Kathy Ireland: Swimsuit cover girl turned $2 billion business model
21.05.12
If you're anything like me, you were probably surprised to see Kathy Ireland on the cover of Forbes -- and not just because she's traded in her tousled '80s locks for an immaculate, Lady Bird Johnson-esque bouffant. Ireland is perhaps best known for her supermodel status, landing a feature for 13 consecutive years in Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue, on newsstands today. To this day, it remains the most profitable single edition of any magazine in the world, transforming bikini-clad models into sexy cash cows for Sports Illustrated.
So maybe it's not so surprising that Ireland, who graced the Swimsuit cover three times, displays such business acumen? As the Forbes feature details, Ireland has built a mega-business out her mega-modeling-brand. Last year alone, she moved an astounding $2 billion worth of licensed products at retail, making her a bigger licensor than the formidable Martha Stewart. Ireland's empire spans home furnishing solutions from leather furniture to cabinet tops and ceiling fans, all the way to signature Kathy Ireland socks and wigs. The 48 year old entrepreneur has also added ‘self-help guru' to her brand portfolio, producing bestselling workout videos and penning motivational titles such as Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life.
Source: KNDO/KNDU