The world recognizes Jessica Simpson as a multi-talented entertainer whose numerous ventures garnered her an amazing net worth. However, a vast percentage of this net worth came from a profitable empire she created outside the world of music.
Controversies around Simpson’s billionaire status have raked the internet for the longest time. This became more prevalent after an article listing the singer’s brand, Jessica Simpson Collection as one with a potential of making up to 1 billion dollars in annual sales surfaced.
Shortly after, her business was also estimated at $1 billion, which seemed like the ultimate confirmation to most that the songstress had become a world-class billionaire.
There are also reports of the singer-turned-business-woman allegedly claiming to make billions off her clothing line. But with no official ranking on the Forbes list, such claims remain mere speculations. So what’s all the buzz about? Is Jessica Simpson really a billionaire?
What Is The Net Worth Of Jessica Simpson?
Jessica Simpson has a net worth of $200 million, which she acquired through a combination of various ventures throughout her career. Some of the singer’s most profitable forays include singing, acting and retail entrepreneurship.
She has also generated billions of dollars from sales of items from her brand, including beauty products, lingerie, shoes, boots and handbags. The overall figure has raised misconceptions about her being a billionaire.
However, these were simply false headlines resulting from reports ranking her brand among business empires with the potential of making a billion dollars in annual sales.
The Onset Of Jessica Simpson’s Career
Jessica Simpson may have a massive net worth, but her career had simple beginnings. She was born into a Christian family to a dad who was a pastor. From her youth, the star began singing with local church choirs, which gave her some hands-on singing experiences.
Eventually, the Christian record label, Proclaim Records discovered and signed her. Under the records, Simpson released her first Christian album, but never got a chance to go on tour as her label deemed her too “busty” and “sexy” for her Christian audience.
The canning of her debut album forced her dad, Joe Simpson, to seek out another label, sending out the recordings as samples. Thus, she landed a place on Columbia Records, releasing the album, “Sweet Kisses” shortly after.
The album peaked at number 51 on the Billboard 200 chart, setting her on her way to superstardom.
Jessica Simpson’s Singing Career
The head of Columbia Records, Tommy Mottola had great plans for Simpson, building her image to focus on anti-sex-appeal, a stark contrast to two of his other artists Christiana Aguilera and Britney Spears.
As part of the record label, Simpson released her first single, “I Wanna Love You Forever,” which peaked at number 3 on Billboard Hot 100. She also released two more albums, “Irresistible,” and “In This Skin,” which saw less success. Owing to disappointing sales, the star attempted a comeback, adding new materials to the album and re-releasing it in 2004.
Two years later, the songstress bid goodbye to Columbia Records and signed with Epic Records.
Under the new label, she released her fifth and Sixth studio albums titled “A Public Affair” and “Do You Know” in 2006 and 2008 respectively. The “I Think I’m In Love With You” crooner followed up with another album, “Happy Christmas” in 2010.
Acting And Television Career
In 2002, Jessica Simpson ventured into television, starring on the MTV reality show “Newlyweds: Nick And Jessica,” alongside then-husband Nick Lachey. She also appeared on her sister’s TV show “The Ashlee Simpson Show,” in 2004.
A year later, the star made her film debut, appearing in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Other movies featuring Jessica Simpson include “Employee Of The Month,” “Blonde Ambition,” and “Private Valentine: Blonde And Dangerous.”
Additionally, the actor made appearances in the documentary series, “The Price Of Beauty,” and the TV series “Fashion Star.”
Simpson’s Foray Into Entrepreneurship
While Jessica Simpson attained stardom through her works in showbiz, being a successful entrepreneur is perhaps her most profitable venture.
Her business pursuits saw the businesswoman launch the Jessica Simpson Desserts by Jessica Simpson edible cosmetics line in 2004. She went on to establish Dessert Treats edible cosmetics. However, both lines met untimely ends thanks to a series of lawsuits.
Simpson soon branched into sales of beauty and wardrobe items on the Home Shopping Network, launching her own line. Thereafter, the songstress launched The Jessica Simpson Collection, partnering with The Camuto Group. Since its launch in 2005, the brand has produced several lines of perfumes, lingeries and shoes among others.
In 2012, the star launched a maternity clothing collection and a perfume brand. She also signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Weight Watchers, using their diet plan to regain her post-baby body. This deal contributed to Jessica Simpson’s net worth at the time.
Jessica Simpson’s Personal Life
Jessica Simpson’s net worth has also been affected by issues in her personal life, most notably, her entanglement with Lachey. Simpson and Nick Lachey tied the knot in October 2002 but divorced barely four years later.
The divorce took a financial toll on Simpson, who failed to sign a prenuptial agreement before their marriage. As a result, she reportedly paid her ex-husband $12 million in divorce settlements.
Despite the bad experience, the icon found love again in 2010, kicking off her relationship with NFL player Eric Johnson. The two tied the knot in July 2014 and welcomed three kids together.
Their union has since remained strong to date, with the multitalented wife, mother and career woman dedicating her time to sustaining a happy family. While at it, she has managed to keep fit, achieving her dream body and maintaining it despite her busy schedule.