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Celebrities Who Do More Than Just Their Day Jobs

Gabi Duncan |
September 26, 2013 | 1:23 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

The stunning Blake Lively is starting her own company (Twitter @AllisonCadden).
The stunning Blake Lively is starting her own company (Twitter @AllisonCadden).
Blake Lively recently revealed to British Vogue that during her year-long hiatus from acting, she decided to start her own company. "It's something that will be launching in a few months and that I'm really, really thrilled about. I have so many passions outside of acting and things that I grew up being good at and that I don't utilize when acting," she said. While we all love watching the beautiful blonde on film, it is intriguing to see where this new venture will take her. We will have to wait and see, but keep your fingers crossed that she will share her unbelievable fashion prowess. 

A myriad of actors have made the jump from the big screen to entrepreneur. Who have the most successful businesses? 

Justin Timberlake

When does this guy sleep? In addition to a red-hot music and movie career, Timberlake has his hand in a host of other projects. In 2006, he created the fashion line, William Rast, with buddy Trace Ayala. In 2009, he came out with his own tequila called 901. According to the website, Timberlake "was looking for something truly special and he simply couldn't find it, so he decided to create his own hand-crafted Silver Tequila." Timberlake is also the co-founder of Southern Hospitality, a southern barbecue restaurant with locations in New York City and Denver. If that wasn't enough, he bought MySpace in 2011 and played a role in the site’s makeover. "There's a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect. MySpace has the potential to be that place," said Timberlake.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The iconic A-lister founded her website, Goop, in 2008 to "share all of life's positives" and "help her readers save time, simplify, and feel inspired." The lifestyle website gives readers access to recipes, fashion, and travel tips and touts itself as your "most trusted girlfriend on the web." Readers subscribe to the weekly newsletter and get all the goods delivered right to their inbox. Paltrow has been publicly criticized for her website's elitist tone. She regularly gives ridiculous product recommendations, like $295 pajamas, a $900 "throw" blanket, and $1250 pendant earrings. But, we cannot fault her for that. She probably just lives in a false reality in which everyone has her paycheck. 

Zooey Deschanel founded Hello Giggles (Twitter @Eliizuhh).
Zooey Deschanel founded Hello Giggles (Twitter @Eliizuhh).

Zooey Deschanel 

You can get more of the lovable "New Girl" actress on her website, Hello Giggles. The website is described as a "positive online community for women (although men are always welcome!)." It features everything, including DIY projects, relationship advice, style and beauty tips, and recipes. Another bonus is that readers are free to contribute and get published. The site is just as bright and bubbly as its founding actress. 

Jessica Simpson

The mother of two originally made her name singing and acting, but it appears that she has found her true calling in designing. The Jessica Simpson Collection launched in 2006 and quickly took off. Simpson started out designing shoes, but gradually expanded her brand with handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and fragrances. Currently, her products span 30 different classifications and she is planning to add bedding and home decor to that roster. Her empire is reportedly worth a whopping $1 billion. 

Eva Longoria

The "Desperate Housewives" actress may not be on television anymore, but she still keeps herself plenty busy with a couple of side jobs. Longoria is the owner of two restaurants - Beso and SHe. Beso is a popular restaurant located in Hollywood. Its menu is a mix of classic steakhouse and authentic Latin dishes that includes some of Longoria's personal recipes. Her Las Vegas restaurant, SHe, is catered specifically to women. It serves steakhouse dishes and boasts a 1920s theme and a fashion runway. When Longoria isn’t crafting delicious eateries, she is working with her production company, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment. She is behind shows like Lifetime's "Devious Maids" and NBC's now-cancelled "Ready For Love". 

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore has an impressive resume starring in major blockbusters from the age of 7. But, outside of acting she is also a force to be reckoned with. In 1995, she created Flower Films, the production company responsible for hits like "Never Been Kissed" and "Charlie's Angels". She is also the founder of Barrymore Wines. Her website says, "Barrymore has created a wine that reflects her style and personality: fresh, dynamic, and fun." A portion of the proceeds from all the wine sales goes to charity. She also has her own cosmetics company, Flower Beauty that sells everything from mascara to nail polish. On the website, Drew gives personal video tutorials on how to use the products. The line is exclusively sold at Wal-Mart. 

Jessica Alba 

The Golden Globe-nominated actress made a name for herself in Hollywood, starring in movies like "Fantastic Four" and "Little Fockers", but the mother of two also has her own eco-friendly business developing children's products. The Honest Company sells everything mothers need to care for their children, including diapers, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, and cleaning supplies. All of the products are made with environmentally friendly materials. Alba said on her website, "I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start."

Reach Staff Reporter Gabi Duncan here. Follow her on Twitter.



 

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