Celebrities are walking and talking global brands, with the power to influence millions of peoples' actions, choices, and opinions. And this, combined with a flair for business, can put savvy celebrities in an extremely strong position when it comes to pursuing their own business ventures. 

We have seen this with men – P-Diddy, Dr Dre, Floyd Mayweather, etc.

But, more and more, famous women are also proving their mettle in the business world. So who are these women? And what do they represent? 

Last week Mashable published an article about Taylor Swift. The article focused on Swift’s business credentials rather than, as is usually the case with the coverage she receives, her music, her fashion sensibilities, or her love life.

The picture that emerged was one of a highly intelligent and principled business woman whose actions caused Apple Music to reverse their policy not to pay artists during a three month trial period of the new streaming service – a move that will not really affect her, but could make all the difference to new acts and performers.

And Swift is not alone. Jessica Alba, the actress/model-cum-businesswoman, whose company, The Honest Company, is reportedly worth a $1 billion, is also making her voice heard in the business community. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Alba expressed her distaste for the way female business women are often pitted against each other in the media, and stated that successful female celebrity business women are not “interchangeable”.

And this is perhaps the important point. Celebrity businesswomen (whether it is Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, or Katie Price) are individuals, each with something unique to contribute, and each with their own points of view and goals.

Or, as Goop founder and actress Gwyneth Paltrow put it when she spoke with Time magazine, “I wonder if George Clooney would be asked about Puff Daddy’s ancillary liquor line?”

It is great that female celebrities are increasingly finding their entrepreneurial feet. That they are able to do so is indicative of a shift in what society expects and allows women to do. And hopefully their example will inspire more female entrepreneurs, famous or not, to pursue their own dreams.

They are not, however, united beyond the fact that they happen to be both famous and interested in business. And that is exciting, since it means that we have no idea what to expect from celebrity business women next. 

So, who is your favourite famous business women? And do why do you think we’re seeing more of them than ever before?

Email us your thoughts.