman in Europe?
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in Europe, with a net worth of $99.5 billion.
Who is the youngest and oldest richest woman in the world as of 2024?
Livia Voigt is the youngest, richest woman in the world, with a net worth of $1.1 billion. And, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the oldest richest woman in the world, with a net worth of $99.5 billion.
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