Selena Gomez, now 32 years old, has officially become a self-made billionaire. Her journey is remarkable and inspiring. It is a story of hard work, resilience, and determination. But it wasn’t always easy for her. In fact, Selena has faced many challenges along the way.
Early Life
Selena Marie Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Her mother, Mandy Teefey, was just 16 years old when she had Selena. Growing up, Selena witnessed her mother’s struggles to make ends meet. Mandy worked multiple jobs to support her daughter. There were times when they barely had enough money to get by.
Despite the hardships, Mandy always encouraged Selena to chase her dreams. She enrolled Selena in acting classes at a young age. This would turn out to be the first step toward a brighter future.
The Disney Breakthrough
Selena’s big break came when she landed a role on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place. She played Alex Russo, a fun and witty teenage wizard. The show became a hit and made Selena a household name. At the time, she was just 15 years old.
Her time at Disney helped her build a strong fan base. Selena was not only acting, but she also showed her musical talent. She began releasing music through her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene. Songs like “Naturally” and “Who Says” became popular, and her music career started to rise.
Transition to Music
After her success on Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena wanted to focus more on her music. In 2013, she released her first solo album, Stars Dance. The album featured the hit single “Come & Get It,” which reached the top of the charts. Selena was establishing herself as a pop star.
But fame also brought challenges. Selena was constantly in the public eye. She faced scrutiny for her personal life, including her relationship with singer Justin Bieber. The pressure was intense, and Selena struggled with her mental and physical health. In 2014, she revealed she had been diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease.
Health Struggles and Taking a Break
Selena’s health issues forced her to take a step back. In 2016, she took a break from the spotlight to focus on her well-being. She openly talked about her struggles with anxiety and depression. This openness helped her connect even more with her fans. Selena became an advocate for mental health awareness, encouraging others to seek help when needed.
During her time away, Selena also underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. Her friend and actress Francia Raisa donated the kidney, saving Selena’s life. This experience had a profound impact on her. It gave her a new perspective on life and success.
Launching Rare Beauty
In 2020, Selena launched her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. The brand promotes self-acceptance and challenges unrealistic beauty standards. Selena’s goal was to create makeup that made people feel good about themselves. Rare Beauty quickly became a success, known for its inclusivity and positive message.
The company’s products are popular, and Selena’s brand has stood out in the crowded beauty industry. Rare Beauty became a multi-million-dollar business in a short time. Selena also pledged to donate 1% of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services.
Becoming a Business Mogul
Rare Beauty was just one of Selena’s many business ventures. She also became involved in the production side of Hollywood. In 2019, she produced and starred in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. The show received critical acclaim and helped boost Selena’s profile as both an actress and a producer.
Selena’s ability to balance music, acting, and business is impressive. She’s not only an entertainer but also a savvy entrepreneur. Her investments and business decisions have paid off over the years.
In addition to her own ventures, Selena has partnered with brands like Puma and Coach. These collaborations have helped her expand her reach and influence in the fashion world.
Hitting Billionaire Status
Selena Gomez was officially named a self-made billionaire. According to Forbes, her net worth comes from a combination of her music, acting, beauty brand, and other business deals. Rare Beauty alone is valued at over $1 billion. Her music catalog, TV roles, and endorsements add even more to her fortune.
What makes Selena’s success story so inspiring is her humble beginnings. From growing up in a struggling household to running out of gas money as a young adult, Selena has come a long way. She has not only built a career but has also used her platform to advocate for important causes. Her transparency about her struggles with health and mental wellness has resonated with many.
Giving Back
Throughout her career, Selena has remained committed to giving back. Through the Rare Impact Fund, she has raised millions for mental health services. She has also been involved in numerous charity efforts, including working with UNICEF.
Selena has always emphasized the importance of using her success to help others. She once said, “The most important part of my journey is being able to help people. That’s success to me.” Her philanthropic work has only enhanced her legacy.
