When we think of trailblazers, few names shine brighter than a diamond than Robyn Rihanna Fenty. More than just a superstar, she’s taken the world by a storm. From her days as a teenage pop sensation to becoming a self-made billionaire, Rihanna has proven herself an inspiration in breaking barriers, reshaping industries and empowering women all over the world.
Her Rise to Stardom
Rihanna’s story begins in Saint Michael, Barbados, where she was born in 1988 and raised in Bridgetown. She grew up with a deep love for reggae and R&B hits. At 15, she caught the attention of music producer Evan Rogers by chance, who helped her land an audition with Def Jam Recordings. This led to a key turning point in her career: signing a record deal on the spot with Jay Z, rapper and then president of Def Jam, sparking her path to stardom.
By 17, her debut single “Pon de Replay” was already doing well, landing No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it was really Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) that propelled her to fame. Filled with chart-topping hits like “Don’t Stop the Music” and “Breakin Dishes”, this marked her transformation from a rising star to a powerhouse. Her lead single “Umbrella” became a global phenomenon, earning Rihanna her first Grammy award—she has since won nine more of these. Years later, “Anti” shattered records in becoming the first album by a Black female artist to spend 300 weeks on the Billboard 200. Over the years, she continues to push musical boundaries; from pop to dancehall to electronic to R&B influences, her albums speak to a global audience. With over 91 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Rihanna’s influence in music is huge, as the world waits impatiently for her next drop.
A Business Mogul
Whilst Rihanna’s impact on music is undeniable, she’s more than just a musician. In recent years especially, her role as an entrepreneur has landed her in the spotlight. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty. It disrupted the beauty industry with its unprecedented 40-shade foundation range, setting a new standard for inclusivity. The success was immediate with over $550 million in annual revenue the year they launched, proving that diversity in beauty was not just a trend but a necessity. The brand’s influence sparked a shift in the industry, with other companies following suit in expanding their shade ranges.
Not stopping there, Rihanna expanded her business empire with Savage X Fenty: an inclusive lingerie brand celebrating body diversity. Through its innovative fashion shows and in embracing all body types and identities, the brand has redefined what it means to be sexy. Her ventures have not only built a billion-dollar empire but have also empowered countless individuals by promoting self-love and representation.
Beyond the Fame
Rihanna’s success is not just measured in sales and awards but also through her philanthropic impact. In 2012, she founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), named after her grandparents, with the goal of funding education, emergency response programs and climate initiatives in communities. For example, one of CLF’s key goals is to provide scholarships for Caribbean students who are going to college in America. Rihanna’s commitment also extends beyond her foundation. She has been a vocal advocate for racial and gender equality, using her platform to address social issues. From supporting the Black Lives Matter movement to advocating for climate justice, she consistently uses her influence to bring attention to important causes. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2017, Harvard University honored her with the Humanitarian of the Year award in recognizing her dedication to promoting relief and community programs.
She’s mother
Rihanna has completely reinvented what it means to be a mother. In a world where women are still expected to choose and balance the tension between career and family, she has shown that it’s possible to do both—and crush it. Rather than hiding her pregnancy under baggy clothes, she proudly displayed her changing body through high-fashion photoshoots. She illustrated power in this femininity and defied traditional narratives of maternity. Even whilst expecting, she walked down the Met Gala carpet with confidence, performed at the Super Bowl halftime show on a suspended platform, and expanded her global beauty and fashion empire. Her ability to wear many hats has challenged the notion that motherhood requires women to slow down or step back. Instead of being confined to a single role, she has shown that being a mother can not only fuel ambition but also success.
From music to motherhood to successful businesswoman, Rihanna will always be at the forefront of change. In 2019, she was crowned the wealthiest female musician in the world, surpassing artists like Madonna and Beyoncé, a testament to all her ventures. Leading with vision, style, and fearless determination, she has shaped cultural conversations in proving that women can excel in multiple fields without compromise.
Editor’s Note:
This article is part of a collaborative effort between Her Campus at U Mich and The Michigan Daily. While this piece provides an in-depth background on the artist Rihanna, The Michigan Daily Opinion section has published a companion article that presents an analysis and perspective on the subject. We encourage readers to check out The Daily’s Opinion piece for further discussion on this topic. You can read it here.