Kris Jenner has long been at the helm of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty and her business acumen is unparalleled, helping elevate not only her family’s brand but making lucrative deals herself for herself and raising its value exponentially. Now boasting an estimated net worth of over $170 Million there can be no denying Kris’s impactful presence within pop culture and entertainment world. But how did Kris Jenner rise to such prominence?
Who Is Kris Jenner?
Born as Kristen Mary Houghton on November 5, 1955, in San Diego, California, Kris had a tumultuous childhood with parents Mary Jo Shannon and Robert True Houghton. After her parents’ divorce and her mother’s remarriage, Kris found her footing in Clairemont, California. She has often mentioned the challenges she faced growing up, which perhaps laid the foundation for her tenacity in later life.
What Were Kris Jenner’s Early Years Like?
After graduating from Clairemont High School in 1973, Kris embarked on a series of jobs, from working in a donut shop to being a flight attendant for American Airlines. These experiences may seem a far cry from her current life, but they undoubtedly shaped her work ethic.
How Did Kris Jenner’s Family Life Shape Her Career?
Marrying Robert Kardashian in 1978 was a turning point. Robert produced three daughters; Kourtney, Kim and Khloe as well as son Rob who quickly came into public view through his work as O.J. Simpson’s defense attorney and made headlines around the nation. This propelled their family into prominence. After Robert and Kris’s divorce in 1991, Kris married former Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner. This marriage further expanded her family, with the birth of Kendall and Kylie. Kris’s managerial skills began to shine as she managed Bruce’s career, laying the groundwork for her future role in her children’s ventures.
How Did Kris Jenner Revolutionize Reality TV?
2007 marked a defining moment for Kris and her family. Partnering with producer Ryan Seacrest, Kris pitched a reality show centered around her family’s unique dynamics. Kris was inspired by “The Osbournes,” creating “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” as a candid look into her family life and its everyday events. The show became an instantaneous hit and cemented the place of the Kardashian-Jenner clan within pop culture.
What Role Does Kris Play in KKW Beauty?
2017 saw Kris diving into the world of cosmetics with KKW Beauty, co-founded with daughter Kim Kardashian. Their combined efforts bore fruit in June 2020 when Coty Inc. acquired a 20% stake in the company. With this deal, Kris’s 8% ownership skyrocketed in value, earning her a cool $80 million pre-tax.
How Involved Was Kris Jenner in Kylie Cosmetics?
Kris’s influence extended to her youngest daughter’s cosmetic venture as well. As a silent partner in Kylie Cosmetics, Kris was set for another windfall when Coty Inc. bought a 51% stake in the company in 2019. Owning 10% at the time, Kris cashed in half her stake for $30 million, with her remaining 5% valued at another $30 million.
Kris Jenner’s transformation from donut shop worker to matriarch of an award-winning reality TV empire has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through her vision and entrepreneurial zeal, she not only brought international renown upon herself and her family but has established herself as an astute businesswoman of note in her own right. With her hand in various ventures and her constant evolution, one can only wonder: What’s next for Kris Jenner?
