Top 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Success (With Net Worth)

Meet the Richest Black Female Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future According to research, the fastest-growing group of American entrepreneurs is black women. We want to honor strong black female entrepreneurs who have built inclusive beauty products, started media empires, and even become billionaires. These ladies have become some of the most inspirational women in business today by overcoming challenges and barriers.

More significantly, these well-known black female businesswomen in 2026 encourage others to dream large and follow their greatest aspirations. These are their accomplishments, financial worth, and motivational quotes.

The top ten black female entrepreneurs are listed below.

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The Top 10 Black Female Entrepreneurs

- Oprah Winfrey
- Cathy Hughes
- Janice Bryant Howroyd
- Sheila Johnson
- Rihanna
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
- ShondaRhimes
- Lisa Price
- Emma Grede
- Melissa Butler

The Top 5 Black Women Business Owners

Top 5 Black Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Success (With Net Worth)

Oprah Winfrey

One of the most well-known Black female businesswomen and the first African American billionaire is Oprah Winfrey. Early in her career, she established herself as a news journalist and went on to become the first female producer of her talk program, The Oprah Winfrey program.

Forbes estimates her net worth at $3 billion in 2025

Her Message: Poverty and hardship characterized Oprah’s difficult upbringing. However, her tenacity and will to achieve were immediately apparent. Her tale is one of tenacity, aspiration, and foresight. Her career has also been distinguished by her enormous influence and selfless charitable endeavors, which have touched people all around the world.

Oprah says, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.”

Cathy Hughes

After Oprah Winfrey, Cathy Hughes is the second wealthiest black woman in the US. In order to elevate the voices of Black America, she launched Radio One, the biggest black-owned media enterprise. She became the first African-American woman to lead a publicly listed firm when her business went public in 1999.

She presently has a net worth of between $450 million and $500 million.

Her Message: When she started her business, which was then known as Radio One, her goal was to provide Black people a platform and a community rather than to grow it into one of the biggest black-owned media corporations.

Hughes says, “I’m in the Black people business.”

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Howroyd is renowned for being the first Black woman to create and run a billion-dollar business. She is the founder and CEO of ACT-1 Group, which serves Fortune 500 corporations worldwide and is the biggest minority woman-owned employment agency in the US.

It is believed that she is worth more than $600 million.

Her Message:Howroyd, one of eleven children raised in a segregated North Carolina village, was reportedly told by her instructor that black people were ideal for slavery. Janice was inspired to strive and break prejudices by this and other experiences. She talks on perseverance, diligence, and integrity—staying loyal to who you are while succeeding in high-powered environments.

Howroyd says, “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.”

Sheila Johnson

The first Black woman in the US to have a net worth of more than $1 billion, Sheila Johnson is a trailblazing businesswoman and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). Additionally, she is the first Black woman to hold shares in three major sports teams: the Washington Mystics (WNBA), the Washington Capitals (NHL), and the Washington Wizards (NBA).

She is among the richest black women entrepreneurs in America, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

Her Message: Johnson’s tale is one of self-reinvention and audacious choices. She created a new legacy by investing in real estate, sports, and entertainment after overcoming a challenging divorce and company separation. She is renowned for her motivating leadership, honesty, sincerity, and enthusiasm.

She says, “Don’t let anyone else define you. You define yourself.”

Rihanna

Rihanna became the richest female singer and the world’s youngest female billionaire in 2022. After launching her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, and beauty brand, Fenty, she attained this position. With a variety of hues, forms, and sizes, her brand emphasizes diversity.

Rihanna is valued about $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.

Her Message: One of the most influential black female entrepreneurs of our day, she has a strong sense of culture and inclusion. The secret to Rihanna’s success is her ability to spot gaps in the market and boldly fill them. He has developed several strategic partnerships and advertising, and he is active in every aspect of her companies. She enjoys moving, is not afraid to take chances, and gets bored rapidly.

Rihanna says, “There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.”

FAQ

Who is the richest Black female entrepreneur in 2026?

Oprah Winfrey remains the richest Black female entrepreneur in 2026 with an estimated net worth of $3 billion, according to Forbes. Her media empire, investments, and philanthropy continue to grow her influence and wealth.

How did Oprah Winfrey become a billionaire?

Oprah built her wealth through her iconic talk show, OWN Network, Harpo Productions, film roles, book club, and several smart investments. She became the first African American female billionaire due to her unmatched influence in media.

Who are the top 5 Black women entrepreneurs today?

The list includes:

Oprah Winfrey
Cathy Hughes
Janice Bryant Howroyd
Sheila Johnson
Rihanna

These women have redefined success through media, beauty, sports, music, and business leadership.

Which Black woman founded the first billion-dollar staffing agency?

Janice Bryant Howroyd is the first Black woman to build and run a billion-dollar company, ACT-1 Group—now one of the largest staffing firms in the world.

What is Cathy Hughes known for?

Cathy Hughes is the founder of Radio One (Urban One), the largest Black-owned media company in the U.S. She is also the first African American woman to head a publicly traded corporation.

How did Sheila Johnson become a billionaire?

Sheila Johnson co-founded BET (Black Entertainment Television), invested in luxury hotels, and became the first Black woman to co-own teams in the NBA, NHL, and WNBA, contributing to her billionaire status.

How did Rihanna build her billion-dollar empire?

Rihanna became a billionaire through her beauty line Fenty Beauty, lingerie brand Savage X Fenty, and strategic fashion partnerships. Her inclusive product lines revolutionized the beauty industry.